The Lead Fleet Mechanic is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and preventative maintenance of Ace Tree's fleet of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment. This position ensures that all equipment is safe, reliable, compliant, and available to support daily operations. The Lead Mechanic serves as the technical leader of the maintenance department while remaining actively involved in performing repairs.
The ideal candidate possesses strong diesel and hydraulic diagnostic skills, is highly organized, and takes ownership of fleet reliability and equipment uptime.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFleet Maintenance & Repair
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain:
- CDL dump trucks
- Bucket trucks
- Forestry bodies
- Knuckleboom and grapple trucks
- Cranes
- Chippers
- Skid steers
- Mini excavators
- Stump grinders
- Trailers
- Chainsaw and small engine equipment
- Perform engine, transmission, hydraulic, electrical, brake, steering, suspension, and driveline repairs.
- Conduct preventative maintenance services according to manufacturer recommendations and company schedules.
- Perform DOT inspections and ensure vehicles remain compliant with applicable regulations.
- Respond to equipment breakdowns and prioritize repairs to minimize downtime.
- Test equipment after repairs to verify proper operation.
Maintenance Leadership
- Coordinate daily workflow and repair priorities for the maintenance department.
- Schedule preventative maintenance to maximize fleet availability.
- Train and mentor mechanics and maintenance technicians.
- Provide technical guidance on difficult diagnostics and repairs.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment.
- Communicate equipment status and repair timelines with Operations and Production Managers.
Fleet Management
- Maintain accurate repair orders, maintenance logs, and service records.
- Monitor recurring equipment issues and recommend long-term solutions.
- Assist with budgeting for repairs and replacement equipment.
- Order parts, manage inventory, and work with vendors to obtain quality parts at competitive pricing.
- Recommend replacement of equipment when repair costs exceed value.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained in safe operating condition.
- Maintain inspection documentation and repair records.
- Promote safe work practices within the maintenance department.
- Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Five or more years of experience repairing diesel trucks and heavy equipment.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Diesel engines
- Hydraulic systems
- Electrical diagnostics
- Air brake systems
- PTO systems
- Commercial vehicle maintenance
- Ability to diagnose complex mechanical and electrical failures.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to obtain or maintain a CDL (preferred).
Preferred Qualifications
- CDL Class A or B.
- ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications.
- Hydraulic crane experience.
- Bucket truck or aerial lift maintenance experience.
- Welding and fabrication experience.
- Experience with forestry or construction equipment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple repair projects.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Computer skills for work orders and maintenance tracking.
- Commitment to quality workmanship and customer service to internal operations.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to stand, kneel, crawl, climb, bend, and work underneath vehicles.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to operate shop equipment, hand tools, diagnostic software, and heavy equipment safely.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Fleet uptime and equipment availability
- Preventative maintenance compliance
- Reduction in emergency breakdowns
- Quality and timeliness of repairs
- Shop organization and cleanliness
- Safety compliance
- Parts inventory management
- Effective communication with operations teams
- Leadership and development of maintenance staff
Why Join Ace Tree?
At Ace Tree, our fleet is the backbone of our operations. The Lead Fleet Mechanic plays a critical role in keeping our crews productive and our equipment operating safely and efficiently. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on company performance while working with a diverse fleet of specialized tree care equipment.
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
