Class Code: SC109
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Vehicle Body Repair Mechanic

Bargaining Unit: VMU

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, a Vehicle Body Repair Mechanic performs maintenance work related to repairing and restoring damaged Santa Cruz METRO vehicles to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.  Maintains and repairs bus interiors, destination signs, windows, and mirrors and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Vehicle Body Repair Mechanic is a journey-level maintenance class.  An incumbent in this class performs tasks to ensure the fleet’s body structures and appearances are maintained in an acceptable condition. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Repairs damaged bodywork on Santa Cruz METRO vehicles and equipment, including removing, disassembling, straightening, fitting, painting, frame measuring, and replacing damaged body panels or other component parts or systems. 
  • Inspects vehicles and equipment for damage; prepares estimates of labor, materials, and cost of repair; recommends parts repair or replacement. 
  • Recommends vehicle repairs by outside firms when needed; inspects work performed on Santa Cruz METRO vehicles by repair and body shops.    
  • Repairs and replaces damaged windows, glass, and mirrors; maintains and repairs destination signs; repairs, replaces, and maintains interior flooring and side and ceiling panels; repairs and installs fiberglass and plastic parts. 
  • Wires and troubleshoots air systems; fabricates vehicles body parts by machining, welding or joining; performs metal shrinking. 
  • Operates and maintains a variety of manual and power equipment including, but not limited to, welding and cutting equipment, hammers, spoons, dollies, sanders, windshield cutters, measuring devices, friction jacks, grinders, hydraulic press, and electrical pliers and testers. 
  • Operates and maintains paint booth equipment; performs paint mixing, application of primer, color matching, clear coating, buffing, stripping, wet sanding, waxing, detailing, blocking, blending, back taping, side mold installation, and brush touch-up. 
  • Maintains records of repairs on work orders. 
  • Communicates with vendors such as body repair shops and paint and equipment suppliers, as well as other staff.  
  • Trains departmental staff to assist in body repair tasks. 
  • Maintains Santa Cruz METRO property, tools, and equipment; cleans work area, tools, and equipment; maintains a safe work environment, follows proper procedures for handling hazardous materials, and utilizes appropriate safety gear, apparel, and equipment. 
  • May recommend needs for tooling, equipment, materials, and supplies. 
  • Performs emergency repairs on road calls.
  • Maintains accurate written and electronic records, logs and work orders. 
  • Performs data entry to update and maintain information in digital files; may maintain spreadsheets and other documents to track information.
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks.  
  • Drives a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Methods, materials, hand tools and power equipment used in the repair and painting of buses, cars, vans, and trucks. 
  • Structure of vehicles, including the characteristics of the metals, plastics, and compounds used in vehicle construction.
  • Principles and practices of bus and automotive body repair and painting. 
  • Safe work practices including working with hazardous materials and proper equipment operating procedures.
  • Methods of maintaining information in digital or hard copy files.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning and organizing work.
  • Time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  • Basic mathematics including percentages and basic statistics.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and applicable standard business software.  

Ability to:

  • Repair body and frame damage to vehicles and equipment.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
  • Operate welding equipment, grinders, presses, sanders, and other equipment used in the repair and painting of Santa Cruz METRO vehicles. 
  • Estimate labor hours, cost of parts and materials, and types of materials necessary to repair and paint a vehicle.
  • Perform mathematical calculations accurately. 
  • Read and comprehend technical manuals and schematics. 
  • Perform heavy physical labor and work from ladders and scaffolds. 
  • Maintain records and control systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Input data into a database.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Use good judgment and discretion when performing assignments.
  • Effectively balance multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

One (1) year of progressively responsible, journey-level experience in vehicle body repair and painting.  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “B” Driver’s License with “P” Passenger endorsement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must possess tools (up to ¾ inch drive) necessary to perform the duties of the position and a rollaway toolbox.
  • Driving record will be reviewed as part of the application process.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend squat and stoop; talk and hear; use hands to grasp, manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is regularly required to bend and twist at the neck, reach with hands and arms.  Occasional overhead reaching and lifting up to 80 pounds aided is required.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.  

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee works in a shop or outdoor environment where the noise level is usually noisy.  The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, fumes, dust, grease, air contaminants, and hazardous materials and chemicals during the course of work. May work out in the field when needed.  May require availability to work a flexible schedule.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass requisite a background check.
  • Must be able to respond to emergency situations seven days per week, 24 hours per day.
  • Must be able to work a variety of shifts, which may include weekdays or weekends; and day, swing and/or graveyard shifts.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule
  • This position is considered a safety sensitive position and requires participation in Santa Cruz METRO’s drug and alcohol testing program.
  • This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the tasks assigned; safety shoes are required at all times.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Maintenance

*Job Series: Vehicle Body Repair Mechanic

*Job Series Level: Journey

*Confidential: No