Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector, Mission Readiness Operations Division, Fleet Management in the following locations:

  • Chula Vista, CA
  • Pine Valley, CA
  • Santee, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Ysidro, CA
NOTE: You will receive consideration for all duty locations listed above. Location may be negotiable upon selection.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/27/2025 to 06/13/2025
Salary
$31.59 to - $36.82 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Locations
Chula Vista, CA
1 vacancy
Pine Valley, CA
2 vacancies
San Diego, CA
2 vacancies
San Ysidro, CA
2 vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
10
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
USBP-IMP-12741023-JRB
Control number
837525500

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees who are currently working in a permanent competitive service position; Career Transition Assistance Plan DHS employees.

Duties

Help

This position is involved with troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling major components and systems such as engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, and other assemblies.

This position starts at an hourly rate of $31.59 (WG-10, Step 1) to $36.82 (WG-10, Step 5).

As an Automotive Mechanic, you will be assisting the supervisor in planning work programs, determining priority assignments, scheduling, parts ordering and purchasing, bulk gasoline ordering, and other operational and administrative functions. Typical duties and responsibilities include:

  • Making independent judgement and determining the type and extent of repairs needed; completing repairs with little or no check during and upon completion.
  • Completing repairs and adjustments in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and ensuring vehicle systems function in accordance with safety regulations.
  • Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting and performing operational check on a wide variety of major components and systems.
  • Performing troubleshooting tests and techniques using a wide variety of test equipment, inspections and auditory tests.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
  • As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
  • DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
  • Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council - NBPC. For local chapter contact information see https://bpunion.org/#.

Qualifications

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

To minimally qualify for the WG-10 grade level you must meet the following Screen-Out Elements. To meet the screen out element, you should have experience performing the following duties: Performing the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

To meet the Screen-Out Element(s), you should have experience performing the following duties:

  • Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting, and performing operational checks on a wide variety of major components and systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, and other assemblies).
  • Interpreting and applying manufacturers' repair manuals and technical specifications, schematics and engineer drawings, diagnostic codes, computer printouts, and safety manuals.
  • Ensuring that vehicle systems (e.g., lighting systems, steering mechanisms, mechanical and hydraulic braking systems, and exhaust and related emission control systems) function in accordance with safety regulations set by various regulatory agencies.
  • Determining the type and extent of repairs needed in various situations.

Failure to meet these Screen-Out Element(s) will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to the experience described above, you will also be evaluated on the basis of your overall level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:
  • Knowledge of the makeup, operation, and installation of complex major systems and assemblies.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair complex systems.
  • Skill in use of hand tools and power tools common to the mechanic occupation (e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers, insulated pliers, electric drills, pneumatic wrenches, and soldering irons).
  • Skills in a wide variety of specialized tools and test equipment (e.g., bench lathes, grinding and seating equipment, micrometers, dial indicators, dial gauges, calipers, tachometers, and coil testers).
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 06/13/2025.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional information

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification preferred. This certification demonstrates experience in the automotive repair and service industry. ASE certification distinguishes professional automotive technicians through testing and certification of vehicle repair and service.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.

Overtime: You must be readily available to work overtime on an scheduled or unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. Call back and emergency overtime may be regular requirements of this position.

Uniforms: Work requires wearing protective clothing and/or safety equipment. There is a possibility of exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes from spills and leaks and the incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing and safety equipment (e.g., rubber boots, coveralls, goggles, aprons, gloves, respirator, etc.).

Work Conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside. Work outside is normally done in good weather; however, emergency situations sometimes require outside assignments during inclement weather. Work done in shop is performed in a building that is moderately heated, lighted, and ventilated. The floor is of concrete and causes fatigue from long periods of standing. Employees may be exposed to dirt, grease, odor, and fumes of motors and is subject to cuts and abrasions from use of tools and equipment. Employees may be required to successfully complete a variety of hazardous material classes.

Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12741023

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.

See the Qualifications Section for how you will be evaluated.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12741023

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.