Service Assistant
Kia of Marin
105 Vintage Way, Novato, CA 94945
Job Description – Service Department
Department:
Service
Reports To:
Service Supervisor
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Employment:
Full-Time
Position Overview
The Service Assistant plays a vital support role in the dealership’s Service Department, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of vehicles through the service drive and the overall department. This position is responsible for moving, staging, and maintaining the cleanliness of customer and dealership vehicles, supporting Service Advisors and Technicians with vehicle logistics, and contributing to an organized, professional service environment. The Service Assistant reports to the Service Supervisor or Service Director.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesVehicle Movement & Staging
- Move customer vehicles from the service drive to designated service bays, waiting areas, or the vehicle lot promptly and safely upon check-in.
- Stage vehicles in the service drive in preparation for customer pick-up, ensuring they are positioned correctly, unlocked, and ready for the return process.
- Retrieve completed vehicles from the service lot or parking area and deliver them to the service drive for customer pick-up.
- Transport vehicles between the service department, detail bay, parts department, and other on-site locations as directed.
- Assist with moving and organizing inventory, loaner fleet, and rental vehicles on the lot as needed.
- Maintain a clear and organized service drive and vehicle staging area throughout the day to support efficient traffic flow.
Vehicle Cleanliness & Presentation
- Perform courtesy washes and basic interior vacuuming on customer vehicles prior to delivery as directed by service advisors.
- Apply protective seat covers, floor mats, and steering wheel covers to customer vehicles upon check-in to maintain cleanliness during service.
- Remove protective covers from customer vehicles prior to return and confirm the vehicle is clean and presentable before delivery.
- Keep loaner and courtesy vehicles clean, fueled, and ready for customer use at all times.
- Perform light detailing and touch-up cleaning tasks as assigned during slow periods.
Service Department Support
- Assist Service Advisors with check-in and check-out tasks, including escorting customers to the waiting area, retrieving keys, and scanning vehicles for pre-existing damage.
- Deliver parts, supplies, or documentation between the parts department, service bays, and service advisors as requested.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the service drive, service lanes, customer waiting areas, and common spaces throughout the day.
- Empty trash receptacles, restock supplies (coffee station, customer amenities), and ensure the customer waiting area is neat and welcoming at all times.
- Fuel vehicles as directed, including loaner fleet vehicles and customer vehicles requiring a fuel check.
- Support the detail and wash bay team during peak periods as workload requires.
- Perform additional tasks and errands as directed by the Service Manager or Service Advisors.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred; no prior automotive experience required — full on-the-job training is provided.
- Prior experience in a customer-facing, hospitality, valet, or automotive support role is a plus.
- Demonstrated reliability and a strong work ethic in any previous employment.
Skills & Competencies
- Must be comfortable operating a wide variety of vehicles, including sedans, trucks, SUVs, and hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Ability to drive both automatic and manual transmission vehicles.
- Strong attention to detail and pride in vehicle care and presentation.
- Ability to work at a fast pace while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to assist wherever needed.
- Basic communication skills to interact professionally with customers and staff.
- Ability to follow instructions and prioritize tasks in a dynamic, high-volume environment.
- Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential to this role.
Licenses & Other Requirements
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
- Must meet dealership insurability requirements for operating customer and fleet vehicles.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
Working Conditions
- Full-time positions; schedule may include Saturdays and early morning start times to support the service drive opening.
- Work is performed primarily outdoors and in the service drive and lot, with exposure to all weather conditions year-round.
- Frequent walking, standing, bending, and light lifting (up to 30 lbs) are required throughout the shift.
- Physical stamina to move continuously throughout the day in a fast-paced environment is essential.
- Exposure to vehicle exhaust, cleaning chemicals, and automotive fluids is expected; proper safety protocols and PPE are provided.
- Steel-toed or slip-resistant footwear may be required.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. The dealership offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
- Base Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Vacation and company holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Employee service and parts discounts
- Opportunity for advancement within the Service Department
Equal Opportunity Employer
Our dealership is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
