NPS Essential Competencies: Automotive Equipment Mechanic

AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

Essential Competencies

ENTRY LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills to perform basic preventive maintenance on a wide variety of automotive equipment, following scheduling requirements, manufacturers's guidelines, and by using trouble-shooting techniques and proper tool care.

I. Safety

A. Orientation to Work Area and Safety Procedures

II. Tools and Equipment

A. Proper use care and safety

1. Care and cleaning of shop, tools and equipment.

2. Proper use of hand tools and equipment.

3. Proper use of power tools and equipment.

III. On the Job Responsibilities

A. Helper duties to journeyman mechanics.

B. Cleanup and tool use.

C. Safety

IV. Small Engine Maintenance

A. Proper Procedure and Care of Small Engines

1. Identification of required repair

2. Procedure for preventive maintenance.

3. Diagnostics.

4. Proper use of testing equipment.

5. Use of manufacturers manuals.

6. Selection of procedure/repair requirement.

V. Preventive Maintenance of Vehicles

A. Procedures for equipment Servicing

1. Safety inspections.

2. Service requirements.

3. Service procedures.

4. Identification of required service.

5. Documentation of service performed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of preventive maintenance scheduling.

Ability to use basic tools of the automotive trade.

Ability to use manufacturer's manuals and schematics.

Knowledge of shop safety practices.

Ability to clean and care for tools.

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills to perform intermediate level routine, preventive and cyclic maintenance on a wide variety of automotive and heavy mobile equipment, following and interpreting scheduling requirements and manufacturers's guidelines for a wide variety of equipment and by using trouble-shooting techniques, proper diagnostic equipment and tool care.

All competencies at the Entry Level, plus:

I. General Engine Diagnosis

A. Cylinder Heads and Valve Trains.

B. Engine Blocks

C. Lubrication and Cooling Systems.

D. Ignition System Diagnosis.

E. Fuel and Exhaust System Diagnosis.

F. Diesel Engine Diagnosis.

II. Drive Train

A. Clutch Diagnosis and Repair.

B. Transmission Diagnosis and Repair.

C. Drive Axle.

III.Steering System Diagnosis and Repair

A. Manual and Power Steering.

B. Wheel Alignment.

C. Front and Rear Wheel Drive Systems.

IV. Brake Systems

A. Hydraulic Brake Systems

B. Mechanical Brake Systems

V. Electrical Systems

A. Lighting Systems

B. Braking Systems

C. Electronic Control Systems.

VI. Fuel Systems

A. Fuel Injection Systems

B. Carbureted Systems

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to trouble-shoot failures on a variety of automotive equipment.

Knowledge of preventive maintenance.

Knowledge of automotive equipment computer control systems.

Knowledge of automotive electrical systems.

Ability to use testing equipment.

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required for full performance of routine, preventive and cyclic maintenance on a wide variety of automotive and heavy mobile equipment, following and interpreting scheduling requirements and manufacturers's guidelines for all equipment and by using trouble-shooting techniques, proper diagnostic equipment. Instruction and training of lower graded employees.

All competencies at the Entry and Developmental level, plus:

I. Heavy Mobile Equipment Diagnosis and Repair and Overhaul

A. Diagnostics and Repair

1. Air brake systems.

2. Electrical systems.

3. Starting systems.

4. Charging systems.

5. Lighting systems

6. Air conditioning systems.

7. Heating and engine cooling systems.

8. Electronic controls, devices and systems.

9. Hydraulic Systems.

B. Welding and Fabrication

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to diagnose and repair components of automotive equipment, i.e., engines, transmissions, differentials, ignition systems, charging systems etc.

Ability to diagnose and repair electrical systems, i.e., lighting systems, electronic control systems.

Knowledge of hydraulic systems.

Knowledge of welding and fabrication.

National Park Service
Training and Development Division
Essential Competencies
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