Recon Assistant

Job Title: Recon Assistant

Location: Jacob’s Mitsubishi
Department: Service / Reconditioning
Reports To: Service Director & Recon Manager
Pay Type: Salary
Annual Salary: $37,440
Pay Schedule: Bi-Weekly ($1,440.00)

Position Summary

The Recon Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring vehicles move efficiently, accurately, and on schedule through the Rapid Recon process. This position supports the full reconditioning life cycle—from trade evaluation through front-line readiness—while maintaining quality standards, documentation accuracy, and workflow integrity.

Primary Objective

Ensure all vehicles progress efficiently through assigned Rapid Recon stages, maintain accuracy of records and vehicle condition, and support coordination between Service, Recon, and Sales teams to deliver front-line ready inventory.

Core Responsibilities

1. Rapid Recon Stage Management

The Recon Assistant is directly responsible for monitoring, updating, and executing tasks within assigned Rapid Recon stages, including but not limited to:

Stage 3 – Trade Hold

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  Review incoming trade vehicles placed in Trade Hold

  
  


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  Confirm VIN accuracy, keys, documentation, and vehicle condition

  
  


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  Ensure all removed parts (plates, brackets, accessories, personal items) are handled and stored appropriately

  
  


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  Confirm accessories, plates, and badges are accounted for and scheduled for re-installation

  
  


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  Ensure units are approved and ready to advance to Stage 6

  
  

Stage 6 – Stocking Check-In

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  Verify the vehicle is cleared to enter the recon workflow

  
  


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  Assign stock numbers in accordance with dealership procedures

  
  


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  Confirm system accuracy and documentation completion

  
  


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  Move vehicle to Stage 7 when complete

  
  

Stage 7 – Recover / Re-Install

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  Ensure all previously removed items (plates, brackets, badges, accessories) are properly re-installed

  
  


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  Install vehicle tracking device

  
  


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  Confirm tracker registration and verify system functionality

  
  

Stage 8 – Intake Wash

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  Assign vehicles to the detail team for initial intake wash

  
  


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  Ensure wash is completed promptly and meets dealership standards

  
  


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  Inspect vehicle cleanliness and readiness for photography

  
  


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  Escalate wash or detail issues to the Recon Manager immediately

  
  

Stage 9 – Intake Photos & Recon Recommendations

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  Take a full photo set of 35 photos when vehicle condition allows

  
  


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  If full photography is not possible:

  
  
  
  
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    Capture a minimum of 14 required photos, ensuring all necessary angles

    
    
  
  
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    Remaining photos will be completed at Stage 32

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Document recon recommendations clearly

  
  


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  Visually capture and note areas of concern

  
  

Stage 32 – Full Photo Stage (Final Photos)

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  Complete full photo set only if Stage 9 was not fully completed

  
  


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  Review photo quality to ensure:

  
  
  
  
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    Proper lighting

    
    
  
  
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    Clear focus

    
    
  
  
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    Correct framing and consistency

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Skip Stage 32 if Stage 9 photos were fully completed and approved

  
  

2. Final QC (Quality Control) Review

The Recon Assistant performs a comprehensive QC inspection prior to Sales Manager approval.

A. Mechanical & Functional QC

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  Perform a test drive on the lot or approved route

  
  


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  Verify no warning lights are active, including:

  
  
  
  
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    Check Engine

    
    
  
  
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    TPMS

    
    
  
  
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    ABS

    
    
  
  
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    Airbag

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Confirm proper operation of:

  
  
  
  
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    Power windows

    
    
  
  
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    Sunroof

    
    
  
  
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    Interior and exterior lighting

    
    
  
  
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    Mirrors

    
    
  
  
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    Wipers

    
    
  
  
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    Dashboard switches and controls

    
    
  
  
  
  

B. Exterior & Cosmetic QC

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  Inspect vehicle for:

  
  
  
  
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    Scratches

    
    
  
  
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    Rim rash or wheel damage

    
    
  
  
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    Window chips or cracks

    
    
  
  
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    Scuffs on bumpers, trim, or grille areas

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Ensure removable scuffs are buffed or corrected

  
  


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  Report unresolved cosmetic issues immediately to the Recon Manager

  
  

3. Sales Manager Final Approval & Delivery Prep

After QC approval, the Recon Assistant completes final presentation steps:

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  Review QC results with the Sales Manager

  
  


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  Record a full marketing video of the vehicle

  
  


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  Apply required materials:

  
  
  
  
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    Buyer’s Guide

    
    
  
  
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    Vehicle Information Templates

    
    
  
  
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    Jacob’s branded personal rear tag

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Verify vehicle is properly staged for front-line placement

  
  

4. Additional Responsibilities

QC Steps & Photo Quality Assurance

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  Review all photo sets for compliance with company standards

  
  


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  Confirm consistency across all interior and exterior images

  
  


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  Correct or retake photos as needed prior to release

  
  

Key Skills & Expectations

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  Strong attention to detail

  
  


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  Ability to self-manage workflow and time effectively

  
  


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  High familiarity with the Rapid Recon system

  
  


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  Clear and professional communication with:

  
  
  
  
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    Service Director

    
    
  
  
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    Recon Manager

    
    
  
  
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    Sales Management

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Ability to identify mechanical, cosmetic, and documentation issues

  
  


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  Comfortable working in a fast-paced dealership environment

  
  


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  Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record required