Vehicle Equipment Technician

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title: Vehicle Equipment Technician

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Vehicle Equipment Tech III

The Vehicle Equipment Technician oversees maintenance of over 50 licensed vehicles and another 20‑30 motorized vehicles, including tractors, off‑road vehicles, EV’s and stationary engines. This position works with the Chief Facilities Officer in managing the inventory of the fleet, including finding replacement vehicles, completing vehicle inspections for resale and purchase and maintaining records of all equipment. The Vehicle Equipment Technician oversees students who aid in cleaning, refueling and maintenance of our internal rental car fleet.

• Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures
• Serves as a point of contact to individuals providing information and updates about vehicle and large‑engine maintenance and repairs
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs complex parts and systems for large‑engine vehicles and equipment under general supervision to ensure optimal and safe operation
• Identifies and troubleshoots complex vehicle and large‑engine issues and collaborates with work unit staff to resolve issues

Under minimal supervision, the Vehicle Equipment Technician III serves in a lead technical capacity, providing advanced diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and support for fleet vehicles, maintenance crew vehicles, grounds equipment, and specialized heavy equipment. This position performs highly skilled and complex mechanical work, exercises independent judgment, and provides guidance to lower‑level technicians and student workers. This position includes paid time off, sick time, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, life insurance (multiple, low‑cost plans), and flexible spending accounts, as well as participation in the nationally ranked pension Wisconsin Retirement System with employee match!

Lead and Technical Support

• Act as a lead technician, providing technical guidance, training, and support to student workers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex mechanical and electronic systems.
• Review completed work for quality and compliance with standards.

Maintenance and Repair

• Diagnose, repair, overhaul, and maintain a wide range of equipment, including but not limited to:
  • Automobiles, light‑duty and heavy‑duty trucks (over 26,000 lbs.)
  • Aerial trucks
  • Grounds and construction equipment such as tractors, end loaders, scrapers, graders, and gang mowers
  • Gasoline, diesel, electric, and alternative‑fuel‑powered equipment
• Perform major and minor engine repairs, including tune‑ups, valve adjustments, and timing.
• Repair transmissions, clutches, differentials, drive trains, shafts, and U‑joints.
• Inspect, adjust, and repair braking systems (hydraulic, air, electric, and mechanical), suspension, steering, and exhaust/emissions systems.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, lighting, electronic, heating, and air‑conditioning systems.
• Maintain and repair fuel, cooling, and hydraulic systems.
• Remove and replace major vehicle and equipment components as needed.
• Perform road tests and operational checks to ensure safe and proper operation.

Preventive Maintenance and Inspections

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on fleet vehicles and equipment.
• Conduct safety inspections and vehicle inspections, as required.
• Maintain accurate preventive maintenance schedules and service records.
• Lubricate components, change oil and filters, check and replenish fluids, and refuel vehicles.

Fleet Operations Support

• Prepare fleet and motor pool vehicles for customer use, including washing, fueling, and interior cleaning.
• Perform visual inspections to identify mechanical, body, or preventive maintenance needs.
• Complete vehicle checklists, properly stage vehicles, and return keys and documentation to dispatch.
• Operate lift, hand tools, shop equipment, scan tools, and diagnostic testing…