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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tanker Technician

💰 $50,000 - $90,000

Skilled TradesMaintenanceTransportationLogisticsAutomotive

🎯 Role Definition

The Tanker Technician is a highly specialized maintenance professional who serves as the backbone of a fleet's safety and operational readiness. This role is not just about turning wrenches; it's about ensuring that chemical, food-grade, or petroleum tankers meet and exceed stringent DOT, federal, and company standards. You are the expert responsible for the complete lifecycle of tanker maintenance, from routine inspections and preventative care to complex diagnostics and major overhauls of tank systems, running gear, and braking systems. Your meticulous work directly impacts public safety, environmental protection, and the company's ability to deliver for our clients reliably and efficiently.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Diesel Mechanic / Heavy Duty Technician
  • Trailer Mechanic
  • Welder / Fabricator
  • Industrial Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Technician / Shop Foreman
  • Maintenance Supervisor / Service Manager
  • Fleet Manager
  • DOT Compliance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Fleet Maintenance Planner
  • Technical Trainer
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive diagnostics and major/minor repairs on a variety of tanker trailers, including chemical, petroleum, and food-grade units, focusing on systems like suspension, brakes, and electrical components.
  • Conduct federally mandated annual inspections (FHWA/DOT) on cargo tanks, meticulously documenting all findings and ensuring full compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations.
  • Execute specialized tank testing procedures, including vapor tightness tests (EPA Method 27), internal and external visual inspections, and hydrostatic pressure tests as required by industry standards (HM-183).
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and install complex pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including product pumps, internal and external valves, and discharge piping, ensuring they function safely and without leaks.
  • Utilize advanced welding and fabrication skills (primarily TIG and MIG on stainless steel and aluminum) to repair tank barrels, frames, subframes, and other structural components according to code.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex issues with sophisticated Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Roll Stability Control (RSC), and other electronic systems on modern tanker trailers.
  • Perform complete brake jobs, including the replacement of s-cams, bushings, brake chambers, slack adjusters, and drums, ensuring optimal stopping performance and compliance.
  • Install, maintain, and repair tanker-specific equipment such as overfill protection systems, vapor recovery units, and onboard pumping/compressor packages.
  • Manage the internal tank cleaning and preparation process for inspection and repair, adhering to strict safety protocols for confined space entry and handling of residual products.
  • Respond to and effectively manage road calls for disabled tanker units, performing on-site diagnostics and emergency repairs to minimize fleet downtime and service disruptions.
  • Interpret complex technical manuals, OEM service bulletins, schematics, and wiring diagrams to accurately diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults.
  • Maintain a detailed and accurate record of all maintenance, inspections, and repairs performed using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
  • Oversee the disassembly, repair, and reassembly of tank shell components, manways, and pressure/vacuum safety relief valves, ensuring proper sealing and function.
  • Conduct thorough preventative maintenance (PM) services on tanker fleets based on mileage and time, identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major failures.
  • Perform complete wheel-end maintenance, including bearing and seal replacement, hub servicing, and application of proper torque procedures to prevent catastrophic failures.
  • Repair and replace lighting and complete electrical wiring harnesses, ensuring all systems are functional and meet DOT visibility requirements.
  • Calibrate and test metering, gauging, and temperature monitoring equipment on tankers to ensure accurate measurement and handling of product.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians or apprentices, sharing specialized knowledge of complex tanker systems and repair techniques.
  • Liaise directly with drivers to understand reported defects and provide clear, concise communication on the status of repairs and estimated completion times.
  • Safely operate heavy shop equipment, including forklifts, overhead cranes, plasma cutters, and various power and hand tools essential for tanker repair.
  • Repair and maintain landing gear assemblies, upper couplers, and kingpins to ensure safe and secure tractor-trailer connections.
  • Ensure all work performed strictly adheres to company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental standards, maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new maintenance technologies and tooling to improve shop efficiency and repair quality.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tanker maintenance and safety protocols.
  • Collaborate with the safety and compliance department to investigate incidents or equipment failures and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Participate actively in safety committee meetings and daily toolbox talks, consistently promoting a culture of safety-first within the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Air Brake & ABS Expertise: High-level proficiency in diagnosing and repairing air brake systems, including advanced ABS/EBS and stability control platforms.
  • Advanced Welding & Fabrication: Mastery of TIG and MIG welding, particularly on aluminum and stainless steel, for structural and tank shell repairs. 'R' Stamp certification is highly desirable.
  • DOT/FHWA Compliance: Deep expertise in federal DOT/FHWA inspection procedures and documentation requirements for cargo tanks.
    -Tanker Systems Knowledge: Strong, practical understanding of tanker-specific systems including internal/external valves, pumps, piping, and vapor recovery equipment.
  • Cargo Tank Testing: Direct experience with HM-183, VKIP (Visual, Thickness, Leakage, Internal, Pressure) testing protocols for tank integrity.
  • Schematic Interpretation: The ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and hydraulic blueprints.
  • Diagnostic Software Competence: Experience using diagnostic software (e.g., Bendix ACom, Meritor WABCO Toolbox) for trailer electronic systems.
  • Confined Space Entry: Formal training and practical knowledge of confined space entry procedures and associated safety protocols.
  • Suspension & Wheel-End Overhaul: Skilled in complete wheel-end and air-ride/spring suspension system overhauls and alignments.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Competence in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for creating, tracking, and closing work orders.
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness: Knowledge of hazardous material classifications and the associated safety precautions for handling and repair.

Soft Skills

  • Diagnostic Problem-Solving: A keen, analytical ability to trace and diagnose complex, non-obvious mechanical and electrical issues from root cause to resolution.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and accuracy, understanding that small errors in this field can have significant safety and environmental consequences.
  • Safety-First Mindset: A deeply ingrained, personal commitment to following safety protocols without compromise, for oneself and the team.
  • Effective Time Management: The ability to self-manage and prioritize a demanding workload in a fast-paced shop environment to minimize equipment downtime.
  • Clear Communication: The capacity to articulate technical issues and repair statuses clearly to supervisors, drivers, and other technicians.
  • Adaptability & Continuous Learning: A genuine willingness to learn new technologies, embrace evolving repair procedures, and pursue new certifications as the industry advances.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a diploma/certification from a technical or vocational school in Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Repair, or Welding Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Diesel Mechanics
  • Welding Technology
  • Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3-7 years of hands-on experience in heavy-duty truck or trailer maintenance. A strong foundation in electrical, air brakes, and suspension is critical.

Preferred:
5+ years of experience with at least 2 years spent working directly on cargo tank trailers. Preference is given to individuals holding current certifications such as an 'R' Stamp (ASME/NBIC), brake certification (DOT), and/or welding certifications (e.g., AWS D1.2, D1.6).

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