Want to grow in your career and make a difference every day? We are seeking experienced vehicle technicians to join the award-winning Southwest Transit team. As one of SouthWest Transit's vehicle techs (mechanic) you’ll be able to work on a variety of vehicles, including transit buses, minivans, and cut-away buses. You’ll have an opportunity to work on diesel, gas, and a growing number of electric vehicles. Our offices are located in Eden Prairie, a nationally-ranked suburb of Minneapolis that is routinely cited for its high quality of life. We offer competitive pay with great benefits including retirement, health insurance, and generous paid time off. Most of all, you get to be part of a great team that is doing important work serving the community.
 
 SouthWest Transit is an award-winning public transit agency serving the core areas of Chaska, Chanhassen, and Eden Prairie. We currently offer express bus service to and from Downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and Normandale Community College as well as daily on-demand micro-transit service in our core service area as well as adjacent cities in Carver, Scott, and Hennepin counties. In addition to our regular services, we also offer seasonal services including the Minnesota State Fair, Twins Express, Vikings Express, Gophers Express, select concerts, and more.
We are looking for Vehicle Maintenance Technicians (mechanics) for all shifts. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Vehicle Maintenance Manager and with minimal technical assistance from an A-level technician, Vehicle Maintenance Technicians independently perform most intermediate and some advanced levels of diagnostic routine and advanced diagnostics vehicle repairs. Vehicle Maintenance Technicians perform thorough and efficient preventative maintenance on SWT fleet vehicles. Additionally, they recommend required repairs or if part replacement is needed and are responsible for the quality and proficiency of assigned work.

• Demonstrate the ability to perform most 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. 
  1. Perform road tests of equipment following preventative maintenance or repair work when necessary to ensure that repairs are properly completed, and the vehicle is safe to operate.
  2. Report to Vehicle Maintenance Manager when repairs are covered by warranty or are of a nature that requires the use of outside vendors to perform the repairs.
  3. Possess the ability to safely and properly use and care for all diagnostic and repair equipment, including all welding and cutting equipment. 
  4. Refer to and understand vehicle manuals and schematics to aid in failure diagnoses and repair of vehicle systems and components.
  5. Possess skills necessary to weld and cut various metals properly.
• Perform or direct the work of lower-level technicians in the performance of preventive maintenance inspections per the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) preventive maintenance schedules, resulting in vehicles that are safe to operate. 
  1. Perform and/or provide direction and training to lower-level technicians, apprentices and maintenance utility workers for all vehicle preventative maintenance and lubrication and fluid replacement per the OEM schedule.
  2. Perform and/or provide direction and training to lower-level technicians and apprentices of diagnostics to determine the cause of mechanical or electrical vehicle malfunctions and determine the appropriate repair procedure.
  3. Perform all tasks of lower-level technicians as required or directed.
  4. Provide vehicle system use training to bus operators.
• Respond to roadside breakdown situations and 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.
  1. Assist in clearing accident scenes, ensuring passenger safety as requested by management 
• 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.).
• Perform shop housekeeping tasks, ensuring all equipment is safely and securely stored and the work area is kept clean and organized.
  1. Follow all OSHA, EPA, MPCA, and shop safety rules in the performance of all work tasks.
  2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as foot protection, eye and hand protection, or as required for task being performed.
• Make suggestions to the vehicle maintenance manager to develop recommendations for equipment repairs, replacement, repair procedures, repair parts, and supply needs.
• Drive vehicles within the repair facility and shuttle replacement vehicles to the field or as directed by management.
• Is available to be on-call in order to respond to road emergencies and agency needs. Is subject to call-in during off-hours, weekends and holidays.
• Ensure professional working relationships are maintained among SWT staff, SWT contracted staff, and with outside vendors.
• Must be available to work overtime or adjust the normal schedule to meet work demands at management’s request.
• Work to obtain ASE certifications to help with advancement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school degree or GED
• Two years of Vehicle Technical training or experience in vehicle maintenance, including gas and diesel-powered vehicles.
• Possession of a Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License A or B, with passenger endorsement, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Possession of a valid medical examiner certificate as per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR 391.41-391.49
• Familiarity with workplace safety and OSHA rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with computers. Preferred skills include Microsoft Word and Excel as well as basic keyboarding skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Two years of experience on heavy-duty vehicles, preferably transit-type vehicles.
• Certification through ASE in H4 Transit Bus Brakes, H5 Transit Bus Suspension and Steering, H7 Transit Bus HVAC, and H8 or automotive equivalent Transit Bus Preventive Maintenance Inspections 

Work is both indoors and outdoors. Much of the workday is spent walking or standing. Work involves accessing cramped spaces, climbing ladders, and walking on uneven surfaces. Frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling of items over 60 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.