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Automotive Research Assistant

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Automotive Research Assistant

Salary

$52,370.00 - $56,686.00 Annually

Location

100 Mack Avenue, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

202501729042DDOTSR

Department

Dept of Transportation

Division

DDOT Vehicle Maintenance

Opening Date

09/19/2025

Bargaining Unit

4200-DOT Foreman's Association (DDOT)

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

The City of Detroit's Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for an Automotive Research Assistant for their Vehicle Maintenance division.

Under general supervision, conduct inspections and assist in testing automotive components and material. Prepare and implement equipment maintenance and repair procedure and assist in the development of and participate in the training of vehicle maintenance personnel.

Examples of Duties

+ Conduct periodic inspections, and report on the operational performance of test models.

+ Conduct tests on transit equipment components and materials.

+ Oversee the fabrication of design models for installation on vehicles or use in shop floor training demonstrations.

+ Collect samples of materials for laboratory testing.

+ Perform simple laboratory tests on fuels, lubricants and materials.

+ Conduct detailed analyses of components in operation and the physical properties of their elements.

+ Conduct practical technical observations and provide recommendations on tested materials and components.

+ Consult maintenance journals and bulletins for current test information.

+ Research and document manufacturers’ recommended maintenance practices for original equipment.

+ Develop standardized maintenance schedules and procedures and assist in the preparation of service and maintenance bulletins and parts and supply specifications.

+ Instruct mechanics in the classroom or on the floor with the use of vehicle component models or other training materials.

+ Review parts catalogues and marketing bulletins for interchangeable components.

+ Review maintenance periodicals and manuals for new techniques, methods, and materials.

+ Test proposed new maintenance recommendations from mechanics.

+ Inspect components for adherence to specifications and provide recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications

+ High School Diploma or G.E.D. (General Education Development) equivalent.

+ Three (3) years of experience in the repair and overhaul of transit equipment, preferably with large transportation coaches.

Qualifications (preferred):

+ Courses in general shop and auto repair and additional training in large vehicle maintenance.

+ Three (3) years of experience in the repair and overhaul of transit equipment, preferably with large transportation coaches.

+ One (1) year of experience in supervising and instructing others in the repair of such equipment and in the collection and preparation of technical data and technical reports

Applicants subsequently hired in this title shall be required to obtain a State of Michigan Chauffeur’s License with a Class 1 endorsement or a Commercial Driver License with a Group B endorsement and airbrake qualification. Additionally, the Detroit Department of Transportation requires applicants subsequently hired in this title to obtain a State of Michigan Group B Commercial Driver License with a P endorsement within 60 days of employment.

Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act 1988.

Employees in this class will be required to provide the tools necessary to perform the work assigned.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance methods, materials, and equipment.

+ General knowledge of government and industry transit bus standards.

+ Knowledge of automotive equipment operation and current test equipment and operation.

+ Intermediate skill in detecting mechanical troubles in automotive equipment.

+ Ability to speak before groups and communicate technical information.

+ Ability to interact effectively with departmental staff with tact and diplomacy.

+ Skill in observation.

+ Moderate ability to read and write technical diagrams and schematics.

+ Basic skill in using measuring and testing equipment.

+ Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing to convey information.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Physical Demands

The employee generally engages in light to strenuous physical activity which may include handling and operating heavy vehicle maintenance equipment and components, motor vehicles, and using tools for an extended period of time. The employee is expected to move about and ascend/descend stairs to accomplish tasks. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to (50) pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with potential exposure to conditions which may include automotive lubricants, fuels, hydraulic fluids, heavy duty coaches, coach components and related equipment and noxious vehicle emission, loud noise and dust. Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

+ Interview: 70%

+ Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%

+ Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

+ Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points

+ Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 07/30/2024

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

+ Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.

+ Dental

+ Vision

INSURANCE

+ Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.

+ Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

+ Sick Leave

+ Vacation

+ Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS

The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

City Employees Retirement System

As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:

• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;

- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or

- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.

• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);

- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;

• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

01

How many years of experience do you have in the repair and overhaul of transit equipment?

+ No Experience

+ 0 Months - up to 12 Months

+ 1 Year - up to 2 Years

+ 2 Years - up to 3 Years

+ 3 Years - up to 5 Years

+ 5 Years or more

02

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

+ High School Diploma/GED

+ Associate's Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree

+ PhD/J.D.

+ No Education experience

03

Select your skill level using Microsoft Office Suite in a professional work environment?

+ None

+ Entry level

+ Working level

+ Expert level

04

Please select the areas in which you have professional knowledge or experience:

+ Basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance methods, materials, and equipment.

+ Basic skill in using measuring and testing equipment.

+ Prepare and implement automotive equipment maintenance and repair procedures

+ Develop training and instruct vehicle maintenance personnel

+ Intermediate skill in detecting mechanical troubles in automotive equipment.

Required Question

Employer

City of Detroit

Address

Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave ste 316 Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website

http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job

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