Pre-Apprentice Automotive Mechanic - Transit Division - SF Municipal Transportation Agency (9940)

Company Description

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco responsible for the management of all ground transportation in the City. The SFMTA has oversight over the Municipal Railway (Muni) public transit, as well as bicycling, paratransit, parking, traffic, walking, and taxis.

Job Description

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Exempt: This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer. 

Application Opening: September 18, 2026

Deadline to Apply: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time after September 24, 2026

Contact: Wilson Hoang ([email protected])

Salary: $26.80 per hour

Recruitment ID: TEX-9940-168412

Division: Transit

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

18-week training program that teaches basic technical and job-readiness skills to prepare participants for an International Association of Machinists Local 1414 Registered Apprenticeship. The pre-apprenticeship training program includes eighteen (18) weeks of free academic training through City College of San Francisco, of which nine (9) weeks will be paid on-the-job experience, as well as individual job readiness support and coaching from Jewish Vocational Service (JVS). All equipment and uniforms are provided by the program. Individuals are expected to attend all classes and work assignments to complete the program. Please note, this is a standalone pre-apprenticeship which will not directly transition to an apprenticeship with the SFMTA or Local 1414. 

First nine (9) weeks of program at CCSF Evans Campus (paid stipend)

Second nine (9) weeks 1/2 day class, four (4) hours at CCSF Evans Campus, and four hours a day, four days a week for nine weeks (paid) On-The-Job training.

Pre-Apprentices are expected to complete the following courses and certifications during the program:

• Intro to Automotive Mechanics
• Advanced Automotive Mechanics Courses
• OSHA 10
• EPA 609
• Automotive Service Excellence Entry-Level Brakes
• Forklift Safety

Under immediate supervision, the 9940 Pre-Apprentice Automotive Mechanic performs semi-skilled trainee work designed to introduce career options and role models in connection with the operation, maintenance and repair of automotive vehicles. As part of a Pre-Apprenticeship program, incumbents learn about the work environment, required skilled mechanical work, and real-life experience to help them find employment as an apprentice and eventually as a journey mechanic. Positions allocated to the 9940 Pre-Apprentice Automotive Mechanic job code function as trainees.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Observes and assists repairs and overhauls of a variety of mechanical equipment.
• Observes and assists the maintenance, removal, repair, overhaul installation and tuning of engines.
• Observes and assists the maintenance, repair, overhaul, adjustment, installation and calibration of automotive, diesel, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle fuel systems.
• Observes and assists the maintenance and installation of lighting circuits and auxiliary actuating circuits.
• Observes and assists the maintenance, repair, overhaul and adjustment of vehicle brake systems, vehicle cooling systems, vehicle chassis, wheel suspension, and articulated bus suspension systems.
• Observes and assists the operation of shop equipment and machine tools.
• Observes and assists the troubleshooting of equipment problems.
• Observes and assists on a road call.
• Observes and assists the completion of paper and electronic forms and records on work performed, time and parts used.

NATURE OF WORK: 

May require exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and hazardous work situations; handling hazardous materials and waste; occasional lifting heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds and carrying them for moderate distances; wearing required safety equipment, such as a respirator or dust mask; wearing specialized clothing such as mechanic coveralls, safety vest, etc.; walking or standing for extended periods of time. Some positions may require the use of a computer.

Qualifications

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

1. Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment;

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify candidates advancing to the interview process and/or to identify job finalist(s) at the end of the selection process when referred for hiring.

• SFUSD 6-week Summer Internship Program in Fleet Maintenance at the SFMTA
• SFUSD After-School Auto Class
• SFUSD CTE Auto Tech Pathway at George Washington High School
• SFUSD Summer Career Exploration Program (SCEP) Auto
• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D or High School Proficiency Examination)
• Automotive experience at service stations (Lube and Filter replacement), repair shops, tire shop, mechanical shop and/or automotive audio/video and tint shop.
• Any automotive or diesel technology course or classes.
• Participation in a workforce development automotive job training program

Additional Information

Verification:
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#verification. Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Selection Process:
Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be used to determine candidates' qualifications.  Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to move forward in the selection process.

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

For questions or inquiries, please contact: Wilson Hoang, Human Resources Analyst at [email protected].  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.