Salary : $77,724.14 - $94,474.38 Annually
Location : Central Warehouse/Mail Services, 635 Laguna St., Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Classified
Job Number:Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTIONTHEPOSITIONThe City of Santa Barbara
Public Works Department is seeking a
Fleet Services Technician I to join our Fleet Services Team. This is the full journey-level position in the Fleet Services Technician series. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for maintaining the overall operating condition of all vehicles and equipment within the City's fleet. This includes automobiles, light and medium duty trucks, backhoes, street sweepers, fire trucks, loaders, sewer cleaning trucks, aerial lifts, AC generators, specialized construction and emergency vehicles, equipment powered by gasoline, diesel and electric engines, vehicles operated hydraulically, or with alternate fuels. Performs a variety of tasks including preventative maintenance inspections, mandated inspections, in-depth testing and diagnoses, and all facets of minor to major repairs including: over-hauling of engines, transmissions, drive-trains and other major components. Additional tasks include: installation, service and repair of hydraulic equipment on vehicles and equipment within the fleet, diagnosis and repair of electrical components including generators, distributors, relays, lights, switches and high- voltage light systems. The Fleet Services Technician I will document all maintenance performed by utilizing the City's computerized fleet maintenance system and will perform other work as required. All Technicians must provide their own set of professional tools consistent with an apprentice level automotive technician and will receive an annual tool allowance of $800.
Distinguishing CharacteristicsThis is the full journey-level class with the Automotive/Equipment Technician series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Vehicle Services Assistant by the level of responsibility, independence and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
To learn more about the position and department, click the following video link:
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDSKnowledge of:- Vehicle/equipment electrical systems, axles, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension and emission control systems.
- Tools, equipment, and procedures used in the overhaul, repair, and adjustment of gas and diesel powered equipment.
- Procedures of preventive maintenance related to automotive, heavy and light vehicles and construction equipment.
- Principles and procedures of hydraulic systems.
- Operating and repair characteristics of a wide variety of automotive, light and heavy equipment.
- Operation and care of internal combustion engines and hydraulic equipment.
- Safe work practices.
- State laws regulating emission controls, brakes, and lights.
Ability to:- Perform simple to complex vehicle/equipment troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair and maintenance work.
- Independently perform mechanical inspections, complex testing and diagnosis.
- Accurately determine mechanical repair needs and estimate the cost and time of repairs.
- Use a variety of equipment maintenance tools and equipment.
- Repair fire pumps and components, aerial apparatus and accessories in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Document and report all work on equipment utilizing the City's computerized Fleet management system.
- Read and apply factory service manual repair techniques and procedures, and understand blueprints, and schematics.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Use modern, sophisticated test equipment to diagnose and repair automotive equipment.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
-- Standing, stooping, kneeling, bending or crouching for extended periods of time
-- Routine reaching, balancing, twisting, climbing, and reclining on creepers while handling tools and equipment
-- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles - Maintain effective color and audio-visual discrimination, hearing and visual depth perception needed for:
-- Making observations
-- Communicating with others
-- Reading and writing
-- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINESAny combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:- Three years of experience performing minor and major vehicle and equipment repair duties including experience in the maintenance of both diesel and gas powered equipment.
Education and/or Training:- Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in mechanical repair or a related field.
License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:- Possession of a valid CA driver's license at time of appointment. Requires class B driver's license within six months of appointment.
- Possession of a California smog check inspectors license within one year of appointment.
- An ASE Master Automotive Technician Certificate in electrical/electronic systems within one year of employment.
- In addition ASE certification in two of the following areas within one year of appointment:
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering
• Manual drive train and axles
• Engine repair
• Heating and air conditioning. - A fourth certification within 18 months of employment in one of the remaining ASE certification categories listed above.
SELECTION PROCESSIt is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThere is currently one (1) vacancy within the Public Works Department.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026.
THESALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent.
STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
- The City is a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions.
- A standard 9/80 schedule is observed, with most offices closed every other Friday.
- Flexwork/Telecommuting is available.
- Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $64 / pay period.
- Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service.
- Personal leave (32 hours) is provided each July 1st at the start of the fiscal year (pro-rated the first year).
- Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
- Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year. Paid holiday time is awarded at the employee's applicable schedule, i.e., 9/80, 4/10, etc.
- Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
- PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; City contributes employee 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
- Insurance including medical, dental and vision benefits are available under a group plan. Click here for the benefits rate sheet: General Unit Rate Sheet.
- Cafeteria 125 Plan: Employees who opt-out of the group insurance coverage or who select employee only coverage may be eligible for a cash pay-out of up to $362.38 / month.
- Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment ($50,000 each) are provided.
- Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
- Long-term Disability Insurance is provided.
- State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) is provided. Employee pays 1.1% of salary. For 2025, the anticipated SDI/PFL rate is 1.2% of salary.
- Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
- Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
- Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.
Revised 12/1/2024
01
The following Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination for this position and will be used in determining your qualifications. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Responses such as "See Resume" or "See Application" will result in your application not being considered. By continuing in the recruitment process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. If you are selected to continue in the recruitment process, your qualifications may be evaluated through employment verification, reference checks, written/skill assessment, and oral examinations. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
02
Please describe your experience working in the automotive industry including the number of years have you worked in the automotive industry.
03
Please describe your experience and knowledge working with a computerized work order system.
04
Please describe your experience and knowledge working on a variety of vehicles and equipment (for example: light duty cars and trucks, as well as medium duty and heavy trucks, sewer cleaning trucks and construction equipment).
05
Have you completed an automotive technical training program? If so, please list the school and attach copies of your certificate of completion or diploma.
06
Please list any ASE certifications you currently possess. Attach copies of certifications to your application.
Required Question