Apprentice Mechanic, Public Works Department

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

About the Department

The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top ten cities in which to live, work, and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural, government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect, and Celebration. The City's Public Works Department is seeking an individual whose values align with the values of the City's employees.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for delivering capital improvement projects for a wide variety of City facilities and infrastructure, maintaining City facilities and fleet assets, facilitating, and regulating development activities, and providing animal care and services. The Department is committed to high-quality service, and partnering with the community, and providing an excellent environment in which to work.

Position Duties

The total salary range for Apprentice Mechanic classification is $74,089.60 - $92,622.40. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The Fleet Management Division in Public Works Department is responsible for the management of the City's fleet including the comprehensive inspection, maintenance, repair, acquisition and disposal. The City's vehicle and equipment fleet currently consists of over 2,700 assets.

The Department of Public Works Fleet Management Division is recruiting to fill several Apprentice Mechanic positions. The Apprentice Mechanic position will be trained on the repair and maintenance of the City of San Jose's diverse vehicle and equipment fleet. The incumbent will be rotated through various facilities to acquire the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to fulfill the requirements of this position. Parallel with the on-the-job training, the apprentice will be also required to take and successfully complete courses during on and off shift and on the apprentice's own time with a designated college and other learning programs as directed by the Apprentice Committee. Apprentice Mechanic will also be given a list of tools to purchase.

Under immediate supervision, this position requires basic mechanic skills in the preventive maintenance and light mechanical repairs. Upon completion of the four-year apprenticeship, the incumbent will become a competent, recognized State certified Journey level Mechanic in the servicing and repair technology related to a wide variety of motorized vehicles and equipment including gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and alternate fueled engines.

This position, depending on facility assignment, may require working various shift hours and overtime.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate).

Experience : Two (2) years of experience in lubrication and servicing of automotive equipment which included the maintenance of parts and supply inventories, and the maintenance of service records. Continuous membership in good standing in the apprenticeship program as administered pursuant to the provisions of the City of San Jose Apprentice Advisory Committee is a condition to continuing employment as an Apprentice Mechanic with the City of San José.

Licenses or Certificates :

• Possess and maintain a Certificate of Registration as an Apprentice Mechanic with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, State of California at time of appointment.
• Possess and maintain a valid State of California Driver's License.
• Possess and maintain a Forklift Operators Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Possess and maintain Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) Certification from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved program within six (6) months of hire.

Background Investigation Process : Eligible candidates will complete a Class C Background packet. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will move forward in the hiring process.

Physical/ Environmental Requirements

Possess ability to:

• Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, standing, and walking on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements.
• Communicate in person; in writing, and via various electronic mediums such as telephone, computer, radio, etc..
• Maintain professional demeanor during interactions with staff, customers, and the public.
• Operate, access, enter, and retrieve data using standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer or tablet.
• Read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Maintain strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment.
• Identify problems or hazards, work in confined spaces and around machines, and climb/descend ladders.
• Operate, inspect, and repair varied hand and power tools and construction equipment.
• Operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites.
• Be exposed to unpredictable working conditions including but not limited to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

Other Qualifications

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations, including but not limited to:

• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in servicing and maintaining automotive equipment and motorcycles.
• Knowledge of methods and materials used in cleaning automotive equipment. Knowledge of work safety practices and procedures.
• Experience with mechanic's tools and lubricating equipment.
• Experience with recognizing conditions in automotive equipment which need repair, adjust mentor replacement.

Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Additional Competencies and/or Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Simple mechanical repairs on both automotive equipment and motorcycles.

Ability to:

• Follow written manuals.
• Work with other employees.
• Keep required records, and to schedule equipment for servicing.
• Demonstrate the effective use of the tools, materials, and equipment of the mechanical trade.
• Demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Janie Saetern at Janie.Saetern@sanjoseca.gov

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

City of San Jose

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