Torchora
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equipment supervisor

title: 'Equipment Supervisor: Lead, Maintain, and Optimize Our Fleet'
salary: $65,000 - $95,000
categories: ["Operations", "Maintenance", "Logistics", "Construction", "Supervision"]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a 'Equipment Supervisor: Lead, Maintain, and Optimize Our Fleet'.

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and motivated Equipment Supervisor to join our dynamic operations team. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind the maintenance, repair, and overall management of our company's diverse fleet of equipment. You will lead a dedicated team of technicians and mechanics, fostering a culture of safety, precision, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep technical knowledge, exceptional organizational skills, and a proven track record of optimizing equipment reliability and availability. If you are passionate about keeping critical machinery in peak condition and leading a high-performing team, this is the opportunity for you to make a significant impact on our operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Maintenance Technician / Lead Mechanic
  • Shop Foreman
  • Field Service Technician (with leadership experience)

Advancement To:

  • Equipment Manager / Fleet Manager
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
  • Safety Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Supervise and direct the daily activities of a team of equipment mechanics, technicians, and support staff, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
  • Oversee the comprehensive maintenance and repair of all company-owned and rented equipment, including heavy machinery, vehicles, and specialized tools.
  • Develop, implement, and manage a robust preventive maintenance (PM) program to ensure maximum equipment uptime, reliability, and longevity.
  • Coordinate and prioritize all incoming work orders, ensuring timely and efficient completion of repairs to minimize operational disruptions.
  • Conduct regular inspections of equipment and vehicles to diagnose faults, assess conditions, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Manage the procurement, inventory, and issuance of all necessary parts, supplies, and tools required for the maintenance shop, optimizing for cost and availability.
  • Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing all safety protocols, procedures, and OSHA standards within the shop and in the field.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all maintenance activities, repairs, costs, and equipment history using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance to mechanics and technicians in troubleshooting complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
  • Collaborate with project managers and operational leaders to plan and forecast equipment needs for upcoming projects, ensuring proper allocation and readiness.
  • Manage the departmental budget for maintenance, repairs, and parts, tracking expenditures and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
  • Evaluate equipment performance and lifecycle costs to provide data-driven recommendations for equipment repair, overhaul, or replacement.
  • Coordinate with third-party vendors and service providers for specialized repairs, warranty work, and parts sourcing, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
  • Develop and deliver training programs for both maintenance staff and equipment operators on proper use, daily checks, and minor maintenance tasks.
  • Respond to and manage emergency equipment breakdowns, deploying resources effectively to resolve issues with minimal impact on operations.
  • Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment availability, mean time to repair (MTTR), and PM compliance.
  • Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement, actively seeking and implementing new technologies and best practices in equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure all equipment meets or exceeds federal, state, and local transportation (DOT) and environmental (EPA) regulations.
  • Prepare and manage the logistics for equipment mobilization and demobilization to and from various job sites.
  • Conduct root cause analysis on recurring equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
  • Oversee the facility management of the maintenance shop, ensuring it is clean, organized, and properly equipped to support all maintenance functions.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to annual budget forecasting and capital expenditure planning for the equipment department.
  • Generate and present regular reports on equipment utilization, maintenance costs, and team performance to senior management.
  • Collaborate with the Safety department to investigate any equipment-related incidents and implement preventive measures.
  • Participate in cross-departmental meetings to ensure alignment between maintenance activities and overall company objectives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Mechanical Knowledge: Deep understanding of diesel engines, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems for heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Expertise in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., Fleetio, ManagerPlus, SAP PM) for work order management and record keeping.
  • Diagnostic Software: Skill in using OEM diagnostic software (e.g., CAT ET, John Deere Service Advisor) to troubleshoot modern equipment.
  • Fleet Management: Proven ability to manage the lifecycle, utilization, and cost-effectiveness of a diverse equipment fleet.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of OSHA, DOT, EPA, and other relevant safety and environmental regulations.
  • Inventory Control: Experience with parts inventory management systems and best practices for cost control.
  • Welding and Fabrication: A foundational understanding of welding and fabrication techniques is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of technicians to achieve high performance.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with teams, management, and vendors.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to diagnose complex issues and implement effective solutions under pressure.
  • Organizational & Planning Skills: Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks, manage schedules, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
  • Decision Making: Sound judgment and the ability to make timely, data-informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Relevant technical or vocational certification in diesel technology, heavy equipment mechanics, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering / Technology
  • Automotive / Diesel Technology
  • Business Administration or Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-7+ years of hands-on experience in heavy equipment maintenance and repair, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Preferred: Direct experience in industries such as construction, mining, logistics, or heavy civil infrastructure. Proven experience managing a preventive maintenance program and utilizing a CMMS.

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