Automotive Mechanic

Under general supervision, is responsible for performing skilled mechanical repair work on diversified fleet of trucks, automobiles, and heavy/light equipment; performs related duties as required.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Performs major and minor repair and replacement work;
• Installs rings and bearings and makes proper adjustments; removes, repairs, and replaces vehicular and equipment engines; overhauls and repairs fuel systems, heavy-duty manual and automatic transmissions, and clutches;
• Diagnoses, repairs, and replaces brakes to include air brakes, anti-lock brake systems, and brake components; repairs suspension systems; overhauls differentials;
• Performs diversified electrical work on automotive equipment such as installing batteries and terminals, repairing and adjusting lights, replacing alternators, and repairing generators and starters;
• Performs preventive maintenance and inspections on motorized equipment;
• Makes road tests to locate defects in operation and as a check on repair work before the return of equipment to active use; makes drivability diagnostics and tests using a variety of common testing devices such as ammeters, voltmeters, diagnostic scanners, measuring instruments, computers, gauges of various sorts, and other testing equipment;
• Repairs and replaces hydraulic systems and components such as pumps, hoses, seals, and cylinders in fire apparatus, packer trucks, and earth and snow moving equipment;
• Performs diagnostic tests on air conditioning units and makes repairs;
• Makes diagnoses and repairs on various types of light equipment such as push mowers, wood chippers, weed eaters, sprayers, or generators;
• Performs welding and machine work incidental to completion of repair assignments and special projects;
• Enters information, such as work order data or parts requests, into computerized systems;
• Cleans work area after completion of job;
• Drives commercial motor vehicles which require a commercial driver's license;
• May change, mount, dismount, or balance tires on automotive equipment;
• May perform preventative maintenance and complete minor repairs on stationary and portable power generators

One (1) year of experience as a fully-skilled automotive mechanic or two (2) years as an Automotive Mechanic Helper with the City of Columbus. Substitution(s): Completion of a post-high school technical training program may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as an Automotive Mechanic Helper with the City of Columbus.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

By completion of the probationary period, must possess a valid Class A commercial driver's license allowing the operation of vehicles with air brakes. Some positions may require the following endorsement(s): Passenger (P), Hazardous Materials (H), and Tanker (N).

By completion of the probationary period, must possess an EPA approved refrigerant certificate, which meets the standards under section 609 of the Clean Air Act for all technicians who may service a motor vehicle air conditioning system (MVAC & MVAC-like).

COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT: The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be MERGED, according to score, with the names of applicants on the current eligible list. If you are interested in having your name included on the eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at

The examination process will consist of a multiple-choice exam, administered on a computer, weighted 55% covering Reading Manuals, Safety, Parts and Tools, Vehicle Systems, Problem Sensitivity, and Diagnostics; a work order form administered on a computer weighted 15%; and a training evaluation weighted 30%.

The exam is expected to be administered in December. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidate's name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.

The certification process will be: Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer