Heavy Equipment / Diesel Mechanic (Fleet Foreman)

Job Description

Job Description

Heavy Equipment / Diesel Mechanic (Fleet Foreman)

Airport Maintenance Department – Airfield and Outlying Properties

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Airfield Facilities Superintendent

Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (shift hours may vary during winter operations)

Rate of Pay : $33.00 per hour (2026)

Position Summary

Under the general supervision Airfield Facilities Superintendent, this position is responsible for the Airport’s fleet maintenance program and function. Incumbent performs a wide range of skilled mechanical work related to the maintenance and repair of automotive, heavy equipment, and related mechanical equipment while assigning, checking, and overseeing the work of the Airport Mechanic and Airport Fleet Technician. Responsible for ensuring all repairs and maintenance are conducted in a safe, complete, and timely manner. Advises department management with respect to budget concerning fleet expenses and needs. Incumbent possesses knowledge and skill in the performance of mechanical tasks involving diagnostics, general repair, maintenance and servicing of automotive, heavy equipment, and related equipment. Incumbent must be capable of providing leadership, exercising good judgement and individual, independent, initiative in handling routine work, and special assignments. Work is reviewed through reports, records, and the actual performance of the specific equipment. Performs snow operations as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Organize and prioritize work orders and tasks for all Airport vehicles and equipment.
• Assign tasks, work order, and repairs to the mechanic and fleet technicians.
• Review work performed by mechanic and fleet technician as needed.
• Repair, recondition, and perform preventative maintenance and service work on automotive, heavy equipment and related equipment (ex. small engines, mowing decks, etc.)
• Maintain and repair various equipment, up to and including, but not limited to universal joints, motor mounts, tune-ups and systems repairs (i.e. heating/cooling and brakes).
• Perform repairs and maintenance on emergency response vehicles.
• Perform emergency repairs in the field as necessary.
• Maintain records and reports. Request parts and materials. Requisition tools and equipment as required for the efficient performance of assigned work.
• Complete minor body repairs and paintwork and vehicles and equipment.
• Identify replacement parts using manuals and other reference materials.
• Perform diagnostics using electronic diagnostic tools and industry best practices.
• Perform internet searches for equipment related parts, availability, and repair techniques.
• Input information into computer databases.
• Drive equipment on ramps, taxiways, aircraft parking areas, and safety areas. Must communicate and follow radio directions from the air traffic control tower.
• Assist with fuel spill clean ups as necessary to protect the environment.
• Participate in random airport worker screenings as needed.
• Participate in Airport sponsored special events.
• Under stressful circumstances, assist Airport staff during emergencies involving aircraft or vehicle accidents or incidents and inclement or hazardous weather preparation, event, and recovery.
• Coordinate with department leadership on equipment life-cycle and participate in procurement procedures/ practices including vendor coordination and recommendation.
• Perform snow removal operations to include salting, sanding, shoveling, brooming, plowing and the application of de-ice and anti-icing products.
• Overtime as required.
• Support the Airport Authority's mission, vision, and values statements in all aspects of work. All employees are expected to be part of our customer service team as Dedicated Customer Care Specialists.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications / Functional Requirements

Position Specific

• Five (5) years of work experience in automotive or heavy equipment repair/service work.
• ASE Certifications in Brakes and Heating/Air Conditioning Systems (if not possessed, both must be obtained within the first 18 months of employment).
• Class “B” CDL with Air Brake Endorsement (if not possessed, must be obtained within the first year of employment)
• Experience with ARC and MIG welding.
• Experience with emergency vehicle repair, maintenance, and operations preferred.

Department Specific

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Must possess and maintain a valid United States, state issued, driver's license.
• Must complete and pass a comprehensive background and Criminal History Records check and be able to obtain security and access credentials.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and physical.
• Must be able to obtain Airfield “Movement Area” driving certification for controlled access to all surfaces (runways, taxiways, aprons, etc.) within three (3) months of employment. Training to be provided.

• Position is required to constantly drive Authority vehicles on Airport grounds and public roadways.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Position Specific

• Knowledge of mechanical repair skills.
• Knowledge of methods of automotive repair.
• Knowledge of occupational hazard and safety precautions of the trade.
• Knowledge of driving and working in a fast-paced maintenance environment.
• Ability to diagnose, locate, define, adjust and/or repair defects in vehicles, light equipment, and heavy equipment and to make necessary repairs within industry recognized standards and time limits.
• Ability to use senses (smell, touch, sight, and hearing) as aids in the evaluation and troubleshooting of malfunctioning equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete work orders and records of parts, time, repair, and other pertinent information.
• Ability to operate a drill press, parts cleaning machine, cut-off saw, various electric, gas and pneumatic tools, oxy/acetylene torch.

Department Specific

• Knowledge of occupational safety rules, practices and familiarity with traffic laws and MOT requirements and best practices.
• Knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in performance of duties.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment required to complete the above listed tasks.
• Knowledge of two-way radio communication skills utilizing aviation radio procedures and use of the phonetic alphabet (OJT).
• Knowledge of OSHA safety rules.
• Knowledge of materials, methods and techniques used in building and ground maintenance as appropriate to the required duties.
• Knowledge of hand tools and tools applicable to normally assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand, speak, read, and write fluent English.
• Ability to receive, understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, Airport tenants and contractors.
• Ability to work various shifts as assigned.
• Ability to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.
• Ability to operate independently and/or within a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced maintenance environment.
• Ability to learn, understand and remember normal tasks.
• Ability to work within expected timelines.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service and interact with passengers to include those who may be emotionally distressed and/or have disabilities (hidden or otherwise).

Work Environment

Work is frequently performed in a maintenance shop environment with moderate inside temperatures and noise levels which may be moderate to loud. Entire office and shop areas are smoke free. Frequent outside work will also be required, which may include exposure to extreme weather conditions and moderate to loud noise levels. Will work in adverse weather conditions, day or night, including very hot and humid temperatures as well as very cold and damp conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Vision abilities required include close, distant, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision acuity of 20/40 corrected or better. Must be able to see and work at night and in dimly lit conditions as necessary and have the ability to see and read letters, numbers, characters, symbols, and identify colors.
• Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
• Ability to walk and work on unstable soil conditions.
• Ability to use small hand tools which require the use of hands, wrists and fingers.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and perform overhead and outstretched lifting.
• Ability to lift large pieces of equipment, including bending and squatting, up to and including 75 pounds.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel and stand for prolonged periods of time, up to 8 hrs.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, up to 12 hours.
• Work performed requires the ability to speak and hear.