AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC (Code 43724)

Code: 43724 State Competitive Range: C17 (FY 2027) Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $54,672.91 - $79,523.11/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the general supervision of a Crew Supervisor, Mechanics or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, performs maintenance and repairs on various types of motor vehicles and equipment; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• In a garage and/or in the field, performs maintenance and repair on gasoline and diesel motor vehicles, including special purpose vehicles and associated equipment, motorcycles, autos, trucks, graders, cranes, mechanical shovels, leaders, bulldozers, tractors, power mowers, snow plows, rollers, compressors, concrete mixers, spreaders, pumps, jacks, jack hammers, landscape equipment and shop equipment, tools, and accessories.
• Performs preventive maintenance on motor vehicles and equipment, including inspecting safety items, checking for deficiencies, tune- ups, oil changes, lubrication, filter changes, spark plug and point replacement.
• Diagnoses computerized fuel management systems, computerized ignition systems, and computerized engine timing by using highly sophisticated electronic equipment to determine and perform needed repairs.
• Repairs and adjusts electrical sensors, E.G.R. valves, and computerized electrical systems according to automotive and Federal Government Clean Air Standards.
• Inspects new motor vehicles and new equipment to determine conformance with plans, specifications, and appropriate manuals.
• Repairs fenders and other body parts and tightens chassis.
• Removes, repairs, and/or replaces assemblies (engines, transmissions, axles) subassemblies (cylinder heads, oil pumps, fan belts, generators, starters, gauges) and other parts (tie rods, drag links, ball joints, brake linings, bearings) on motor vehicles and equipment.
• Changes and maintains storage batteries.
• Changes and repairs tires and inner tubes on cars, trucks, and trailers.
• Welds broken assemblies, subassemblies, and/or other parts, and performs simple blacksmithing tasks.
• Obtains, stores, records, safeguards, and properly uses equipment, materials, parts, and other supplies; maintains shop and work area in a clean and organized manner.
• Prepares reports and records of time spent, materials, and parts used, and work completed.
• Uses test equipment to detect, adjust, and/or correct deficiencies on motor vehicles and equipment, including checking and adjusting headlights, caster and camber, hydrocarbon emissions, and timing and dwell.
• Diagnoses inoperative motor vehicles and equipment to determine the cause of malfunction and takes corrective action.
• Repairs, rebuilds, and overhauls assemblies and subassemblies from motor vehicles and equipment, including engines (gasoline and diesel), transmissions (manuals and automatic), electrical components (alternators, generators, and starters) hydraulic components (pumps), and carburetors.
• Performs adjustments on motor vehicle equipment and their assemblies to conform to maintenance manual specifications, including valves, ignition systems, brakes, and clutches.
• Maintains essentials records, reports, and files.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative automotive mechanical and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS may be required to act as Team Leader and provide appropriate onsite work assignments to a group of assigned inmates.

Requirements

<b>TRAINING:</b>

Successful completion of one (1) year of training in automotive technology at an accredited community college or vocational school.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience as a mechanic in the repair and installation of motors, and the maintenance and repair of motorized vehicles and equipment.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of automotive tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of the techniques utilized in the operation of computerized diagnostic equipment.
• Knowledge of automotive preventative maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in the repair of motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to read and understand maintenance and parts manuals, maintenance and wiring diagrams, schematics, and other written instructions related to the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to prepare reports and records of time spent, materials, and parts used, and work completed.
• Ability to inspect inoperative motor vehicles and equipment, diagnose the cause of malfunction, and perform repairs to operationally restore the motor vehicles or equipment.
• Ability to use tools and test equipment properly to inspect, adjust, repair, replace, rebuild, overhaul, and/or correct assemblies, subassemblies and other parts on motor vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to utilize computerized test equipment to properly diagnose malfunctions.
• Ability to analyze maintenance and repair problems associated with motor vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to perform maintenance and repairs in a garage and/or the field, in conformance with the specifications contained in the applicable maintenance manuals, diagrams, and/or instructions.
• Ability to inspect new motor vehicles and equipment to determine conformance with the applicable plans, specifications, and maintenance manuals.
• Ability to service, adjust, overhaul, repair, rebuild and/or install assemblies, subassemblies, accessories, and parts related to motor vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics and parts manuals.
• Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative automotive mechanical reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the required year of formal training may substitute one (1) additional year of experience as outlined above.

An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in at least one (1) of the following specialties from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence may be substituted for the formal training: A-1 Engine Repair, A-6 Electrical/Electronic Systems, A-8 Engine Performance, L-1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist.

<b>LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:</b>

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Appointees may also be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles operated, rests with the Appointing Authority.

Appointees in the Department of Transportation will be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsement(s) within six (6) months of appointment. The inability of a Department of Transportation employee to attain a CDL and necessary endorsements within six (6) months of hire shall constitute grounds for removal.

In accordance with Federal regulation 82:40, appointees responsible for the repair or servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners are required to possess and maintain a valid Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Certification, commensurate with the type of equipment serviced, issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

In accordance with NJSA 13:20-47.15, appointees responsible for performing emissions inspections on diesel-powered vehicles are required to successfully complete a course of instruction on Diesel Emission Inspection provided through the Appointing Authority. Appointees may be required to successfully complete re-training.

In accordance with the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l) (1), appointees responsible for the operation of industrial trucks (powered forklifts) will be required to obtain and maintain a current certification as a Powered Industrial Truck Operator issued by the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Appointees may be required to successfully complete re-training.

In accordance with NJSA 13:20-45.16, appointees responsible for performing emissions repairs to gasoline-fueled vehicles are required to possess and maintain a current certification as an Emissions Repairer Technician.

In accordance with NJSA 13:20-43.17, appointees responsible for performing emissions inspections to motor vehicles are required to possess and maintain a current certification as a Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector.

Appointees responsible for repairing or servicing motor vehicles equipped for alternate fuel are required to successfully complete training and maintain a valid Alternate Fuel Certification. Appointees who possess an ASE Certification in Alternate Fuel are considered to have met this requirement.

Appointees at the Departments of Treasury and Law and Public Safety are required to successfully complete factory training in computerized electronics, factory diagnostics and testing equipment, provided through the Appointing Authority by the manufacturer.

Appointees at the Department of the Treasury are required to possess and maintain an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in Brake Repairs. Appointees may also be required to obtain ASE certifications in Engine Repair A-1 and Engine Performance A-8.

Appointees to positions in the Motor Vehicle Commission, Inspection Services, Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance are required to possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements.

Appointees to positions in the Motor Vehicle Commission, Inspection Services, Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance, are required to possess Automotive Service Excellence Certifications A-1 in Engine Repair, A-6 in Electrical/Electronic Systems, and A-8 in Engine Performance. Appointees are also required to possess a valid certification as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician.

Affected appointees are required to maintain valid certifications, and successfully complete the re-certification processes within the timeframes mandated by statute.