AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC JOB DESCRIPTION

An Automotive Mechanic diagnoses, repairs, and maintains vehicles to keep them roadworthy and safe. Valid licensure and hands-on mechanical competency are the entry requirements. In an automotive service environment - whether a dealership reconditioning lot, an auction facility running post-sale safety inspections, or a fleet maintenance shop - this role is the technical authority on vehicle condition. Unresolved mechanical faults translate directly into failed safety checklists, DOT compliance violations, and vehicles that cannot be sold, operated, or returned to customers.

As the Automotive Mechanic, you perform vehicle inspections, mechanical repairs, and preventive maintenance across a range of systems - including brakes, powertrain, steering, and air conditioning - to ensure each vehicle meets safety and performance standards before it reaches the customer or road. You operate within a shop team under the direction of a service manager or advisor, managing your own workflow, repair documentation, and personal toolset across assigned vehicles.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience spanning post-sale inspections, ASE-level diagnostics, and hazardous waste compliance builds a technical record that carries weight with dealerships, fleet operators, and auction networks.

Business Impact: Every vehicle cleared through your inspection and repair process directly determines whether it can be sold, registered, or returned to service - a direct link between your output and operational throughput.

Growth Opportunity: Mechanics who develop diagnostic depth across electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems move into Senior Technician or Shop Lead roles, with ASE certification accelerating that path.

Company Value: This role offers schedule variety including weekday, Saturday, and extended shift options, with the day-to-day autonomy of managing your own bay and toolset.

• Inspect vehicles for body, frame, undercarriage, and powertrain damage, completing safety checklists to confirm roadworthiness.
• Diagnose mechanical and electronic system malfunctions using test drives and diagnostic procedures.
• Repair and replace brake systems, steering components, air bag systems, and engine parts to manufacturer specifications.
• Perform preventive maintenance including oil changes, fluid top-offs, tire rotation, wheel balancing, and filter replacements.
• Document all repairs, service notes, and parts used accurately in the repair order system.
• Monitor vehicle compliance with state safety standards and DOT requirements, flagging deficiencies before release.
• Coordinate repair status updates and additional service findings with the service advisor or management team.

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on mechanical training.
• 2 or more years of automotive mechanical diagnosis and repair experience, with demonstrated work across multiple vehicle systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record eligible for company insurance coverage.
• Proven ability to inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic vehicle systems.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations governing shop operations, including hazardous waste disposal procedures.
• Strong documentation habits with ability to read and execute written work orders and repair estimates.
• Ability to manage multiple repair assignments, prioritize by urgency, and work independently within a shop environment.

• ASE Certification in one or more recognized categories, reflecting standardized technical competency.
• Journeyman's Mechanic License or equivalent trade credential from a recognized apprenticeship program.
• Prior experience reconditioning pre-owned or auction vehicles, including post-sale inspection workflows.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, supporting communication with a diverse customer and team base.

• Safety checklist completion rate, reflecting accuracy and thoroughness of pre-release vehicle inspections.
• Repair order close rate per shift, measuring individual throughput against assigned vehicle volume.
• Comeback rate, tracking the percentage of repaired vehicles returned for the same unresolved fault.
• DOT and state compliance pass rate across all vehicles released from the shop.
• Parts and warranty cost per repair order, indicating efficient use of available service and parts options.
• Typical tools: diagnostic equipment (commonly scan tools and computerized diagnostic devices); shop equipment (commonly alignment machines and brake service tools).

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $62,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications.
• Bonus: Flat-rate production incentives common; some shops offer efficiency bonuses.
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, with sick leave per state requirements.
• Common Perks: Tool allowance or reimbursement, uniforms provided, continuing education support for ASE testing.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check, and where applicable a motor vehicle record review, is a condition of employment. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

The Automotive Mechanic owns vehicle safety and condition assessments within an automotive remarketing environment, conducting post-sale inspections, undercarriage checks, and mechanical repairs spanning brake systems, exhaust, and front-end alignment. Reporting to shop management and working alongside auction operations staff, the Auto Mechanic ensures every vehicle clears a required safety checklist before release, directly supporting the facility's ability to move inventory with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct post sale, safety, body, frame, and damage inspections, completing required safety checklists.
• Inspect vehicle undercarriages for cracks, bends, or structural damage.
• Perform general mechanical repairs including brake jobs, exhaust systems, front end alignments, ball joints, and air conditioning.
• Conduct oil and fluid changes, tire changes, and general vehicle check overs following all safety procedures.
• Perform shop maintenance, pull vehicles into the shop, and test-drive vehicles to diagnose required repairs.

Required Qualifications

• Journeyman's License required.
• Mandatory background check conducted and cleared by ADESA Edmonton.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a mechanical environment performing diagnostic services.
• Experienced in repair and service of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems on a variety of vehicles.
• Computer skills an asset; must supply own adequate tools.
• Proven team player and self-starter able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Above average communication and problem-solving skills with a positive, professional attitude.
• Valid driver's license required.

Reporting to shop leadership, the Automotive Mechanic delivers diagnostic and repair services across brake systems, engine components, steering, and air bag systems, using computerized diagnostic devices to identify malfunctions and verify repairs meet manufacturers' performance specifications. Partnering with service and operations staff, the Auto Mechanic supports efficient vehicle turnaround, ensuring all repaired systems are tested and adjusted before return to service.

Core Functions

• Examine vehicles to determine the extent of damage or malfunctions.
• Test drive vehicles and test components and systems using computerized diagnostic devices.
• Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brake systems and perform vehicle alignments.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• Repair and/or replace engine components, brake systems, steering, and air bag systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective repair.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license eligible for coverage under company insurance policy.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, written estimates, and work orders.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt easily to a fast-paced environment.
• Personable and friendly with a world-class customer service approach; maintain a well-groomed appearance.
• Effective communication skills with internal and external customers.

A key member of the facilities and operations team, the Automotive Mechanic shapes the reliability and DOT compliance of a national company fleet by performing preventive maintenance, vehicle inspections, and equipment upkeep across more than 175 locations in the U.S. residential construction market. Collaborating across procurement, operations, and branch management, the Auto Mechanic controls repair costs through warranty utilization and parts evaluation while keeping vehicle records current and shop supplies stocked.

Primary Duties

• Maintain company vehicles by inspecting, testing, and completing preventive maintenance including tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotation, wheel balancing, and filter and brake replacements.
• Verify vehicle serviceability by conducting test drives and adjusting controls and systems.
• Follow state vehicle requirements by testing engine, safety, and combustion control standards.
• Maintain vehicle records by documenting all service and repairs performed.
• Keep shop equipment operating by following instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, and performing preventive maintenance.
• Contain costs by using warranty and evaluating service and parts options.
• Keep supplies ready by inventorying stock, placing orders, and verifying receipt.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical publications.
• Ensure all company vehicles are DOT compliant for the road.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2–3 years of automotive mechanical diagnosis, problem-solving, and repair experience.
• Effectively and safely use mechanic's tools and equipment to diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems.
• Strong understanding of equipment safety requirements.
• Ability to communicate equipment issues, understand job assignments, and prioritize work.
• Flexible with work assignments.
• Valid driver's license required.

Sitting at the intersection of technical repair and customer-facing service, the Automotive Mechanic refines the condition and roadworthiness of pre-owned vehicles at a dealership by diagnosing faults, completing repair documentation, and maintaining strict compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations including hazardous waste disposal. Operating across service advisor relationships and shop management, the Auto Mechanic supports client retention by resolving unsatisfactory work in accordance with company policies and standards.

Duties

• Examine and diagnose vehicles, discussing nature and extent of damage or malfunction with management as needed.
• Communicate additional service requests and labor time estimates to the Advisor.
• Monitor repair time and provide status updates to the Advisor.
• Complete repair order stories, notes, and documentation accurately.
• Understand and utilize company computer systems and adhere strictly to company policy on vehicle care and operation.
• Wear approved safety glasses in designated areas, maintain a clean tidy work area, and attend company training sessions.
• Understand and follow Federal, State, and local regulations including disposal of hazardous waste.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED, or one to two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ASE Certification preferred but not required.
• Experience diagnosing and reconditioning pre-owned vehicles at a dealership.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills; ethical and honest.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work Saturdays, late shifts, and overtime.
• Valid driver's license required.