Fleet Maintenance Technician

Job Summary

South West Transit is seeking a dedicated, career-oriented Fleet Maintenance Technician with strong mechanical skills, problem solving skills, and a commitment to public service. Technicians diagnose, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on South West Transit buses, cars, trucks, and equipment.

Advanced vehicle technology: modern buses use advanced technology, including multiplexing, J1939 CAN communications, and electric‑powered accessories. Technicians troubleshoot these systems using computer‑based diagnostic software.

Excellent maintenance facility:
South West Transit’s bus maintenance facility features heated garages, a climate‑controlled maintenance shop, bright lighting, vehicle ventilation, lifts, and hoists.

Technicians are provided with a $100 monthly tool allowance to help keep gear up to date.

Salary offer will be commensurate with candidate’s training, qualifications, and experience. South West Transit will review applications as they are submitted.

• Demonstrate the ability to perform diagnoses and repairs on the vehicle chassis, drive train, components, and systems, including gas and diesel engines, hydraulic and air brake systems, safely and proficiently.
• Perform schematic and blueprint reading; electrical/electronic chart recording interpretation.
• Proficient in the use of Vehicle Maintenance Software (VMS) to properly record tasks performed, parts used, labor time, and proper identification of repair reason (i.e., warranty, accident, rework, road call, etc.).
• Respond to roadside breakdown situations, perform repairs, and/or provide a replacement vehicle as necessary. Coordinate field repairs as required using outside vendors if necessary and determine whether vehicles require a tow or are safe to drive.
• Perform thorough and efficient preventative maintenance on SWT fleet vehicles.
• Attend safety and training meetings; participate in emergency preparedness training. Demonstrate knowledge of training content by performing in a safe, compliant, and appropriate manner.
• Operate a forklift as required.
• Possess necessary skills to weld and cut various metals properly.
• Perform shop housekeeping tasks, ensuring all equipment is safely and securely stored and the work area is kept clean and organized.
• Perform other related duties apparent or assigned to this position.

• High school degree or GED.
• Two years of vehicle technical training or experience in vehicle maintenance, including gas, diesel, and electric powered vehicles.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and OSHA rules and regulations.
• Exhibits a positive, collaborative approach toward teammates.
• Embraces SWT values of Purpose, Integrity, Continuous Learning, Innovation, Belonging and Accountability.
• Basic computer skills.

• Two years of experience on heavy‑duty vehicles, preferably transit‑type vehicles.
• Possession of a Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License A or B, with passenger endorsement, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Possession of a valid medical examiner certificate as per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR 391.41‑391.49 once CDL is attained.
• Experience using computer‑based software to record parts usage and labor time.

This position requires flexibility to work overtime on occasion or to adjust the normal schedule to meet work demands at management’s request. It is a safety‑sensitive position and is subject to random DOT drug tests. Work is both indoors and outdoors, with much of the workday spent walking or standing. Work involves accessing cramped spaces, climbing ladders, and walking on uneven surfaces.

Frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling of items over 50 pounds or applying equivalent torque is required. There is frequent exposure to fuel and lubricants and occasional exposure to caustic or hazardous chemicals. There is frequent exposure to electrical and pneumatic power tools as well as loud noise. Seasonally, there is exposure to heat, cold or wet conditions.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Pension plan: PERA (employer contributions vest after 3 years)
• PTO: 21 Days Off Per Year
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Life and AD&D Insurance and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary 457 and (Roth) retirement plans
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 2 Floating Holidays
• Long‑term Disability Income (60% of base rate of pay)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program

South West Transit participates in E‑Verify. Upon accepting a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a Form I‑9 and provide documentation to verify identity and employment eligibility.