Department of Homeland Security

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC

Laredo, Texas Full time

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC

Department: Department of Homeland Security

Location(s): Laredo, Texas

Salary Range: $30.3 - $35.35 Per Hour

Job Summary: Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector, Laredo West Station, located in Laredo, TX.

Major Duties:

  • This position is involved with troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling major components and systems such as engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, and other assemblies. This position starts at an hourly rate of $30.30 (WG-10, Step 1) to $35.35 (WG-10, Step 5). As an Automotive Mechanic, you will be assisting the supervisor in planning work programs, determining priority assignments, scheduling, parts ordering and purchasing, and other operational and administrative functions. Typical duties and responsibilities include: Making independent judgement and determining the type and extent of repairs needed; completing repairs with little or no check during and upon completion. Completing repairs and adjustments in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and ensuring vehicle systems function in accordance with safety regulations. Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting and performing operational check on a wide variety of major components and systems. Performing troubleshooting tests and techniques using a wide variety of test equipment, inspections and auditory tests.

Qualifications: Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. To minimally qualify for the WG-10 grade level you must meet the following Screen-Out Elements. To meet the screen out element, you should have experience performing the following duties: Performing the work of the position without more than normal supervision. To meet the Screen-Out Element(s), you should have experience performing the following duties: Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting, and performing operational checks on a wide variety of major components and systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, and other assemblies). Interpreting and applying manufacturers' repair manuals and technical specifications, schematics and engineer drawings, diagnostic codes, computer printouts, and safety manuals. Ensuring that vehicle systems (e.g., lighting systems, steering mechanisms, mechanical and hydraulic braking systems, and exhaust and related emission control systems) function in accordance with safety regulations set by various regulatory agencies. Determining the type and extent of repairs needed in various situations. Failure to meet these Screen-Out Element(s) will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to the experience described above, you will also be evaluated on the basis of your overall level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas: Knowledge of the makeup, operation, and installation of complex major systems and assemblies. Ability to troubleshoot and repair complex systems. Skill in use of hand tools and power tools common to the mechanic occupation (e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers, insulated pliers, electric drills, pneumatic wrenches, and soldering irons). Skills in a wide variety of specialized tools and test equipment (e.g., bench lathes, grinding and seating equipment, micrometers, dial indicators, dial gauges, calipers, tachometers, and coil testers). Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to communicate effectively orally. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 11/21/2025. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

How to Apply: To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 11/21/2025. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date. Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov. View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-21