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Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
Yes, the shop is heated with oil and gas. Air conditioning was added in 2024.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
The team includes 3–4 technicians and 1 service advisor.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break.
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
VW/Audi specialty tools Laptop for diagnostics Basic toolbox (available if the technician does not have their own)
What type of break room facility is provided?
Technicians are welcome to eat lunch in the office area, which includes leather-seated chairs. There are no vending machines.
How many bays does your shop have?
4 service bays and 1 wash bay.
How many repair orders do you average per month?
Approximately 300.
What is your parts ordering process?
Technicians have access to PartsLink24 and can either place parts on order themselves or request assistance from the service advisor. Parts are sourced locally or from the main warehouse, with most available same-day or overnight.
What is your policy on side work?
Technicians are permitted to work on their own vehicles as well as those of friends and family. If the vehicle is a VW or Audi, we encourage that work be performed through the shop.
Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?
We are a 44-year independent VW/Audi specialist shop with a focus on quality workmanship. Several employees have been with us for over 17 years. We are not a flat-rate shop and promote thorough, high-quality repairs.
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
We encourage technicians to attend online, local, and regional training sessions to further develop their skills.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
As a small independent shop, traditional career ladder growth is limited. However, we strongly support the advancement of technical skills—up to A-level technician status. We pay for ASE certification and testing, and we encourage all technicians to pursue ASE Master status.
Can you describe your performance review process?
We conduct an informal 60-day review and follow up with periodic one-on-one lunch meetings. These reviews are tech-centered, with a focus on skill development, open discussion, and positive feedback. Recommendations to support the shop’s success are welcomed.
What type of safety training is required?
Safety is a shared responsibility. We maintain a clean shop environment and expect all team members to properly store tools and safety equipment.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
Our lead technician works in the center of the service bays, making him readily available to support and mentor others. We promote a collaborative environment where all techs are encouraged to share knowledge and improve overall shop operations.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
We are active members of the local Chamber of Commerce and various business associations. We sponsor local events and maintain strong connections with VW and Audi clubs, promoting community among enthusiasts.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
We participate in the BOCES career fair and maintain relationships with BOCES instructors and members of the local high school education community.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about career development and community?
Waterloo is a small village of about 4,000 people, with a strong sense of community and a variety of local restaurants and businesses.
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
Yes, our General Manager typically has an initial phone conversation to exchange information about the applicant’s skills, experience, and interests.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
Interviews are conducted either at the shop or a local restaurant. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the open position, review your experience and skillset, and answer any questions you may have.
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
We typically contact the references provided and reserve the right to conduct a drug screening if necessary.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
A basic skill assessment is typically integrated into the in-person interview through discussion of prior work and relevant technical knowledge.
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
We usually review applications and make decisions within one week of the interview.
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
The hiring process can be completed in just a few days, depending on the candidate’s availability and any notice they need to give to a current employer.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?
We are a small, family-oriented independent dealership with over 44 years in business. We foster a friendly, team-based work environment and value long-term relationships with our staff.
Technician
Pay Range: $24.00 - $40.00/hour
This is an hourly paid position
- Health Insurance Offered
- Offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield and available after 90 days of employment.
- Dental Insurance Offered
- Available after 90 days through United Concordia. Employee premiums are approximately $38 per month.
- Vision Insurance Offered
- Provided after 90 days of employment.
- Retirement Plan Offered
- 401(k) with company match. We match 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of your salary—equivalent to a maximum employer contribution of 3%. Available after 90 days.
- Sick Leave Not Offered
- Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued as follows: First Year: 1 hour of PTO for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours After 1 Year: 80 hours annually After 3 Years: 120 hours annually After 7 Years: 160 hours annually PTO is prorated during the first year of employment. Time off can be used for any reason, subject to management approval.
- Vacation Not Offered
- Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued as follows: First Year: 1 hour of PTO for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours After 1 Year: 80 hours annually After 3 Years: 120 hours annually After 7 Years: 160 hours annually PTO is prorated during the first year of employment. Time off can be used for any reason, subject to management approval.
- Paid Holidays Not Offered
- We observe all major holidays with paid time off. In addition, employees receive a paid day off for their birthday.
- ST / LT Disability Not Offered
- Coverage is provided according to New York State regulations.
- Life Insurance Not Offered
- Multiple plans are available for employees to choose from.
- Uniforms Not Offered
- Uniforms are provided by the dealership.
- Other Not Offered
- We are happy to purchase tools that help improve safety and enhance the quality or efficiency of repairs.
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