AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION ATTENDANTS California Occupational Guide Number 30 Interest Area 5-D 1998
THE JOB
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION ATTENDANTS, also called Gas Station Attendants, perform duties at automobile service stations (gas stations) as requested by customers. They supply motor vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and parts. Duties most often performed include pumping gasoline, cleaning windshields, checking the water levels in the radiators and batteries, checking the oil level in engines and the fluid level in automatic transmissions, checking tires for correct air pressure, and handling cash payments or preparing charge slips for credit-card customers. They also sell and install parts and accessories such as tires, batteries, fan belts and windshield wiper blades. They may also sell groceries and related items.
Automobile Service Station Attendants may also do minor maintenance and repair work such as changing oil, rotating and repairing tires and replacing mufflers. In performing maintenance and repair work, Automobile Service-Station Attendants may use simple hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches. More complex equipment may include motor analyzers and wheel alignment machines.
Other work around the service station may include keeping the service areas, building and restrooms clean. In some stations, attendants help the manager take inventory of automobile parts in stock, set up displays and keep business records.
If a gasoline service station provides emergency road service, the attendant occasionally may drive a tow truck to aid motorists with mechanical problems or tow their vehicles back to the station.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Attendants work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. While offices may be heated, service areas are not. Attendants do considerable lifting and stooping and spend much time on their feet. Possible injuries include cuts from sharp tools and burns from hot engines. Safety precautions help protect against more serious injuries. Because of the nature of the work, attendants frequently get dirty as they pump gasoline and work around oil and grease.
WAGES, HOURS, AND BENEFITS
Hourly earnings of Service-Station Attendants begin at the minimum wage to $6.00 an hour. Experienced workers earn between the minimum wage and $10.00 per hour. In addition, attendants may earn commissions on the accessories they sell and the services they provide, such as adding oil, lubricating cars, or assisting mechanics. In some stations, employers provide fringe benefits such as accident and health insurance and paid vacations. Employers generally furnish uniforms and pay for their cleaning.
Full-time attendants work 40 hours a week or more. Because many stations are open at least 12 hours a day, six days a week, work schedules may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Part-time work is almost always available.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 20,720 Estimated number of workers in 2005 14,210 Projected Growth 1993-2005 -31 % Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 5,740
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment will continue to decline over the next few years. Increased sales of cars that offer better gas mileage have reduced fuel consumption. In addition, the trend towards self-service stations further limits employment growth for attendants. However, additional job openings are expected to occur as attendants transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor market. Employment opportunities are best for attendants with mechanical skills.
Employers report some difficulty in finding experienced applicants to fill vacancies, but have little difficulty in finding inexperienced applicants. This means workers new to the field may have a difficult time finding that first job.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers prefer high school graduates. On-the-job training is generally provided. A driver's license is necessary. Attendants also need mechanical ability, knowledge of basic arithmetic, the ability to speak well and clearly and to perform the job in all kinds of weather. Attendants should be polite, neat in appearance, and be able to work with or without close supervision.
ADVANCEMENT
There are several ways for Service Station Attendants to get a better job. Additional training qualifies attendants to become automobile mechanics. Those with business management capabilities may advance to station managers. Many experienced station managers and automobile mechanics go into business for themselves.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should take all of the following steps to look for work:
* Apply directly to service stations
* Register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service
* Check newspaper help-wanted ads
* Ask friends, relatives and other contacts for job leads
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Automobile Mechanics No. 24 Automobile Parts Counter Workers No. 237
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Automobile-Service-Station Attendants 915.467-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Service Station Attendants 978050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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