Torchora
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vehicle maintenance intern

title: Job Specification: Vehicle Maintenance Intern
salary: $16 - $24 per hour
categories: [Automotive, Skilled Trades, Internship, Maintenance, Transportation, Technician]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a Job Specification: Vehicle Maintenance Intern.

🎯 Role Definition

The Vehicle Maintenance Intern is a foundational role designed for an aspiring automotive professional to gain immersive, hands-on experience within a professional service environment. This individual functions as a key support member of the maintenance team, working directly alongside senior technicians to learn and apply the principles of vehicle diagnostics, repair, and preventive maintenance. The purpose of this role is not just to perform tasks, but to absorb industry best practices, develop technical proficiency, and build a strong understanding of shop operations, safety protocols, and customer service. The intern is instrumental in enhancing shop efficiency while cultivating the essential skills for a successful career in the automotive service and repair industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High School Graduate with a focus on automotive coursework
  • Vocational or Technical School Student (e.g., Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology)
  • College Student in a related technical program

Advancement To:

  • Automotive Technician / Mechanic
  • Fleet Maintenance Technician
  • Service Advisor or Writer

Lateral Moves:

  • Automotive Parts Specialist
  • Service Dispatcher

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist senior technicians with the diagnosis and repair of complex mechanical and electrical issues across a range of vehicle makes and models.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks, including comprehensive oil and filter changes, transmission fluid services, and coolant system flushes.
  • Conduct thorough multi-point vehicle inspections using standardized checklists to identify necessary repairs and upcoming maintenance needs.
  • Learn to operate and interpret data from advanced diagnostic equipment, including OBD-II scanners and computer-based diagnostic software.
  • Support all aspects of tire and wheel service, including mounting, balancing, rotation, and performing flat repairs according to industry standards.
  • Assist with comprehensive brake system services, such as replacing brake pads and rotors, bleeding brake lines, and inspecting hydraulic components.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all services performed, parts used, and technician notes within the shop's management software system.
  • Uphold a culture of safety and cleanliness by organizing tools, cleaning work bays, and ensuring the shop environment meets all safety standards.
  • Observe and actively participate in major component repairs, such as engine, transmission, and drivetrain work, under the direct supervision of a mentor technician.
  • Handle, label, and dispose of hazardous materials like used oil, antifreeze, and other fluids in strict compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  • Assist in the documentation and processing of vehicle service history, warranty claims, and parts returns to ensure accurate record-keeping.
  • Perform basic electrical system diagnostics, including testing batteries, starters, and alternators, and assist with simple wiring repairs.
  • Support the parts department by helping with inventory management, sourcing correct parts for repair orders, and receiving stock shipments.
  • Diligently learn and apply all company safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
  • Shadow experienced technicians to develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting complex drivability problems and intermittent electronic faults.
  • Participate in road tests with senior technicians to verify repairs and confirm that customer concerns have been fully resolved.
  • Assist with the setup and teardown of equipment for specialized jobs, such as air conditioning service or fuel injector cleaning.
  • Learn and perform basic vehicle alignment checks and assist technicians with four-wheel alignment procedures using modern alignment racks.
  • Help maintain the readiness of the shop's loaner vehicle fleet by performing regular inspections, cleanings, and basic maintenance.
  • Research technical service bulletins (TSBs), recall information, and repair procedures using online databases like ALLDATA, Mitchell 1, or OEM portals.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the Service Advisor team during peak times with vehicle check-in procedures and communicating basic service information to customers.
  • Participate actively in all company-provided training sessions and complete assigned online learning modules on new vehicle technologies.
  • Assist in the regular calibration, maintenance, and repair of shop tools and heavy equipment, including vehicle lifts and tire machines.
  • Help manage the workflow of the service bays by prepping vehicles for technicians, which includes placing floor mats and seat covers.
  • Contribute to daily team meetings by sharing progress on learning objectives, asking clarifying questions, and offering observations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Foundational knowledge of core automotive systems, including engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, and suspension.
  • Basic proficiency in using common hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
  • Ability to read and begin interpreting technical repair manuals, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flow charts.
  • A strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of fundamental physics and electrical principles.
  • Familiarity with vehicle preventive maintenance procedures and service intervals.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to workshop safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and hazardous material handling.
  • Basic computer literacy for entering data into service management software and researching repair information.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle, often requiring a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
  • Experience with precision measuring tools like micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators is a plus.
  • Understanding of basic welding or fabrication is highly beneficial but not typically required.

Soft Skills

  • A strong desire to learn, a curious mindset, and the ability to accept constructive feedback.
  • High level of attention to detail and a commitment to performing quality work.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills for interacting with technicians and supervisors.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and systematically.
  • A proactive and diligent work ethic with the ability to stay productive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Must be currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an accredited automotive technology or related technical program.

Preferred Education:

  • Actively pursuing or holding a Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Automotive Technology.
  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) student certifications are highly regarded.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-1 years. Hands-on experience gained through school lab work, personal vehicle projects, or a co-op program is considered relevant.

Preferred:

  • Prior work experience in a related environment, such as a quick lube shop, auto parts store, or tire center, is highly advantageous.
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