Garage Mechanic

Under general supervision, the Garage Mechanic performs a full-complement of journey-level diagnostics, troubleshooting, adjustment, overhaul, maintenance, and repair to a wide range of University vehicles, mobile equipment, and accessory. Ensures that assigned tasks are performed effectively, efficiently, and follow specifications for parts and service schedules. Follows University safety rules and regulations at all times, along with established safety work procedures. 

Based on business needs, the typical working hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, on a Monday through Friday work schedule.  Other work schedules may be assigned or required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  (Other duties may be assigned). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties. 

• Performs a wide range of journey level maintenance, service, and repair to a variety of University vehicles and mobile equipment, including but not limited too electric, gas, and diesel-powered trucks, vans, cars, off-road vehicles, golf carts, and specialized grounds maintenance equipment and other needs of a University. Maintains accessory attachment equipment such as plows, lifts, and sanders, along with landscape specialty items such as mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. 
• Ensures proper care in the safe use and maintenance of vehicles, tools, and equipment necessary to perform all assigned work tasks.  
• Carefully inspect and troubleshoot vehicles and equipment to determine, necessary repairs and required service. Examples of routine service include oil and filter changes, engine tune-ups, lubrication, wiper and belt changes, tire replacement/rotation, wheel balancing, transmission and cooling system flushes. Replaces common parts and makes necessary adjustments.  
• Utilizes, understands, and interprets service manuals, catalogues, and computer information systems used to identify service procedures and parts required for a variety of vehicle and equipment repairs, per manufacturer’s specifications.  
• Safely and effectively operates various shop repair tools and equipment such as impact wrenches, power drills, engine analyzers, hydraulic hose crimper/swage, tire machine, wheel balancer, porta-power hydraulic press, and snap-on scanner. 
• Updates current industry and job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, along with reading technical publications. 
• Maintains vehicle records of service and repair through the use of the departmental garage software system Maximo Transportation.  
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.  
• Follows the department’s customer service and safety standards. 
• Conducts test-drive to confirm quality and completeness of service work. 
• Responds to calls for emergency and urgent road service on campus vehicles. 
• Performs other duties as required, including overtime, event support and emergency call-in work for winter storms or other weather-related conditions. Will be classified as a core essential employee based on managerial discretion. 

QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Verified completion of a four-year vocational/technical training program in the automotive service field or possess the equivalent in education and practical experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a garage/shop environment.
• Possess strong technical knowledge, understanding, and have the professional, journey-level capability to perform all of the essential duties of the position in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner. 
• Must possess the physical dexterity and stamina required to meet the physical demands of the position.
• Have solid communication skills, both verbally and in writing. 
• Must have the ability to understand technical materials related to the vehicles and equipment serviced. 
• Must have the ability to work well with others and effectively interact with colleagues and customers throughout all levels of the organization. 
• Possess computer literacy and have the professional capability to utilize applicable computer systems and software.
• Must have the ability to service and operate tractors and their attachments, trucks, and all other shop-related equipment.
• When designated as a core essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving both early as well as late hours and weekends.  Must be able to respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather including snow and ice conditions. 
• Must possess a valid, permanent driver’s license issued by a continuous U.S. State and be able to successfully pass a background check. 
• Possess the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification.  

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:  Special consideration will be given to applicants possessing and extensive and diverse vehicle technical repair background, which may include strong fabrication skills, diesel repairs, knowledge of welding, and/or advanced skills with electronic analysis tools. Extensive work or training on electric vehicles. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day; 
• sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day 
• lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday) and 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday); 
• lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead; 
• frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday); 
• occasionally push or pull with forces up to 75 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, crawl, lift overhead, lie down, or knee stand (less than 33% of the workday); 
• frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the workday); 
• work in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions; 
• Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance. 
• Will be required to work in an area with light-to- heavy noise levels daily. 
• Must be able to work with power tools having moderate vibrations. 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.