Diesel Mechanic Trainee

Job Summary

The Diesel Mechanic Trainee is an entry-level position designed for individuals who are mechanically inclined, enjoy working on vehicles, and are looking to build a long-term career as a Diesel Mechanic. This role provides paid, hands-on training while working alongside experienced diesel mechanics to learn how to maintain and repair waste collection trucks and support equipment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and eager to learn individual who has previous history working on vehicles.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Determines vehicle condition by conducting inspections and diagnostic tests; identifying worn and damaged parts.
• Perform minor and major repairs on waste pick- up trucks and support equipment.
• Keeps equipment available for use by completing preventive maintenance schedules; installing component and part upgrades; controlling corrosion; completing winterization procedures.
• Conduct regular preventative maintenance on service trucks, including inspection, tire rotation and oil changes.
• Corrects vehicle deficiencies by removing, repairing, adjusting, overhauling, assembling, disassembling, and replacing major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, parts, or systems, such as, power and drive trains, electrical, air conditioning, fuel, emission, brake, steering, hydraulics; completes machine shop operations; making adjustments and alignments including bearing loads, gear tooth contact, valve mechanisms, governors, oil systems, control linkages, clutches, and traction units.
• Verifies vehicle performance by conducting test drives; adjusting controls and systems.
• Complies with federal and state vehicle requirements by testing engine, safety, and combustion control standards.
• Maintains vehicle appearance by cleaning, washing, and painting.
• Maintains accurate vehicle records by annotating services and repairs.
• Collaborate with repair team to diagnose problems with vehicles and plan repairs.
• Keeps shop equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.
• Contains costs by using warranty; evaluating service and parts options.
• Keeps supplies ready by inventorying stock; placing orders; verifying receipt.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical and regulation publications.
• Enhances maintenance department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Follow and comply with all safety policies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in working on vehicles
• Prior hands-on experience working on vehicles (personal vehicles, farm equipment, automotive hobbies, etc.) is highly desired
• Desire to build a long-term career as a Diesel Mechanic
• Ability to learn technical skills and follow instructions
• Basic reading and writing skills
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn

Preferred (Not Required)

• Previous experience working on diesel or gas-powered vehicles
• Technical school coursework or ASE certifications (or interest in obtaining)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 50-100 pounds with or without assistance
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in a shop environment for extended periods
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Work Environment

Warehouse / shop environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, noise, and varying weather conditions when working on equipment.

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