Automotive Service Technician/Mechanic II

Summary

Intermediate-level automotive mechanic.  Perform maintenance and repairs on automobiles.  May specialize in maintaining, servicing, and repairing one system or component (or more) on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.  Responsible for removing, installing, diagnosing, repairing, disassembling and assembling parts, components, and engines.  Perform all duties according to safety procedures.  Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field.  Rely on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Perform a variety of tasks.  Work under general supervision.  Exercise a certain degree of creativity and latitude.  Typically reports to a Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Manager.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made
• Estimate costs of vehicle repair
• Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment
• Repair, overhaul, or adjust automobile brake systems
• Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation
• Repair or replace defective ball joint suspensions, brake shoes, or wheel bearings
• Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines
• Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning
• Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters
• Rebuild, repair, or test automotive fuel injection units
• Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles
• Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems
• Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions
• Replace hydraulically assisted systems with electric-powered systems, such as power steering pumps or air conditioning compressors, to improve fuel economy
• Service or repair butane gas, ethanol, methane, or other alternative or biofuel systems
• Install or repair air conditioners and service components, such as compressors, condensers, and controls
• Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops
• Service internal combustion engine systems for hybrid electric vehicles
• Diagnose and repair regenerative braking systems or hydraulic systems in hybrid vehicles
• Repair or rebuild clutch systems
• Repair or replace automobile leaf springs
• Service biodiesel fuel tanks for algae or sludge accumulation by cleaning, changing filters, or adding algaecides
• Replace defective mufflers and tailpipes
• Convert vehicle fuel systems from gasoline to butane gas, ethanol, methane, or other alternative or biofuel systems
• Inspect propane or natural gas high-pressure tanks, piping, or pressure regulators
• Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, or friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency
• Operate University of Florida (UF) vehicles
• Perform other duties, ass assigned

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma (or equivalent) and two (2) to four (4) years of experience in the field or in a related area or completion of an apprenticeship and/or formal training/certification program and 1 years of experience in the field or in a related area,
• Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience

Licensure and Certification

• Florida Class E operator (driver) license
• One or more certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

Supervision

• Typically report to a Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Manager
• Work under general supervision
• May, lead, and/or coordinate the work of others
• Does not directly supervise

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.