Diesel Technician

Salary: $26.36 - $32.95 Hourly
Location : Fleet Maintenance Operations, 4 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: DTech
Department: Maintenance/Garage
Division: Portsmouth Fleet Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/01/2026


Description
The Diesel Technician maintains and repairs a wide variety of heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, trailers, light trucks, and related components including diesel and gasoline-powered equipment. Completes accurate and timely diagnostic testing and analysis of equipment and vehicle operational problems including complex repair and replacement needs. Performs repairs at the Landfill, at SPSA locations, and on-the-road as necessary.

Examples of Duties
The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

% of Time

• Performs maintenance and repairs on a wide variety of heavy-duty equipment and related components, trucks, and automobiles.

35%

• Diagnoses repair and replacement needs. Recommends the need for external repair services.

35%

• Requisitions parts and supplies to repair and maintain equipment and vehicles.

10%

• Works efficiently and effectively with supervisors, staff, and vendors.

10%

• Cleans and maintains shop area, facility, tools, and equipment.

10%

Essential Duties & Responsibilities .

• Provides timely, effective, and efficient repair and maintenance of heavy trucks, trailers, light trucks, and related components including diesel and gasoline-powered equipment.
• Completes accurate and timely diagnostic testing and analysis of equipment and vehicle operational problems including complex repair and replacement needs.
• Creates repair orders using SPSA's fleet management software.
• Reports observed deficiencies and repair needs to formulate corrective action plans.
• Requisitions necessary parts and supplies to repair and maintain equipment and vehicles.
• Performs preventative maintenance on various SPSA equipment.
• Removes and replaces or rebuilds components resulting from wear or failure.
• Performs repairs on diesel engines, gasoline engines, electrical systems, air brake systems, hydraulic systems, trailers, and tires.
• Tests equipment after maintenance or repair to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturer specifications.
• Performs emergency repairs at the Landfill, at SPSA locations, and on-the-road as necessary.
• Performs minor building maintenance and repair as assigned.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of work time and repair summaries.
• Shows respect for workplace facilities and vehicles by maintaining a safe, orderly, and clean work environment.
• Ensures appropriate and timely cleaning, maintenance, and repair of work areas, tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Experience & Education

• Required Education - High School diploma, trade school completion, or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience - Four years of experience, including school or apprenticeship-related experience, in diagnosing, repairing, rebuilding, and replacing components in heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and their component parts.
• Required Licenses - Valid driver's license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of and skilled in the techniques required to diagnose, repair, disassemble, reassemble, and rebuild heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, various equipment and their component parts.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of gasoline and four-cycle diesel engines and the ability to skillfully apply that knowledge.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Considerable knowledge and ability to repair cranes, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Skill and ability to read and understand service manuals and parts books and catalogs.
• Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment used in heavy equipment and automotive maintenance trade.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
This position requires spending a considerable amount of time outdoors and in a garage facility in adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow).


Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear. Requires ability to work outside of normal scheduled hours to repair equipment on an emergency basis as needed. Ability to drive a company vehicle to SPSA locations or sites of required road repairs in all weather conditions.
Machines, Tools & Equipment
This position will be required to regularly use hoists and hand tools to repair and reassemble a wide variety of heavy construction equipment, heavy trucks, trailers, light trucks, automobiles, and related components including diesel and gasoline-powered equipment. Also required to operate and repair cranes, and automotive electrical and hydraulic systems.
Physical & Mental Requirements
This position requires the ability to:

• Work in a dynamic environment requiring teamwork and responsiveness to changing priorities and needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Diagnose equipment failure problems.
• Maintain, repair, rebuild or replace component parts with a variety of heavy and light equipment.
• Maintain written schedules and complete required paperwork such as parts requisition and repair orders.
• Safely operate automotive, heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, trailers, related components, and shop equipment to diagnose and perform repairs.
• Visually detect defective or worn-out parts and tires.
• Select and use the proper repair tools and shop equipment.
• Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools with sufficient manual dexterity.
• Perform repairs on an incline and/or unstable ground in all weather conditions.
• Perform required repairs while standing, reaching, bending, and stooping for prolonged periods.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. throughout the day and move it from one location to another.
• Climb a ladder up to 10 feet in height to work on a truck engine.
• Clean and maintain shop area, tools, and equipment.
• Read and comprehend manuals, parts books, service catalogs and bulletins.
• Complete parts requisition sheets and work orders accurately.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with interpersonal relations skills to receive work assignments, follow directions, and collaborate effectively.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, hearing protection, safety goggles, hard hat, and steel-toed shoes.
• Drive an automobile, pick-up truck, and various heavy equipment safely.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, as needed.

SPSA offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees.

• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - SPSA and employee contributions
• Short and Long Term Disability Coverage (VRS)
• Health Insurance (Includes Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health Coverage)
• Basic Life Insurance (SPSA paid)
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Aflac Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Life Insurance available for Employee and Dependents
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Uniforms provided
• Safety shoes and PPE provided