Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Fleet Maintenance Manager / Lead Mechanic to lead our in-house maintenance department while actively performing diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance on our transportation fleet.
This leadership position is responsible for supervising two full-time mechanics, managing daily shop operations, maintaining fleet safety and compliance, and ensuring our vehicles remain reliable, road-ready, and available for service.
Our fleet includes:
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) wheelchair vans
- Minivans
- School buses
- Charter buses
- Executive chauffeur vehicles (Chevrolet Suburban and similar vehicles)
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled technician, organized leader, and proactive problem solver with extensive experience maintaining commercial vehicles. This individual leads by example and understands that fleet reliability is critical to providing safe, dependable transportation services.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise, train, schedule, mentor, and support two in-house mechanics.
- Coordinate daily maintenance activities to maximize fleet availability and minimize vehicle downtime.
- Perform diagnostics, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance on gasoline and diesel-powered fleet vehicles.
- Repair and service engine, transmission, suspension, steering, HVAC, electrical, cooling, fuel, brake, hydraulic, and air brake systems.
- Perform DOT inspections, preventative maintenance services, safety inspections, and manufacturer-recommended maintenance.
- Conduct pre-service inspections and verify all vehicles meet company, DOT, Illinois, OSHA, ADA, and FMCSA safety standards.
- Prepare vehicles for Illinois emissions testing and complete emissions-related diagnostics and repairs.
- Maintain preventive maintenance schedules using fleet maintenance software and service records.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electronic vehicle systems using diagnostic equipment and repair manuals.
- Coordinate warranty repairs and work with outside vendors, dealerships, body shops, and parts suppliers.
- Maintain organized maintenance records, repair documentation, work orders, and parts inventory.
- Order parts, monitor inventory levels, and control maintenance expenses.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance facility.
- Assist with roadside diagnostics and emergency repairs when necessary.
- Work closely with Operations, Dispatch, Safety, and Management to ensure vehicles are available for daily service.
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with OSHA, DOT, Illinois, EPA, and company safety regulations.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the maintenance department.
QualificationsRequired
- Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial fleet, automotive, bus, truck, or transportation maintenance.
- Strong hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing gasoline and diesel engines.
- Experience with preventative maintenance programs and fleet management.
- Advanced knowledge of electrical, HVAC, brake, steering, suspension, transmission, cooling, hydraulic, and engine systems.
- Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, diagnostic software, and manufacturer repair manuals.
- Experience using computerized diagnostic equipment and scan tools.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple repairs while maintaining high-quality workmanship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience supervising mechanics or managing a maintenance shop.
- Experience maintaining NEMT wheelchair vans, school buses, shuttle buses, charter buses, or commercial transportation fleets.
- Knowledge of wheelchair lift systems and ADA-accessible vehicle equipment.
- Experience with air brake systems and commercial vehicle inspections.
- ASE Certifications (Automotive Service Excellence).
- CDL (Commercial Driver's License) with Passenger (P) endorsement or willingness to obtain one.
- Welding, fabrication, and light metal repair experience.
- Experience with fleet maintenance management software.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
- Frequently bend, kneel, crawl, climb, squat, and work underneath vehicles.
- Safely operate lifts, jacks, forklifts, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic equipment.
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely perform physically demanding mechanical work throughout the day.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Full-time, year-round employment.
- Stable transportation company with a growing fleet.
- Modern fleet of NEMT vehicles, school buses, charter buses, and executive transportation vehicles.
- Supportive leadership and team-oriented work environment.
- Paid training and ongoing professional development.
- Opportunities for career advancement and leadership growth.
- Modern shop equipped with professional tools and diagnostic equipment.
- The opportunity to directly impact the safety, reliability, and success of our transportation operations every day.
Why Join Our Team?
Our passengers depend on safe, reliable transportation every day. As Fleet Maintenance Manager / Lead Mechanic, you'll play a critical leadership role in keeping our fleet operating safely and efficiently. Your technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence will directly support our drivers, passengers, and the communities we serve.
If you're an experienced mechanic who enjoys leading a team, solving complex mechanical challenges, and taking pride in maintaining a dependable fleet, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help keep our fleet safe, reliable, and ready to serve.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
