Lead Diesel Technician

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the service division with quality customer service and efficient service of customer fleet vehicles and company vehicles as requested.  Employee strives to ensure customer vehicles are maintained in good condition prior to delivery to the customer for use or by performing Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI), vehicle set-up, and initial/on-going maintenance.

SUPERVISION

This position directly supervises the Cleaner/Driver/Detailers assigned to the McFarland location.  This position may also act as the supervisor for all service staff in the McFarland location in the absence of the Service Manager. Responsibilities include assisting in interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning and assigning work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

• Diagnose problems with equipment and vehicles by test driving vehicles to gauge performance/problems, running diagnostic tests, analyzing diagnostic results, and seeking resolution of identified mechanical issues.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical, fuel, or multiplex issues; must have the ability to use a Digital Vol Ohm Meter (DVOM).
• Performs preventative maintenance on vehicles as necessary, including customer vehicles and company fleet vehicles.
• Performs new bus Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) and set up, inspecting body, frame, and electrical components while troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing to specifications.
• Performs regular maintenance on existing fleet such as repairing and installing parts, seats, panels, leaks, etc.
• Participates in orientation and training of new and existing direct reports; communicates and provides regular feedback on performance and expectations; prioritizes; and provides recognition.
• Responsible for assisting in the planning, organizing, and coordinating the activities of the McFarland Cleaner/Driver/Detailer staff members.  This shall include organizing the workflow, assigning tasks to staff, providing support to staff, and ensuring parts/supplies are available for task completion.
• Review and approve direct report timecards for accuracy and appropriate coding of time worked.
• Accurately documents time and materials spent on each job in the appropriate technology platform in support of customer billing.  Strives to maintain efficiency standards to maximize billable time and materials in support of the Service division’s goals.
• As required, make emergency service calls as necessary for stranded fleet vehicles or other equipment.
• Performs Vehicle Defect Repairs (VDR), recalls, and warranty repairs.
• Provides mentorship and assists other technicians in performing service-related tasks and resolving issues in support of providing high-level customer service in such a way that the customer continually experiences increasing quality in work performed by staff.
• Explains technical diagnoses and needed repairs to non-mechanical individuals which may include other teammates and/or customers.
• Continuously learns new technical information and techniques in formal training sessions in order to stay abreast with rapidly changing automotive and industry technology; works towards obtaining and maintaining Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certifications.
• Keeps management aware of mechanical repair problems as the occur.
• Manages fleet and trip cleaning schedule.  Communicates with Transportation Division regularly to confirm trip schedules and make necessary adjustments.
• Requests or obtains necessary materials, parts and tools; demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail in completing written forms and logbooks; uses and maintains a database to access and record repair or maintenance information.
• Ensures cleanliness of the shop and properly bills/records this time appropriately.
• Supports other areas of the company as necessary, which may include providing services to the Transportation division in a driving role.
• In the absence of the Service Manager in McFarland, this position shall serve as the interim Service Manager responsible for all service operations in the McFarland location.  This primarily will only be necessary for short-term durations while the Manager is away from work.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows Nelson’s Bus Service, Inc. policies and procedures; upholds organizational values; exhibits respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free work environment; demonstrates knowledge of EEO practices and guidelines.
• Observes safety and security procedures; reports unsafe conditions and/or driver traffic violations to management team.  Demonstrates a commitment to company safety and risk management efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty competently. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma plus two-year technical diploma in an Automotive Technology filed and one (1) year of related work experience or the equivalent combination of related work experience and formal education demonstrating the ability to complete the essential functions of the job.  Diesel truck or bus experience is preferred.  Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.  Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of vehicle diagnosis, repair, and maintenance with experience as a mechanic.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations governing equipment operation.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of equipment (i.e. diesel vehicles, trucks, shop equipment, etc.).
• Ability to operate hand tools, air tools, power tools, forklift, and pallet jack.  This position must be able to utilize tools and equipment for the purposes of vehicle maintenance and repair,
• Ability to read and interpret written information including procedure manuals, work orders, technical manuals, warranty claim sheets, manufacturer specifications, parts books, catalogs, invoices, memos, and reports.
• Ability to operate office equipment (copier, fax, printers) video and voice communication equipment.
• Ability to listen to and communicate with managers and co-workers in English as well as with all sectors of the general public.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions including Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual, employee handbook, short correspondence, memos, and route maps/information.
• Ability to write simple correspondence such as work orders (lists of parts used, tasks performed, time spent, etc.) maintenance forms and reports as requested/required.  Ability to professionally communicate in writing to respond to inquiries from leadership, customers, employees, and the general public.
• Must have moderately developed PC skills including: word processing, spreadsheet, Internet, e-mail, task/job documentation software, and timekeeping applications.
• Customer service skills including the ability to effectively speak to customers, other employees, and organizational leadership.
• Must show sensitivity needed to deal with complaints.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• The following certifications are required and may be obtained during the course of employment if other essential functions can be adequately performed: Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with School bus, Passenger and Air Brake endorsements; Cummins Certification; Detroit Diesel Mid-Range Certification; and Thomas Built Buses (TBB) certifications.
• Must successfully pass the pre-employment Department of Transportation fitness for duty; drug, alcohol testing, physical examination and background check including review of driving record.  Must have a commendable driving record.

Interactions and Communications

Responds to the requests of others for basic and general information.

Work Hours

Regular hours of work and scheduled overtime are determined and approved by management based on the operating needs of the business.  Attendance, punctuality, and consistency are requirements of the position.  Employee shall ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent.  Arrival at meetings and appointments on time is expected of the position.  Must be flexible to deal with work schedule changes due to unexpected events.

Decision Making

This position has authority to make decisions that are within detailed/general procedures and protocols and under close supervision.  These decisions directly impact performance in the specific job and/or service division and immediate supervision is suggested for matters employee encounters without procedure/precedent for their decision-making.

Thinking and Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the company, challenges in this position tend to be diverse, but are typically covered by established practice, manufacturer information, or industry precedent.

Computer or Technology Tools & Equipment Used

• Telephone                          
• Computer/Printer 
• Calculator                         
• Copy Machine
• Diagnostic Equipment       
• Fax Machine
• Impact Wrench(es)            
• Car/Truck Hoists
• Hand Tools (all)                
• Multi-meter
• Test Light                          
• Air Tools

Must own, provide, and maintain a personal set of basic hand tools for use in mechanical business operations.  Specialty tools will be provided by the company for use in certain applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk, hear and smell.  Regularly required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crawl.  Regularly required to reach with hands and arms and use foot to operate brake and accelerator pedals.  Occasionally required to sit.
• The employee frequently is required to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds; regularly required up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds or more.
• Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee will be exposed to a work environment containing a loud noise level.  Use of personal protective equipment is required.
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.  Frequently working with or near moving vehicles, their fumes, and airborne particles.  These vehicles often have lifts and ramps which can expose the employee to additional risk.  Occasionally works in high places such as bus roofs or on a ladder.
• The employee will be exposed to occasional vibration from utilization of impact tools.
• Employee will be exposed to various weather conditions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal paper or electronic application; rating of education and experience; verification of driver license; oral company interview; reference check; background check; and post-offer medical examination including drug screen.  Other job-related tests may be required.

Qualifications