Fleet Mechanic

I. Position Summary

The Fleet Mechanic serves as the Tribe's primary skilled trades professional responsible for the mechanical integrity, operational readiness, and safe performance of the Moapa Band of Paiutes governmental vehicle and equipment fleet. The position is organizationally assigned to the Sand & Gravel Department and functions as a centralized fleet support resource serving all Tribal departments, including law enforcement, administration, utilities, public works, and specialty operations. This structure supports efficient fleet management, reduced downtime, preservation of asset value, and continuity of essential Tribal government services.

The Fleet Mechanic reports directly to the Sand & Gravel Manager. All work assignments, scheduling, performance evaluations, discipline, and administrative oversight are exclusively managed through this chain of command. No other department, supervisor, or employee may exercise supervisory or directive authority over this position.

The Fleet Mechanic is responsible for maintaining operational readiness and protecting Tribal assets through preventative maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and accurate documentation of all fleet service activities.

II. Governance Context

The Moapa Band of Paiutes maintains a centralized fleet support model that separates departmental operations from fleet maintenance authority. The Fleet Mechanic is assigned to the Sand & Gravel Department to ensure consistent supervision and standardized service delivery across all Tribal assets.

This structure is intended to:

• Ensure uniform maintenance standards across all departments and vehicle types.
• Prevent conflicting instructions or fragmented supervision from multiple departments.
• Reduce liability associated with unauthorized repairs, undocumented work, or deviations from manufacturer or regulatory standards.
• Support fair prioritization of service based on safety, operational need, and mission-critical requirements.
• Strengthen Tribal asset management through centralized technical oversight.

The Sand & Gravel Manager is the sole authority responsible for assigning, prioritizing, and coordinating all fleet maintenance work. Department heads and supervisors may submit service requests or report operational issues but may not independently direct, alter, or override assigned work. All coordination must flow through the established chain of command.

III. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. Preventative Maintenance

The Fleet Mechanic develops and performs preventative maintenance schedules in accordance with manufacturer specifications, regulatory requirements, and Tribal policy. Duties include:

• Routine servicing such as fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement, brake inspection, tire service, and drivetrain and cooling system maintenance.
• Monitoring mileage, engine hours, and service intervals to ensure compliance and prevent breakdowns.
• Tracking vehicle and equipment condition to support proactive maintenance planning.
• Recommending repair, replacement, or retirement of assets based on condition and lifecycle analysis.

B. Diagnostics and Repair

The Fleet Mechanic diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, emissions, and computerized systems using appropriate diagnostic tools and technical resources.

Responsibilities include:

• Repairing engines, transmissions, drivetrains, steering and suspension systems, braking systems, HVAC, cooling, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
• Servicing heavy equipment such as loaders, dump trucks, graders, excavators, backhoes, and related machinery.
• Maintaining light-duty vehicles including law enforcement units, administrative vehicles, utility vehicles, and specialty Tribal equipment.
• Ensuring all repairs meet applicable safety standards, DOT regulations, and manufacturer specifications before returning equipment to service.

C. Fleet Readiness and Downtime Management

The Fleet Mechanic works with the Sand & Gravel Manager to ensure fleet availability and minimize operational disruptions.

• Prioritizes repairs based on urgency and operational impact.
• Responds to emergency or after-hours repair requests when authorized.
• Provides accurate estimates for repair timelines and parts availability.
• Recommends temporary replacement solutions or rentals when downtime affects mission-critical operations.

D. Interdepartmental Coordination

Fleet services are coordinated exclusively through the Sand & Gravel Manager.

• Communicates with Tribal departments only through authorized channels.
• Serves as a technical resource regarding vehicle condition, maintenance needs, and replacement planning.
• Refers all direct requests or conflicting instructions back to the Sand & Gravel Manager.
• Maintains professional communication regarding vehicle status and repair outcomes.

E. Safety, Compliance, and Documentation

The Fleet Mechanic maintains a safe and compliant work environment and ensures accurate recordkeeping.

• Maintains shop safety in compliance with OSHA, Tribal safety policies, and environmental regulations.
• Properly handles fuels, oils, chemicals, batteries, refrigerants, and hazardous materials.
• Completes detailed work orders, maintenance logs, warranty records, and service histories.
• Maintains tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop facilities in safe working condition.
• Reports unsafe equipment conditions, misuse, or recurring mechanical failures to management.
• Complies with all Tribal procurement, documentation, and operational policies.

IV. Scope of Technical Authority

The Fleet Mechanic exercises defined technical authority within the fleet support structure, under the oversight of the Sand & Gravel Manager.

This authority includes:

• Diagnostic Authority: Determining mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and system failures and recommending corrective action within approved guidelines.
• Safety Authority: Removing any asset from service when it is deemed unsafe. Safety determinations must be documented and cannot be overridden for operational convenience.
• Repair Methods: Selecting appropriate repair procedures consistent with manufacturer standards and Tribal policy.
• Parts Specification: Identifying required parts, fluids, and materials for repairs, subject to procurement approval.
• Shop Control: Maintaining safety standards and proper use of tools, equipment, and service areas.
• Documentation: Ensuring all repair and maintenance records are accurate, complete, and properly maintained.

V. Limitations and Scope of Authority

The Fleet Mechanic operates within defined administrative limits:

• The Sand & Gravel Manager is the sole supervisor responsible for assignments, scheduling, performance management, and discipline.
• No external department or individual may direct, override, or reassign the Fleet Mechanic.
• All service requests and prioritization must be routed through the Sand & Gravel Manager.
• The Fleet Mechanic may not authorize major expenses, outside repairs, warranty claims, or disposal of Tribal assets without written approval.
• Modifications or non-standard repairs require prior authorization from the Sand & Gravel Manager and, when applicable, the requesting department.
• Manufacturer specifications and Tribal maintenance policies must be followed unless formally directed otherwise in writing.

These limitations do not restrict the Fleet Mechanic's authority to remove unsafe equipment from service.

VI. Chain of Command

The Fleet Mechanic operates strictly within the Sand & Gravel Department chain of command. All Tribal departments must submit fleet-related requests through the Sand & Gravel Manager, who retains exclusive authority over assignment and prioritization.

No employee, supervisor, department head, or official outside this structure may issue direct instructions to the Fleet Mechanic. Any such attempts shall be redirected to the Sand & Gravel Manager.

This structure is essential to maintaining operational efficiency, safety compliance, and consistent fleet management across the Tribe.

VII. Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in automotive or heavy equipment repair.
• Experience with both light-duty and heavy diesel equipment.
• Valid driver's license with insurable driving record.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools, meters, and technical service systems.
• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and environmental regulations.
• Ability to pass background check and drug/alcohol screening.

VIII. Preferred Qualifications

• CDL Class A or B (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• ASE certifications (Master or Heavy/Medium Truck preferred).
• Diesel, hydraulic, and EPA 609 certifications.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Experience in government, municipal, tribal, or law enforcement fleets.
• Strong independent diagnostic and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to proactively manage maintenance priorities.

IX. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of automotive, diesel, hydraulic, electrical, and computerized systems.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance and lifecycle asset management.
• Knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and environmental compliance standards.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and service data.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while respecting chain-of-command structure.

X. Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 75 lbs occasionally.
• Manual dexterity for precision tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and coordination for mechanical work.
• Ability to operate Tribal vehicles and equipment as required.

XI. Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a maintenance shop with occasional field and roadside repairs. The position is exposed to noise, fumes, chemicals, vibration, weather conditions, and heavy equipment.

Work involves use of lifts, hoists, welding equipment, diagnostic tools, and pressurized systems requiring strict safety compliance.

Schedule is set by the Sand & Gravel Manager and may include overtime, weekends, and emergency call-outs to support critical Tribal operations.

XII. Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of background check, drug/alcohol screening, and motor vehicle record check.
• Compliance with Tribal drug-free workplace policies.
• Adherence to all Tribal personnel, safety, and conduct policies.
• Maintenance of required certifications and insurable driving record.
• Employment preference is given in accordance with Tribal hiring policies for enrolled members of the Moapa Band of Paiutes and other federally recognized tribes.