Driver & Tire Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Tire Technician and Driver plays a dual role, combining the responsibilities of shuttling fleet vehicles, to and from the locations of fleet accounts/customers, with the tasks of diagnosing, repairing, and installing tires. When not engaged in driving duties, this role would be performing the duties of tire installation and maintenance, which includes mounting and dismounting tires, balancing and rotating them, performing minor repairs, and diagnosing and replacing Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). This position also requires maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient shop environment, with responsibilities such as stocking tires, organizing the tires and ensuring all equipment is in proper working order. This role is crucial in ensuring that both fleet operations and tire services are executed with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Drive vehicles to and from fleet customer locations, ensuring timely and secure delivery while adhering to all traffic laws.
• Interact professionally with customers during vehicle deliveries, addressing any questions or concerns and providing a positive customer experience.
• Document and report any damages, shortages, or other issues encountered with the vehicle or during delivery, ensuring that all necessary follow-up actions are taken.
• Safely operate the delivery vehicle with caution, maintaining awareness of traffic conditions, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
• When not driving fleet vehicles, perform routine tire maintenance services, including rotations, balancing, and repairs, identifying wear patterns, diagnosing tire issues, patching or plugging minor punctures, and ensuring all tires meet safety standards.
• Diagnose issues with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and replace sensors or modules as needed, using specialized tools to read and reset TPMS codes, and ensuring that systems are calibrated and functioning correctly.
• Accurately complete work orders and associated documentation, ensuring all services performed are properly recorded, detailing the work done, parts used, and any additional customer notes, ensuring transparency and clarity in service records.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the shop, including regular cleaning of work areas, proper storage of tools and equipment, stocking tires, organizing tire rooms, conducting routine checks on equipment to ensure it is in good working order, and reporting any maintenance needs.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and best practices to ensure a safe working environment, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), following company safety guidelines, staying updated on OSHA regulations, and ensuring compliance with DOT regulations when driving, including maintaining a valid driver's license and following all motor vehicle laws.
• Provide courteous and efficient service to customers, both in the shop and during vehicle shuttling, addressing customer inquiries, offering advice on tire care, ensuring customer satisfaction with services provided, and maintaining professional communication with co-workers, fleet account representatives, and customers.
• Actively participate in ongoing training programs to enhance technical skills and knowledge, staying informed to tire maintenance and repair, and applying learned techniques to improve service quality and efficiency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to drive and maneuver non-CDL vehicles with a focus on safety and awareness of surroundings.
• Familiarity with fleet vehicle management, and adherence to traffic laws and DOT regulations at all times
• Knowledge of documentation processes, including maintaining driver logs, work orders, and records of deliveries.
• General mechanical skills including an understanding of or ability to learn tire maintenance, including mounting, dismounting, balancing, rotation, and minor repair.
• Ability to be trained to operate machines and equipment used in the automotive mechanical trade
• Flexibility to switch between driving and tire technician duties as needed, while maintaining high standards of performance.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to provide courteous and professional service to customers and colleagues.
• Keen eye for detail in performing inspections, identifying tire issues, and strong commitment to safety, with the ability to recognize and mitigate potential hazards in both driving and shop environments.
• Willingness to continuously learn, improve technical skills and work in a fast-paced, teamwork environment
• Ability to consistently follow store policies and procedures.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or a GED equivalent.
• Previous driving experience is a plus.

• Previous mechanical and/or automotive experience preferred, but not required.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Duties involve physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy tires, standing for long periods, and working and driving in various weather conditions
• This position may require other activities such as pulling, pushing, twisting, bending, climbing and reaching.
• Ability to work in a crouched position.
• Must be able to climb (ladders or stairs) and work in an environment with loud noises and exposure to changes in weather.