Automotive Technician

Salary : $79,790.60 - $96,988.47 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/10-5223-OC
Department: Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SPI)
Opening Date: 10/08/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 85

Position Information
Join our award-winning fleet and grow your career with the County of Sonoma as an Automotive Technician
Starting salary up to $46.47/hour ($96,988/year) and a competitive total compensation package*
What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $615 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief- County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education

Over the last 10 years, Sonoma Public Infrastructure's Fleet Operations Division has earned over 30 national, state, regional, and local awards.

When you join our team as an Automotive Technician, you will perform a variety of complex diagnostic, repair, maintenance, and other related tasks on the County's light-duty fleet of vehicles, including SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks. Most work is performed at the County's Light Equipment Maintenance Facility, but employees may perform fieldwork under varying conditions, along with occasional weekend and/or night shifts during county emergencies.

As the ideal candidate to join our team, you will possess an aptitude for problem-solving and experience with many of the following:

• Performing electrical/mechanical diagnostics on vehicles
• Conducting vehicle set-up/upfit and equipment installations, including law enforcement vehicle buildup and specialized items
• Performing routine service on fleet vehicles
• Repairing gasoline engines, transmissions, pumps, suspensions, and other major vehicle components
• Performing smog tests per State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair guidelines
• Following wiring schematics, running wires, and installing specialized equipment and components on Law Enforcement vehicles
• Performing routine computer data entry on daily work performed, using computers to retrieve records regarding previous repairs, and using repair software systems

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our

This recruitment is being conducted to fill an Automotive Technician position at Sonoma County Public Infrastructure. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of this list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.
Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include the ability to read and write English and perform basic arithmetic calculations at a level sufficient to perform the duties of the position, and either three years of experience as an automotive technician/mechanic or completion of a two year automotive mechanic program and one year of automotive technician/mechanic experience that relates to the knowledge and abilities listed.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential functions of the position.
The position advertised on this announcement does require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Certifications & Licenses: The following ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certifications are required:
Engine Repair (A1) Brakes (A5)

Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A7)

Engine Performance (A8), as required for State of California Smog Technician licensure

Possession of the ASE Master Automobile Technician Certification (including the following certifications not listed above: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2), Manual Drive Train & Axles (A3), and Suspension & Steering (A4)) is highly desirable.

Current Smog Check Technician license as required by the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair to test and repair emission control systems is required.

Special Requirement: Possession of small and large hand tools necessary to perform all assigned work is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: the fundamentals of the technology, care, and operation of engines, vehicles, and related systems and components; current repair methods, tools, diagnostic equipment, and parts used in the maintenance, overhaul, and repair of vehicles; safety practices; the principles of organizing and prioritizing work.

Knowledge of: using computers to access information and to update records.

Ability to: perform complex diagnosis and repair of vehicle mechanical and safety problems; determine appropriate maintenance and repairs; effectively use hand tools and automotive diagnostic equipment; interpret manufacturers' specifications and informational materials; research and identify appropriate replacement parts; follow oral and written instructions; use computer system to access and maintain accurate records, including updates to inventory, parts orders, time, and billing records as well as to access and research vehicle maintenance and repair documentation, effectively communicate with County customers and vendors; communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; perform basic arithmetic calculations; and occasionally work evenings and weekends.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Additional Information

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT

HR Technician: RR
Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits: General*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.

*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01

How did you first learn about this opportunity?

• Billboard
• Careers in Government
• College or University
• County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
• Craigslist
• DiversityJobs
• Employee of Sonoma County
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Handshake
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• La Voz
• Latino Service Providers
• LinkedIn
• Los Cien
• Press Democrat
• sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
• Start Here
• X (Twitter)
• Veterans Services Office
• Women's Organization or Group
• Other Internet Site
• Other Publication

02

Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.

• I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
• I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
• I am only interested in full-time positions

03

Do you possess a valid driver's license, equivalent to Class C or higher, as required by the State of California?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a current Smog Check Technician license as required by the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair to test and repair emission control systems?

• Yes
• No

05

This position requires possession of all of the following National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications. Please select all of the certifications you possess:

• Brakes (A5)
• Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
• Engine Performance (A8), as required for State of California Smog Technician licensure
• Engine Repair (A1)
• Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A7)
• I do not possess the required certifications.

06

While the following ASE Certifications are not required, they are highly desirable. Please select which of the following desired certifications you possess, if any:

• ASE Master Automobile Technician Certification
• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2)
• Manual Drive Train & Axles (A3)
• Suspension & Steering (A4)
• None of the above

07

Please indicate if you have experience performing diagnostics and/or repairs on the following (check all that apply):

• Computerized Fuel and Emission Control Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Engines (Gas, Diesel, and/or Propane)
• HVAC/Refrigerants
• I do not have experience in these areas

08

Please select how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position:

• I possess three (3) or more years of experience as an automotive technician/mechanic
• I have completed a two year automotive mechanic program and possess one (1) or more years of automotive technician/mechanic experience
• I meet the minimum qualifications through an alternative path and I possess the required education, training, and experience to meet the minimum qualifications, which I will explain in my response to Question #9
• I do not possess the minimum qualifications

09

For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.Please describe your experience specifically related to automotive vehicle maintenance, which qualifies your for this position. Include:

• The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Duties you performed
• Dates employed (mm/yr to mm/yr)

10

Please describe your experience working in one or more of the following areas:

• Performing routine service on fleet vehicles
• Repairing exhaust systems and inspecting and servicing air pollution control devices
• Installing specialized equipment and components in law enforcement vehicles
• Performing routine computer data entry on daily work performed

11

Please list any related training programs you have completed and certifications you possess, which may have not been previously indicated.
Required Question

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