Lead Fleet Mechanic

This is skilled work involving the maintenance and repair of various vehicles and equipment. The Lead Fleet Mechanic is responsible for performing complex repairs, overseeing maintenance tasks, and ensuring safety and quality standards compliance. This position provides guidance and training to lower-level mechanics while demonstrating leadership and technical expertise in a fast-paced work environment.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing tasks of more than average difficulty involving complex maintenance and specialized automotive, construction, and fleet equipment repairs. By assignment, an employee might oversee and perform advanced mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs, provide training and guidance to lower-level mechanics, or coordinate maintenance operations to ensure efficiency. In addition, the employee must observe, diagnose, and report any defects discovered in such equipment. Employees might be required to work under hazardous conditions, varying weather conditions, and at night and on weekends. Under general supervision, employees are required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment. Work is reviewed through periodic progress observation and inspection upon completion.

Diagnoses and resolves complex equipment issues; troubleshoots advanced mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system failures on fleet vehicles and equipment.  Assesses issues to determine the most effective repair methods, estimating the time, labor, and materials needed.  Responds to emergency repair situations to minimize downtime and ensure operational efficiency.

Supervises maintenance operations; oversees daily maintenance and repair work, ensuring all tasks comply with OEM recommendations, technical specifications, and departmental standards.  Provides technical guidance to mechanics and ensures adherence to best practices.

Develops and maintains maintenance documentation; creates, updates, and archives maintenance and repair procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with industry standards.

Monitors equipment and asset conditions; reviews maintenance histories and inspection reports to track asset conditions, identify recurring issues, and plan long-term repairs or replacements.  Collaborates with supervisors to assess the cost-effectiveness of repairs versus replacements.

Leads training and safety programs; conducts training sessions on job-specific tasks, safe work procedures, and equipment operation.  Provides mentorship to junior technicians, ensuring they understand and follow best practices in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Schedules and adjusts work assignments; assigns daily tasks to technicians, adjust priorities to meet deadlines, and respond to urgent repair needs.  Coordinates workflow to maximize shop efficiency and minimize vehicle downtime.

Performs equipment inspections; conducts thorough inspections on fleet vehicles and equipment to assess operational conditions, detect potential issues, and recommend preventive maintenance measures.  Ensures compliance with safety and performance standards.

Manages tools and equipment; coordinates the maintenance, calibration, and servicing of shop tools and diagnostic equipment.  Arranges for repairs or replacements as necessary to maintain operational readiness.

Coordinates external repairs; notifies the supervisor when outside vendor servicing is required and assist in coordinating off-site repairs.  Review vendor's work to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.

Executes preventive maintenance and repairs; conducts routine preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and necessary repairs on various fleet vehicles and equipment, ensuring reliability and extended service life.

Specializes in critical vehicle system repairs; diagnoses and repairs essential vehicle systems, including electrical, hydraulic, steering, suspension, air, and brake systems, to ensure safe and efficient operation.  Transports vehicles and equipment.  Operates trucks and trailers to transport fleet vehicles and equipment to job sites, repair facilities, and storage locations as needed.

Maintains shop cleanliness and organization; ensures a clean, organized, and safe work environment.  Regularly inspects tools and equipment for functionality and arranges replacements when necessary.

Uses communication equipment for coordination; operates communication devices to facilitate coordination between shop and field personnel, ensuring smooth workflow and timely response to service requests.

Provides emergency roadside assistance; responds to emergency service calls, providing on-site repairs or transportation for disabled fleet vehicles and equipment to minimize operational disruptions.

Ensures compliance with safety regulations; adheres to and enforces all city safety regulations, creating a safe working environment and following established protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.

Knowledge of: advanced methods, practices, tools, and equipment used in diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuel (e.g., propane, CNG, hybrid, and electric) vehicles and equipment; occupational hazards and industry-standard safety precautions for fleet vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair. Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems as they apply to automotive, construction, and specialized municipal fleet vehicles and equipment; computerized diagnostic tools and software used for troubleshooting complex vehicle systems; the operation, functionality, and maintenance requirements of various fleet vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, emergency response vehicles, transit buses, and construction equipment; preventative maintenance programs and best practices to extend fleet life cycles and reduce downtime; environmental and regulatory compliance related to fleet operations, hazardous materials handling, and emissions control.

Ability to: perform complex diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance on fleet vehicles and specialized equipment, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems; read and interpret detailed wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, service manuals, and technical publications; operate and interpret results from advanced diagnostic and testing equipment to accurately identify malfunctions and determine required repairs; lead, train, and provide technical guidance to mechanics and maintenance staff on troubleshooting, repairs, and safe work procedures; prioritize and assign work orders, adjust schedules as necessary, and ensure efficient workflow within the shop; communicate effectively with supervisors, vendors, and department personnel regarding repair status, equipment needs, and maintenance planning; maintain accurate maintenance records using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for tracking repairs, service schedules, and parts inventory; ensure compliance with workplace safety standards, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to lockout/tag-out (LOTO) procedures; operate fleet vehicles and heavy equipment safely for testing, repairs, and transport; work in physically demanding conditions, including lifting heavy equipment, standing for extended periods, and working in adverse weather conditions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, supervisors, vendors, and external agencies.

Skill in: using and maintaining various hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and precision instruments required for fleet maintenance and repair; diagnosing and repairing complex engine, transmission, electrical, and hydraulic issues efficiently and accurately; utilizing computerized diagnostic systems and software to analyze vehicle performance and troubleshoot mechanical failures; fabricating and modifying parts, brackets, and components to support fleet operations; manage multiple tasks, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school, supplemented by at least three (3) years of experience in technical maintenance and major repair of automotive, construction, or specialized fleet vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, or compressed natural gas (CNG); or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.