Automotive Service Technician

Ada County Automotive Service Technician

An Ada County Automotive Service Technician performs routine and technical, diagnostics and repairs on the Sheriff's Office and/or Ada County's vehicles. Work is performed under well-established manufacturer's guidelines and safety guidelines set forth by the Ada County Sheriff's Office. The scope of work requires a high degree of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail. The shop operates seven days a week, with staff scheduled to work four 10-hour shifts.

Benefits include low cost medical, dental, and vision insurances, Idaho PERSI retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, 457(b) with a County match of up to 3%, flexible spending accounts, post-employment health plan, employee assistance program, no cost basic life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurances, eleven (11) paid holidays annually, paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave, no cost gym access at three (3) County owned gym facilities, wellness program, optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA.

Essential Functions

• Performs bumper to bumper diagnostics and repairs on light duty trucks and cars, boats, busses, and PWC's;
• Utilize advanced diagnostic tools and software to troubleshoot modern vehicle electronic and mechanical systems;
• Services automatic transmissions and drivetrain components;
• Conduct routine maintenance and servicing including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes and lubrication;
• Changes, rotates and repairs tires ensuring proper wheel balancing;
• Diagnose and repair electrical systems, fuel injection systems, emission controls, and hybrid/electric vehicle components as applicable;
• Performs minor tune-ups, replaces sparkplugs, distributor caps, rotors, and ignition wires as required;
• Replaces front and rear brakes, repack wheel bearings, and bleeds brake systems as required;
• Replaces belts, hoses, gaskets, water pumps, fuel pumps, thermostats, heater cores, and other repairs, as required;
• Prepares new patrol or detective vehicles for service;
• Install specialized law enforcement equipment, including overhead lights, sirens, radios, wiring harnesses, partitions, shotgun racks and wig-wag headlight systems;
• Design, fabricate and install custom brackets, mounts, and hangers for police equipment; and
• Perform manufacture scheduled maintenance.

Additional Functions

• May be asked to perform inspections and aid in investigations on vehicles that were involved in fatalities during accidents or the possible commission of a crime;
• Assists others on complex repairs and troubleshooting;
• Serve as a liaison between vehicle shop and commissioned deputies;
• Participate in monthly training to stay up to date with the latest vehicle technologies, diagnostic tools, and repair techniques;
• Performs related functions as required.

Job Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Must possess or obtain and maintain an ASE A4 (Steering and Suspension) and ASE A5 (Brakes) within 6 months of hire;
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, components, and installation processes;
• Knowledge of safety protocols related to automotive maintenance and repair;
• Skill in component replacement, system adjustments, and routine maintenance;
• Skill in diagnosing tools, repair techniques, and industry standard practices;
• Skill in lubricating and greasing automotive equipment;
• Ability to effectively use tools, test equipment, and perform precision repairs;
• Ability to determine when parts should be cleaned and reinstalled, or replaced;
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings & schematics; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.

Other Requirements

• Must appear before an oral board and successfully complete a polygraph, credit check, and background investigation;
• Must be comfortable with and be able to safely handle loaded firearms;
• Must be comfortable around police dogs;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Most of the work is performed inside a vehicle repair shop where it may be drafty, noisy and fumes from vehicles are usually present;
• Dirt, dust, and grease are always present;
• Vehicle fluids, such as battery acids and hydraulic fluids, may cause burns or irritate the skin;
• There is frequent exposure to hot, heavy and sharp components where there is always the possibility of cuts, bruises, shocks, burns, and strains;
• The incumbent makes repairs while the vehicle is overhead, and where the parts worked on are in hard to reach places;
• The incumbent must stand, bend, stretch, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions;
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds;
• The position requires work on hard surfaces for long periods of time. There may be times when incumbent must crawl under vehicles and make repairs while on hard, rocky, dirty or damp surfaces.