MECHANIC TRAINEE

Definition

Under close supervision of a supervisory official in a state department or agency, receives on-the-job training in automotive mechanics; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Receives on-the-job training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas and diesel motors, fuel systems, exhaust systems, cooling systems, electrical systems, oiling systems, transmissions and clutches, brakes, rear axles, drive shafts, front suspensions, steering systems, springs, cabs and instruments.
• Prepares reports on materials used and work completed.
• Maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

<b>TRAINING</b>

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

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the various types of motors and their operation.
• Knowledge of the basic reasons for motor failure.
• Knowledge of the use, care and maintenance of automotive tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform automotive mechanical work.
• Ability to perform basic mathematic calculations.
• Ability to apply automotive mechanic techniques learned in an inservice training program.
• Ability to read and interpret shop repair and parts manuals.
• Ability to learn from instruction and demonstrations.
• Ability to prepare reports on time spent, materials used, and work completed.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or 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 as long as they can perform 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.
• <b>ADVANCEMENT</b>
• Applicants who are appointed to positions as Mechanic Trainee must complete a two-(2) year formal training program in automotive mechanics, which includes two (2) years of on-the-job training, and the formal vocational training necessary to obtain the required certifications.
• Failure to obtain the required certifications during the training period will result in separation from state service.

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) year of experience as a mechanic in the repair and installation of motors and the maintenance and repair of motorized vehicles and equipment.

An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in one 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.

In the Department of Law and Public Safety, an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in Automobile Advanced Engine Performance and Diagnosis may be substituted for the formal training.

<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 endorsement for the class and type of vehicle being operated.

Appointees in the Department of Transportation will be required to obtain a Commercial Drivers 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.

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.

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(1) (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 successfully complete the Emissions Technician Educational Program, and 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 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.

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