
Garage Mechanic
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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 accessories. Ensures tasks are performed effectively, efficiently, and follow specifications for parts and service schedules. Follows University safety rules and established work procedures.
Typical working hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Other work schedules may be assigned or required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform a wide range of journey‑level maintenance, service, and repair on a variety of University vehicles and mobile equipment, including electric, gas, diesel‑powered trucks, vans, cars, off‑road vehicles, golf carts, and specialized grounds‑maintenance equipment.
Maintain accessory attachment equipment such as plows, lifts, and sanders, along with landscape specialty items such as mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers.
Keep 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. Example routine service includes oil and filter changes, engine tune‑ups, lubrication, wiper and belt changes, tire replacement/rotation, wheel balancing, and transmission and cooling system flushes. Replace common parts and make necessary adjustments.
Utilize, understand, and interpret service manuals, catalogues, and computer information systems to identify service procedures and parts required for a variety of vehicle and equipment repairs, per manufacturer’s specifications.
Safely and effectively operate 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.
Update current industry and job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical publications.
Maintain vehicle records of service and repair through the use of the departmental garage software system Maximo Transportation.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Follow the department’s customer service and safety standards.
Conduct test‑drives to confirm quality and completeness of service work.
Respond to calls for emergency and urgent road service on campus vehicles.
Perform 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
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 equivalent education and practical experience.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a garage/shop environment.
Strong technical knowledge and professional, journey‑level capability to perform all essential duties safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
Physical dexterity and stamina required to meet the physical demands of the position.
Solid communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand technical materials related to the vehicles and equipment serviced.
Ability to work well with others and effectively interact with colleagues and customers at all levels of the organization.
Computer literacy and ability to utilize applicable computer systems and software.
Ability to service and operate tractors, their attachments, trucks, and all other shop‑related equipment.
When designated as a core essential employee, availability to work overtime, both early and late hours and weekends, and prompt response to emergency call‑ins during inclement weather.
Valid, permanent driver’s license issued by a continuous U.S. state and ability to pass a background check.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
Preferred Qualifications
Special consideration will be given to applicants possessing an extensive and diverse vehicle technical repair background, including strong fabrication skills, diesel repairs, welding knowledge, and/or advanced skills with electronic analysis tools. Extensive work or training on electric vehicles is also preferred.
Physical Demands
Stand or walk 2–4 hours at a 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.
Ability to work at heights, full range of body motions, and 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.
Salary Range: $68,000 to $75,000
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Typical working hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Other work schedules may be assigned or required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform a wide range of journey‑level maintenance, service, and repair on a variety of University vehicles and mobile equipment, including electric, gas, diesel‑powered trucks, vans, cars, off‑road vehicles, golf carts, and specialized grounds‑maintenance equipment.
Maintain accessory attachment equipment such as plows, lifts, and sanders, along with landscape specialty items such as mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers.
Keep 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. Example routine service includes oil and filter changes, engine tune‑ups, lubrication, wiper and belt changes, tire replacement/rotation, wheel balancing, and transmission and cooling system flushes. Replace common parts and make necessary adjustments.
Utilize, understand, and interpret service manuals, catalogues, and computer information systems to identify service procedures and parts required for a variety of vehicle and equipment repairs, per manufacturer’s specifications.
Safely and effectively operate 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.
Update current industry and job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical publications.
Maintain vehicle records of service and repair through the use of the departmental garage software system Maximo Transportation.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Follow the department’s customer service and safety standards.
Conduct test‑drives to confirm quality and completeness of service work.
Respond to calls for emergency and urgent road service on campus vehicles.
Perform 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
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 equivalent education and practical experience.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a garage/shop environment.
Strong technical knowledge and professional, journey‑level capability to perform all essential duties safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
Physical dexterity and stamina required to meet the physical demands of the position.
Solid communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand technical materials related to the vehicles and equipment serviced.
Ability to work well with others and effectively interact with colleagues and customers at all levels of the organization.
Computer literacy and ability to utilize applicable computer systems and software.
Ability to service and operate tractors, their attachments, trucks, and all other shop‑related equipment.
When designated as a core essential employee, availability to work overtime, both early and late hours and weekends, and prompt response to emergency call‑ins during inclement weather.
Valid, permanent driver’s license issued by a continuous U.S. state and ability to pass a background check.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
Preferred Qualifications
Special consideration will be given to applicants possessing an extensive and diverse vehicle technical repair background, including strong fabrication skills, diesel repairs, welding knowledge, and/or advanced skills with electronic analysis tools. Extensive work or training on electric vehicles is also preferred.
Physical Demands
Stand or walk 2–4 hours at a 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.
Ability to work at heights, full range of body motions, and 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.
Salary Range: $68,000 to $75,000
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