Automotive Technician - Phoenix Arizona
- Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Dec 30, 2025
Job Description
Automotive Technician - Phoenix
Summary Statement
This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in the Phoenix area. Apply promptly; application period may close without notice.
Must successfully complete the examination process.
Physical Assessment = Pass/Fail
Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)
1. Performs vehicle buildups by installing special police equipment (e.g., wiring harness, deck lights, speakers, wig-wag lights, brake lights, decals, radio, siren, strobe lights, etc.) in order to modify vehicle to meet Departmental specifications.
2. Adjusts, repairs, rebuilds or replaces worn, damaged or malfunctioning vehicle parts in order to ensure reliable, efficient and safe operation of vehicle.
3. Performs scheduled vehicle preventative maintenance (e.g., change fluids and filters, lubricate vehicle, rotate tires, repack wheel bearings, replace belts and hoses, etc.) to ensure vehicle is in a safe and operational condition.
4. Builds special components (e.g., brackets for radio equipment, etc.) to accommodate the installation of necessary equipment in vehicles.
5. Maintains records, such as vehicle work orders and service requests, to document the maintenance of serviced vehicles.
6. Responds to questions and/or fields complaints from service users regarding vehicle repairs in order to update user on work performed or resolve repair problems.
7. Maintains and inspects parts and supplies inventory in assigned work area in order to ensure adequate stock to perform required vehicle repairs and to verify quality.
8. Prepares and/or interprets service orders in order to identify work to be performed on vehicles by noting special codes and instructions prior to beginning equipment repair or installation.
9. Maintains currency of technical skills in order to perform work as efficiently and accurately as possible by reading technical publications, attending training classes and actively participating in day-to-day job activities.
10. Instructs agency and non-agency personnel in the proper operation of vehicles and special equipment to ensure safe and reliable performance.
11. Road tests repaired vehicle to ensure reliable, efficient and safe operation by driving vehicle and checking performance through direct observation.
12. Moves, loads and unloads repair parts, equipment and disabled vehicles using a forklift, car trailer, tow truck or roll back truck.
13. Calculates quantities, times, distances, measurements, weights and standard-to-metric conversions in order to perform vehicle repairs or modifications.
14. Inspects vehicle parts and systems (e.g., electrical, air conditioning, cooling, braking, steering, transmission, trans-axle, front end, suspension, engine, emissions, fluid levels, belts, hoses, lamps, tires, etc.) in order to schedule needed maintenance, diagnose problems and plan repairs, using hydraulic lift, jack, direct observation, testing equipment (e.g., volts/amps tester, battery/alternator test, pressure gauges, leak detectors, thermometers, etc.), hand and power tools, shop manuals and work orders. Provides testimony and prepares written reports for courts in conjunction with accident reconstruction.
15. Schedules repairs in order to return vehicles to service as soon as possible.
16. Installs and monitors manufacturers' test parts and equipment in order to test durability and safety.
17. Trains non-DPS personnel to perform DPS-specific job functions and performs quality control checks of their work.
18. May perform supervisory functions, such as assigning control numbers, in the absence of the supervisor.
19. Receives, evaluates and processes seized vehicles which will be used within the Department or auctioned off.
20. Transports vehicles to appropriate contract vendors for repair.
21. Performs routine shop maintenance, such as painting and equipment repairs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Knowledge of:
1. the principles and operation of fuel systems, brakes, engines, transmissions, trans-axles, differentials, and electronic, electrical, air conditioning, ignition and emission control systems to evaluate, maintain and repair motorized vehicles.
2. state and federal environmental laws pertaining to the handling of hazardous materials routinely used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles.
3. OSHA regulations pertaining to the safe performance of vehicle maintenance and repair duties.
4. state and federal laws concerning vehicle emission testing and repair.
Skill in:
1. the safe use of auto shop equipment (e.g., vehicle lift, brake lathe, tire changer, balancer, hydraulic jack, bumper jack, etc.).
2. servicing a vehicle by disassembling, repairing, rebuilding or replacing parts and components.
3. handling hazardous materials (e.g., freon, Windex, brake cleaner, gasoline, oil, grease, lubricants, vulcanizing glue, tire cleaner fluid, brake dust, paints, thinners, oxygen, acetylene, etc.) in a safe and appropriate manner.
4. the operation of various vehicles (e.g., automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, etc.) to perform road tests and for transport.
5. identifying and using proper hand and power tools in a safe manner.
Ability to:
1. operate and interpret results from testing equipment and measuring tools (e.g., volt/amp meter, AC manifold gauge, front end alignment machine, engine analyzer, exhaust analyzer, infrared detection device, timing light, battery/alternator tester, block leakage tester, power steering pressure test gauge, inside and outside micrometers, thickness gauges, dial indicators, etc.).
2. use sight, hearing, smell and touch to determine a vehicle's condition or level of performance.
3. perform engine tune-ups to maximize vehicle performance.
4. calculate arithmetic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) on a calculator to determine weights, measurements, time, quantities and metric conversion in vehicle repair and modification.
5. tactfully communicate on a one-to-one basis with service users to exchange information on the performance, repairs, modifications and operation of vehicles, and to explain technical information in everyday language.
6. write vehicle service orders using special codes (e.g., installation, repair, equipment identification numbers, etc.).
7. maintain sensitive testing and measurement equipment (e.g., precision meters, infrared detection devices, etc.) to meet certification standards.
8. follow detailed oral and written instructions to inspect, repair, modify and operate vehicles.
9. accurately record and proofread detailed information, including parts and catalog numbers, on service orders.
10. establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of assignment.
11. repair specialty equipment (e.g., small engines, generators, light plants, snow cats, etc.) when shop manuals and troubleshooting guides do not exist.
12. read and interpret dials, gauges, meters, graphs and wiring schematics pertaining to vehicle diagnostics, maintenance and repair.
13. read and comprehend technical shop manuals, troubleshooting guides, manufacturers' specifications, warranties, parts catalogs and service orders.
14. operate a forklift to move parts and equipment around the work site.
15. learn to use personal computer to monitor inventories, order parts and supplies, and write reports.
16. acquire additional skills to maintain technical competencies.
17. effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires three (3) years of journey-level experience in the maintenance, repair and service of gas and/or diesel motorized equipment.
NOTE: Experience may be required specifically on automobiles or motorcycles, depending upon the needs of the Department.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must supply and maintain personal tool inventory, as required to perform job functions.
Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver license.
May be required to travel to perform certain work functions.
May be required to be on-call for emergencies.
May be required to testify in legal hearings.
Some positions may also require a motorcycle operator license.
May be required to successfully pass the following ASE certification tests within three (3) years of the date of hire; Suspension (A4), Brakes (A5), Electrical/electronic systems (A6), and Heating and Air Conditioning (A7).
May be required to successfully pass the following ASE certification tests within six (6) years of the date of hire; Engine Repair (A1), Manual and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2), Drive Train and Axles (A3), Suspension and Steering (A4), Brakes (A5), Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6), Heating and Air Conditioning (A7), and Engine Performance (A8).
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
May be required to move items up to 50 pounds for distances of up to 10 feet.
May be required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel and squat for extended periods of time.
May be exposed to fumes or dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather, moving mechanical parts and moderate to loud noise levels.
Must successfully complete the examination process.
Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Geoff Partridge
Applicants will be required to apply through AZDPS career page.
About DPS
In 1968, the Arizona Legislature passed a law to create the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). The agency became operational by the executive order of Gov. Jack Williams on July 1, 1969. Governor Williams’ mandate consolidated the functions and responsibilities of the Arizona Highway Patrol, the Enforcement Division of the State Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and the Narcotics Division of the State Department of Law into one agency.
Mission Statement
To provide public safety to the state of Arizona.
Vision Statement
To be the national model in providing state-level law enforcement services.
Since its inception, the department has added many additional responsibilities and has evolved into a renowned, multi-faceted organization dedicated to providing law enforcement services to the public while developing and maintaining close partnerships with other local, county, state, federal and tribal agencies.
For much of its history, the sworn members of the department were known as officers or patrolmen. In early 2015, a change in title was initiated at the agency that resulted in its sworn personnel becoming known as State Troopers. The change in title served to better align the department with other highway patrol agencies across the country.
The department is headquartered in Phoenix, but also operates out of local offices spread throughout the state’s 15 counties. With nearly 2,071 full-time employees, the agency strives tirelessly to fulfill its support and operational objectives including traffic safety and criminal investigation. As of 2018, there were 1,171 sworn employees and 900 professional staff.
Values
The following are our seven core values, supporting the tradition of Courteous Vigilance and are reflected in the acronym JUSTICE which represents the seven points of the Department’s badge:
| Justice: | We embrace the qualities of fairness, equality, and quickness in protecting the rights of the people we serve. |
|---|---|
| Undaunted Commitment: | We demonstrate moral and physical courage, vigilance and diligence in duty performance. |
| Service: | We deliver exceptional service assistance through teamwork and cooperation. |
| Trust: | We strive to earn and keep the confidence of the people we serve through truthfulness, communication and reliability. |
| Integrity: | We are honest, factual and accountable while being an example of excellence on and off duty. |
| Courtesy: | We are respectful and polite to everyone. |
| Empathy: | We are compassionate and respectful in all that we do. |
These numbers are as of 07/2018. Numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number to avoid decimals.
| Sworn Staff | Professional Staff | Overall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 96% | 47% | 72% |
| Female | 4% | 53% | 27% |
| White | 78% | 77% | 78% |
| African American | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Hispanic | 18% | 14% | 16% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1% | 4% | 2% |
| Native American | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Age 40+ | 54% | 70% | 62% |
The Department issued handgun is a Glock 17 Gen5, chambered in 9mm. The Patrol rifle is a Colt AR15 model 6920AZ issued with three, 30 round magazines. The 12 gauge Remington 870 shotguns are only authorized for carry when modified to their less lethal munitions configuration.