Position Information
TITLE: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN
FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt
Non-Scheduled Days: VARIES
Hours: VARIES
BENEFIT INFORMATION: This is a career position which offers excellent benefits. Newly hired employees are covered by
the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Upon hire, employees are eligible to contribute into the Thrift Savings
Plan (TSP) which is similar to 401(k) plans. We also offer the option to enroll into the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB)
program as well as the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). Dental, Vision and Long-Term Care Insurance
Programs as well as Flexible Spending Program to cover eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care (day care)
expenses are also available. We offer eleven paid federal holidays as well as accrued vacation and sick leave.
DRIVING REQUIRED: Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license, a safe driving record, and at least two years of
unsupervised experience driving passenger cars or larger. The driving must have taken place in the U.S. or its possessions
or territories or in U.S. military installations worldwide.
Functional Purpose
Performs routine and complex repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal fleet; troubleshoots
and diagnoses more complex vehicle malfunctions using a variety of computerized test equipment; may provide assistance to
lower level employees.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Diagnoses operating difficulties on a variety of vehicles and performs operational checks on engines; its major supporting
systems, parts, components, assemblies; including emissions systems, electrical, computer and electronic controlled
components.
2. Performs various computerized and electronic diagnostic tests using specialized equipment; interprets trouble codes and
other information from electronic scanners and test analyzers; uses reference materials such as service manuals and wiring
schematics to determine operational difficulties, drivability problems and evaluates performance efficiency.
3. Conducts visual and auditory vehicle inspections, road calls and road tests before and after maintenance and repairs;
annotates vehicle problems on work orders.
4. Provides technical guidance and instructions to mechanics and technicians on more difficult repairs and in the use of
specialized computer-aided diagnostic equipment.
5. Performs maintenance and repairs resulting from normal preventive maintenance inspections.
6. Prepares and updates vehicle records, maintains vehicle records; annotates labor time, parts and/or equipment and other
pertinent data on work orders.
7. Performs engine tune-ups; removes, replaces, adjusts, cleans parts, components, assemblies and accessories; uses a
variety of specialized test equipment to adjust systems and components to prescribed operating tolerances.
8. Troubleshoots malfunctioning vehicles resulting from road calls and identifies improperly functioning part(s) and repairs or
replaces.
9. Repairs and replaces major components including transmissions, differentials, brake systems, power assist units, steering
and suspension assemblies.
10. Performs other job related duties and responsibilities in support of primary duties.
11. Follows all established safety practices and procedures; complies with all postal, local, state and federal environmental
regulations and policies.
REQUIREMENTS:
This section is composed of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which are required to satisfactorily perform the tasks of the
position. Knowledge of electrical/ignition systems refers to the terminology characteristics, and operation of such components
as alternators, batteries, voltage regulators, starter motors, ignition and lighting systems, indicating devices, electronic
computer enhanced components, sensors, and starting aids.
Knowledge of automotive fuel systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of fuel delivery systems, and
related assemblies, such as fuel pumps, turbochargers, superchargers, inter- coolers, fuel injectors, and the interface of the
fuel system with electronic controls.
Knowledge of automotive emission control systems refers to the terminology characteristics, and operation of emission
control systems as they relate to overall engine operation and performance specifications and conformance to environmental
quality regulations.
Knowledge of engine systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of engine valves, piston assemblies,
engine bearings, cylinders, cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, crankshaft assemblies, compression ignition, and cooling system.
Knowledge of automotive power train systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of such components
as clutches, universal joints, manual and computer enhanced automatic transmission systems, differentials, and drive axles.
Knowledge of automotive suspension systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of standard and
computerized/air- controlled suspension, and standard and power assisted steering, as well as wheel alignment systems and
steering geometry.
Knowledge of automotive braking systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of air and hydraulically
actuated braking components such as cylinders, valves, linkage, calipers, sensors and control modules and anti-lock brake
systems.
Ability to use technical reference materials and technical manuals refers to reading, comprehending, and interpreting
technical information, such as illustrated parts breakdown, checklists, flow charts, electronic media, and schematics.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in automotive components or systems refers to a proficiency in observing,
testing, analyzing, and isolating sources of trouble in automotive systems or their components, such as electrical/electronic
systems, engine, power train, fuel delivery, and suspension and braking systems through the use of appropriate automotive
test equipment.
Ability to use automotive test equipment refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types of electrical/electronic
diagnostic test equipment, such as voltage/amperage testers (VAT), multimeters (VOM), test lights, scanners, gas analyzers,
etc.
Ability to use mechanical test equipment and hand tools refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types of
mechanical diagnostic test equipment and hand tools, such as micrometers, calipers, pressure gauges, etc.
Ability to make minor repairs to automotive components or systems refers to a proficiency in replacing parts or making
adjustments to automotive systems or their components, such as electrical/ignition, emissions, fuel delivery, engine,
suspensions, power train, braking systems, intake, exhaust, and starting aids.
Ability to make major repairs to automotive components or systems refers to a proficiency in overhauling or rebuilding
automotive systems or their components, such as power train, engine, fuel delivery, suspension, and braking systems.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must successfully complete Postal Service Test 943 and Test 944, to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to
troubleshoot, diagnose, and make minor and major repairs to automotive systems.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be physically able to efficiently perform the duties of the position.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants who qualify under this standard may be required to satisfactorily complete a prescribed training course(s) prior to
reassignment or promotion.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:
At the time of appointment, applicants must have a valid driver's license from the state in which they live. Applicants must
also demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. Applicants selected under this qualification standard must successfully
complete the required Vehicle Familiarization and Safe Operation training, including demonstration of the ability to safely
drive a vehicle of the type used on the job.
Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service's requirement
to be drug free.
Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status.
Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $66,836 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No
