08/23/2010 93112

AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE RECOVERY MECHANIC

DEFINITION: This is skilled journey- level automotive mechanic work in the physical examination, damage assessment, repair, disposition and recovery of damaged, new, and transferred state-owned vehicles for the Department of General Services.

The employee in this job is responsible for traveling statewide to the sites of disabled or damaged state-owned vehicles to assess the extent of vehicular accident damage or to diagnose mechanical failures. Work involves performing preliminary onsite mechanical repairs to restore vehicle operation, assessing damage to make a determination regarding the most appropriate methods of vehicle disposition, or operating a roll-back transporter or similar equipment to recover the vehicle and transport it to the appropriate location. Work further involves recovering vehicles from private vendors where repair estimates or work has been determined to be unsatisfactory, answering vendor inquiries during the recovery process, and issuing vendors payments for services partially rendered. Work may include performing skilled journey level automotive mechanic work in the maintenance and repair of automotive and related equipment in the Commonwealth Garage, conducting preliminary physical inspection tests of new state vehicles, and examining and selecting replacement vehicles that warrant transfer to other state agencies. The employee works under general supervision, using independent judgment concerning damage assessment and disposition of damaged vehicles. Work is reviewed by an administrative superior through observation in evaluating the results of work performed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Examines and assesses the extent of damage to state vehicles disabled due to accidents.

Performs preliminary diagnosis of problems on state vehicles disabled due to mechanical failures and performs repairs to temporarily restore vehicle operation.

Operates a wrecker, roll-back transporter, or similar vehicle to transport damaged or disabled vehicles to or from vendors, to Commonwealth institutions for disposal through the sale process, or to the Commonwealth Garage for further evaluation or cannibalization.

Coordinates with vendors concerning charges for repairs.

Performs skilled maintenance and repairs to state vehicles and equipment to include problem diagnosis, routine service, and repair or replacement of components of the cooling, suspension, exhaust, electrical, fuel and brake systems.

Inspects and test drives vehicles turned in as part of the vehicle replacement program and identifies those that warrant transfer to other state agencies.

Assists Automotive Equipment Inspectors in conducting inspections of new vehicles.

Prepares documentation supporting decisions regarding disposition of recovered vehicles.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of automotive equipment.

Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the automotive mechanic trade.

Knowledge of the methods used to diagnose and correct automotive equipment failures.

Skill in operating an automotive recovery vehicle.

Skill in the care and use of tools and equipment used in repairing and maintaining automotive equipment.

Ability to communicate orally.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience as a skilled automotive mechanic which includes one year of experience operating and maintaining a wrecker or roll-back recovery vehicle.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.