Lead Fleet Technician

Lead Fleet Technician

Join the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), the largest rural transit agency in the U.S., in the stunning Colorado Rockies. Known for innovative and reliable transit, RFTA connects vibrant communities while supporting sustainability and quality of life.

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: Aspen, Colorado

Pay Range: Hiring/Starting pay range is $35.47 - $45.22/hourly, based on experience.

Benefits include (but are not limited to): Paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and hearing insurance with FSA/HSA, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), 401(a) and 457(b) retirement plans, EAP, ski pass, etc. For more detail -

Position Purpose:

The Lead Fleet Technician will manage and lead a team of up to 14 personnel, including Fleet Techs, Fleet Service Workers, and Fleet Custodians. This position ensures effective shift turnover, monitors vehicle repair progress, manages parts orders, and provides seamless communication with the Fleet Managers regarding any operational or maintenance issues. The role involves performing general and complex mechanical repairs, preventative maintenance, and inspections on a wide range of RFTA buses and vehicles, including conventional, biofuel-powered, CNG, and Battery Electric vehicles. The Lead Fleet Technician ensures all work is performed safely and professionally, supporting the Operations Department as needed.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Operates vehicles in strict compliance with RFTA policies, procedures, and all applicable Federal and Colorado traffic laws and regulations.
• Review daily maintenance tasks and assign duties to Fleet Techs, Fleet Service Workers, and Fleet Custodians, using Trapeze EAM. Ensure timely completion of work according to priorities set by the Director of Maintenance or Fleet Managers.
• Monitor the status of vehicles to ensure adequate resources are available to meet service level requirements for the Operations Department.
• Conducts scheduled PM Inspections (e.g., Seasonal, State of Good Repair, Safety, DOT) and performs necessary repairs, including preventative maintenance on RFTA vehicles and non-high voltage systems of BEVs and hybrids
• Perform maintenance and repairs on CNG and Diesel engines, Electric Vehicle (EV) systems, chassis, air systems, transmissions, drive trains, and more. Work at the system, unit, component, or part level as needed.
• Supervise shift personnel, providing detailed turnover to the following shift to ensure continuity on pending work and projects.
• Inform the Fleet Managers of any daily operational issues, ensuring that supervisors are aware of employee, equipment, or performance-related concerns.
• Troubleshoot vehicle systems, diagnose maintenance problems, and recommend or perform necessary repairs.
• Assist subordinates with troubleshooting, monitor parts and equipment orders, and help resolve labor or disciplinary issues.
• Ensure that proper vehicle assignments are made according to pull-out sheets, collaborating with Operations Supervisors on duty.
• Respond to road calls, service requests, and operate service trucks. Assist the Operations Department with vehicle exchanges, recovery, or repairs as necessary.
• Accurately document all actions taken in written and/or electronic formats, including accident, incident, spill reports, core and warranty claims, and work orders. Review subordinates' documentation for accuracy.
• Document any employee issues or unusual occurrences and report to the Fleet Managers or Director of Maintenance.
• Participate in building safety inspections and training, fostering a culture of safety among team members.
• Uphold and enforce RFTA policies and procedures, leading by example to promote accountability, teamwork, and high-quality work. Ensure the department's goals take precedence over personal interests.
• Continuously improves professional knowledge, skills, and abilities by participating in training sessions and relevant educational opportunities.
• Serve as the primary contact and first responder for serious accidents, incidents, or events within the Maintenance Department.
• Ensure the work area is maintained in a clean and organized manner.
• Occasionally assist or serve as a fill-in for Fleet Service Workers.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to align with and contribute to personal, departmental, and organizational goals.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including diesel and gas engines, transmissions, braking systems, suspension, and HVAC.
• Solid knowledge of NFPA 70E Electrical Safety, OSHA, and safe working practices and procedure
• Proficiency with advanced computer systems and diagnostic software.
• Expertise in electrical systems, diesel and gas engine mechanics, power trains, air systems, HVAC, braking, and suspension systems.
• In-depth knowledge of high voltage systems, specifically for Battery Electric and Hybrid vehicles.
• Strong diagnostic abilities, including familiarity with Vansco, Dinex, Siemens Electric Drive Systems, and more.
• Solid leadership and communication skills to manage and interact effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools, hand tools, pneumatic tools, and electronic equipment.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications:

Education

• High school education or equivalent.
• Vocational/Technical degree in related fields (diesel, automotive, etc.).
• Training and certifications are necessary to perform role responsibility.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• If holding an out-of-state license, must obtain a Colorado license within 90 days.
• Must obtain a Colorado Class B CDL Permit or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a B-P2 rating within 90 days of hire.
• Valid DOT Physical Exam Certificate.
• ASE Certifications H4 & H8 (must obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Refrigerant Certification (Section 608 & 609).
• CNG FSI Certification (must obtain within 1 year).
• Underground Storage Tank (UST) Certification (Class C).
• RFTA Forklift Certification.
• CDOT Annual Inspections & Brake Inspector's Certifications (must obtain within 2 years).
• CNG Fuel Certification.
• High Voltage PPE Safety Course pass/ successful completion required
• Basic First Aid, CPR and AED Training Courses pass/ successful completion of all required

Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in transit maintenance, or a combination of vocational/technical training and 2+ years of transit maintenance experience with leadership training.

Working Conditions:

This position requires strenuous physical work, including lifting objects over 100 pounds occasionally and over 50 pounds frequently. The technician will work in environments where up to 650 volts DC and 480 volts 3-phase AC are present. Work conditions include exposure to moving equipment, vehicles, fumes, chemicals, and hazardous materials. The technician must work in various weather conditions, at varying shifts, and on roadways in the event of breakdowns or accidents. Responds to serious accidents and regularly handles bodily fluids. The role also involves handling hazardous and toxic materials (e.g., toxic paints, thinners, and bodywork supplies) while adhering to safety rules and regulations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided.

Must be able to pass fitness for duty test and drug and alcohol prior to employment.

RFTA Vehicle Maintenance Department operates two locations 24 hrs./7 days week 365 days a year. All employees are expected to work weekends, holidays and any shift as necessary. Most shifts are 10 hours with non-traditional staring times; generally, the morning shift (6:00 AM), afternoon (2:00 PM)