Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Junkyard Assistant / Automotive Dismantler

🎯 Role Definition

As a Junkyard Assistant, also known as an Automotive Dismantler or Parts Puller, you are the backbone of our salvage and recycling operations. This hands-on role requires you to work directly with vehicles, skillfully dismantling them to harvest valuable parts for resale. You will be responsible for identifying, retrieving, and processing a wide range of automotive components, from engines and transmissions to small electrical parts. This position demands a high degree of mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a keen eye for detail. You will be a crucial team member, ensuring our inventory is accurately stocked and that our customers receive quality, tested parts. If you thrive in an active, outdoor environment and have a knack for mechanics, this is an excellent opportunity to turn your passion for automobiles into a rewarding career.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Mechanic's Helper / Apprentice
Tire Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Automotive Dismantler / Yard Foreman
Inventory Control Manager
Parts Sales Representative

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse Associate
Scrap Metal Processor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Systematically dismantle end-of-life vehicles using a variety of hand, air, and power tools to salvage high-quality, reusable automotive parts.
Accurately identify, inspect, and assess the condition of harvested parts, including engines, transmissions, body panels, and electrical components, to ensure they meet quality standards.
Operate heavy machinery, including forklifts, wheel loaders, and other material handling equipment, to safely move vehicles, engines, and other large components around the yard.
Meticulously pull and retrieve specific parts from vehicles in the yard based on customer orders or internal inventory requests, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Perform pre-dismantling vehicle processing, which includes safely draining all fluids (oil, gasoline, antifreeze) and removing batteries in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Utilize the company's computer inventory system to log, tag, and track all salvaged parts, ensuring data accuracy for pricing, sales, and stock management.
Test the functionality of mechanical and electrical parts using diagnostic tools and established procedures to verify their operational condition before they are placed into inventory.
Assist customers and sales staff by locating parts within the yard and providing basic information about component compatibility and condition.
Prepare parts for shipping or customer pickup, which includes cleaning, packaging, and securely loading items to prevent damage.
Evaluate incoming vehicles as they arrive at the facility to identify key salvageable parts and determine the most efficient dismantling strategy.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies and procedures, including the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
Organize and shelve inventoried parts within the warehouse or designated storage areas, maintaining a clean and orderly system for easy retrieval.
Perform cuts on vehicle frames and bodies using specialized tools like plasma cutters or Sawzalls to extract specific sections as needed.
Contribute to maintaining the overall organization and cleanliness of the salvage yard, including clearing pathways and managing scrap metal consolidation.
Collaborate effectively with other yard staff, inventory managers, and the sales team to streamline the part fulfillment process from pulling to final sale.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the regular cycle counting and physical inventory audits to ensure the accuracy of the digital inventory system.
Support the receiving process by helping to unload and stage new vehicle arrivals for processing.
Perform basic preventative maintenance on yard equipment and tools to ensure they remain in good working order.
Take clear, high-quality photographs of premium parts for use in online listings and e-commerce platforms.
Provide feedback to management on ways to improve workflow efficiency, safety protocols, and parts recovery yield.
Assist with the final processing of vehicles, including the removal of wire harnesses and preparing vehicle hulks for crushing and recycling.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Automotive Parts Knowledge: Strong understanding of vehicle makes, models, and the specific components that make them run.
Tool Proficiency: Demonstrated skill in using a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and air tools (e.g., impact wrenches, drills, saws).
Heavy Equipment Operation: Certified or experienced in operating a forklift; experience with wheel loaders or other yard equipment is a major plus.
Basic Computer Literacy: Ability to use inventory management software to look up, log, and track parts.
Mechanical Aptitude: Natural ability to understand how mechanical systems work and how to take them apart and put them back together.
Safety & Environmental Compliance: Knowledge of proper procedures for handling hazardous materials like fuel, oil, and battery acid.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to stand, bend, lift, and carry heavy objects (50-75 lbs) throughout the day and work in various weather conditions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in inspecting parts for quality, identifying correct components, and maintaining accurate inventory records.
Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues when removing difficult or complex parts without causing damage.
Work Ethic & Reliability: A dependable and punctual team player with a strong sense of personal responsibility and the ability to work independently.
Teamwork and Communication: Capable of working collaboratively with a diverse team and communicating clearly with colleagues and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or trade school in automotive technology, mechanics, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology
Diesel Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in an automotive, mechanical, or general labor role.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct, hands-on experience in an auto repair shop, salvage yard, collision center, or a similar environment is highly desirable. Familiarity with the automotive recycling industry is a significant asset.