District Mechanical Officer - Leading Hand

State of Victoria; Geelong; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful purpose

Work-life balance

Growth opportunities

Member discounts

Wellbeing programs

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria is seeking a qualified mechanic to step into a Leading Hand role within the Fleet Maintenance workshop. You will service, repair and maintain complex firefighting vehicles and appliances, diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults and supporting daily workshop operations.

The role combines hands-on engineering with mentoring of apprentices and co-workers, reinforcing safety standards and accurate record-keeping in CFA systems.

Qualifications

• Qualified mechanic with hands-on experience servicing medium and heavy vehicles and firefighting appliances.
• Strong fault-finding skills across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to lead, guide and support workshop employees and apprentices.

Responsibilities

• Servicing, repairing and maintaining medium and heavy vehicles and firefighting appliances.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical and electrical faults.
• Completing preventative and corrective maintenance and approved modifications.
• Supporting the OIC with workshop workflow, priorities and allocation of work.
• Providing technical guidance and support to workshop employees and apprentices.
• Undertaking quality checks to ensure work meets required standards.
• Maintaining accurate records in CFA systems.
• Liaising with brigade members about vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• Participating in the workshop after-hours roster for breakdowns and operational support.

Skills

Medium & heavy vehicles

Fault diagnosis

Electrical diagnostics

Leadership

Time management

Education

Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology

Motor Mechanic Trade Certificate

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management

Heavy Vehicle Licensed Vehicle Tester (advantage)

Tools

Forklift

High Risk Work Licence LF

Job description

About the RoleCFA relies on a fleet of more than 2,300 firefighting and specialist vehicles and appliances to support communities across Victoria. Our Fleet Maintenance team keeps these vehicles safe, reliable and ready to respond.As the Leading Hand, you'll carry out servicing, repairs, preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis and approved modifications across CFA's fleet.Working under the direction of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), you'll also perform a Leading Hand role within the workshop, helping to coordinate daily work, providing technical guidance and supporting other employees and apprentices.Your responsibilities will include:Servicing, repairing and maintaining medium and heavy vehicles and firefighting appliancesDiagnosing and resolving complex mechanical and electrical faultsCompleting preventative and corrective maintenance and approved modificationsSupporting the OIC with workshop workflow, priorities and allocation of workProviding technical guidance and support to workshop employees and apprenticesUndertaking quality checks to ensure work meets required standardsMaintaining accurate work, parts and maintenance records in CFA systemsLiaising with brigade members about vehicle maintenance and repairsParticipating in the workshop after-hours roster for breakdowns and operational supportAbout YouYou'll be an experienced and qualified mechanic who is ready to take on a Leading Hand role, combining hands-on mechanical work with providing guidance and support to others. You'll have strong medium and heavy vehicle experience, advanced fault-finding skills and the ability to work confidently and independently.You will have:Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology, Motor Mechanic Trade Certificate or equivalentHeavy Rigid (HR) Driver LicenceStrong experience maintaining medium and heavy vehicles, including braking systems, driveline components, engines and body componentsAdvanced mechanical, electrical and diagnostic skillsThe ability to lead, guide and support workshop employees and apprenticesGood organisation and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlinesThe ability to maintain accurate records and prepare technical reportsCurrent first aid qualifications and a forklift High Risk Work Licence (LF)Certificate IV automotive qualification in Leadership and Management, or willingness to complete this within the first 12 months of appointmentA Heavy Vehicle Licensed Vehicle Tester qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.Why choose CFAMeaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a differenceWork-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisionsGrowth Opportunities: Learning and developmentDiscounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various servicesWellbeing Focus: Healthy for Life programs, flu vaccinationsMember Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathwaysYour ApplicationClick the 'apply' button to access our online application form. Here you will be asked to provide personal and contact details and respond to employment-related questions.When applying for a position with CFA, please submit a cover letter (no more than 2-pages) and resume that demonstrates your qualifications, experience, key attributes and skills required for the position.Pre-employment ChecksOffers of employment will only be made to candidates who:Successfully complete Reference Checks, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Working Rights Check, Driver History/Licence Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check.CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.Applications close: 11:59pm 7 October 2026What to expect from our recruitment processIf at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email [e-mail] Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact [e-mail]