Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fleet Technician Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

Are you ready to kickstart your career in automotive and diesel mechanics? This role requires a motivated and hands-on Fleet Technician Assistant to join our dynamic team. In this crucial support role, you will be the backbone of our fleet maintenance operations, working alongside senior technicians to ensure our entire fleet of vehicles and equipment is safe, reliable, and ready for service. This is more than just a job; it's a launching pad for a successful career in a high-demand field. You will gain invaluable experience performing preventative maintenance, assisting with complex repairs, and learning the ins and outs of a modern, professional shop environment. If you have a passion for turning wrenches and a desire to learn from the best, this is the opportunity for you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate with automotive vocational training
Lube & Tire Technician
Automotive Hobbyist or Parts Store Associate

Advancement To:

Fleet Technician I / Diesel Mechanic
Lead Fleet Technician / Senior Mechanic
Shop Foreman or Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Fleet Parts Specialist
Service Writer / Service Advisor
Fleet Administrator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist Senior Technicians in performing complex diagnostics, troubleshooting, and major repairs on a diverse range of fleet vehicles including light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, vans, and specialized equipment.
Execute comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) services, such as oil changes, transmission fluid services, filter replacements, and thorough lubrication of all chassis components.
Conduct detailed multi-point vehicle inspections to identify potential issues, checking critical systems including brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and lighting to ensure DOT and safety compliance.
Perform all aspects of tire service, including dismounting, mounting, balancing, rotation, and flat repairs for various vehicle classes.
Assist in diagnosing and repairing basic electrical system faults, including replacing batteries, alternators, starters, wiring, and lighting components.
Support the troubleshooting and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems found on specialized fleet equipment, under the guidance of experienced technicians.
Prepare vehicles and equipment for service by ensuring the work area is clean, and gathering all necessary tools, parts, and technical manuals for the assigned job.
Test drive vehicles before and after repairs to verify symptoms and confirm that all maintenance and repair work has been successfully completed to company standards.
Respond to occasional service road calls to perform minor on-site repairs, such as battery jumps, tire changes, or to assist with vehicle recovery and transport.
Operate and maintain shop equipment, including vehicle lifts, tire changing machines, diagnostic scanners, and brake lathes, in a safe and proficient manner.

Secondary Functions

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance shop environment by sweeping floors, cleaning tools, organizing parts storage, and properly disposing of waste materials.
Manage the receiving, stocking, and organization of new parts and supplies, and assist in maintaining an accurate parts inventory using our management software.
Accurately document all work performed, parts used, and time spent on each job order using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Shuttle vehicles between company locations, external vendor shops, and other destinations as required to facilitate repairs and operational needs.
Prepare and clean vehicles, both interior and exterior, to ensure they meet company standards for presentation and driver comfort.
Assist in the vehicle upfitting and decommissioning process, which includes installing and removing decals, GPS units, shelving, and other specialized equipment.
Handle and dispose of hazardous materials, such as used oil, coolant, and batteries, in strict accordance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.
Participate actively in mandatory safety meetings and ongoing technical training sessions to enhance skills and stay current with evolving vehicle technology.
Support the shop's administrative functions by helping to track warranty claims, process vendor invoices, and maintain service history files.
Communicate effectively with service advisors and supervisors to provide status updates on ongoing repairs and report any unforeseen issues or delays.
Perform minor facility maintenance tasks as needed to ensure the shop remains in good working order.
Assist in conducting periodic inventory counts of tools and equipment to ensure all assets are accounted for.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Basic knowledge of automotive and/or diesel engine systems, including preventative maintenance and minor repair principles.
Proficient and safe use of common hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment (e.g., wrenches, impact guns, floor jacks).
Ability to perform fundamental vehicle services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Basic computer literacy for entering data into maintenance software and looking up service information.
A valid Driver's License and a clean driving record, with the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) often being a plus.
Understanding of basic diagnostic processes, including the ability to read and interpret fault codes from a scanner with guidance.

Soft Skills

Strong work ethic and a high degree of motivation to learn and grow within the trade.
Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to performing high-quality work.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with and supporting senior technicians.
Clear and professional communication skills to relay information to supervisors and team members.
Physical stamina and strength to lift heavy parts (up to 75 lbs) and work on your feet for extended periods.
Problem-solving aptitude with the ability to think critically and follow complex instructions.
Strong commitment to workplace safety and adherence to all established procedures and protocols.
Time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational school or technical college in Automotive Technology or Diesel Mechanics.
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) student certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years of hands-on experience in an automotive repair setting.

Preferred:

Previous experience as a lube technician, tire technician, or general service technician in a car dealership, independent repair shop, or quick-lube facility.
Personal experience working on cars, trucks, or equipment as a hobby is highly valued.