Class 8 Mechanic/ Heavy-Duty Diesel Technician

Panzarella Waste & Recycling Services; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Holidays

Job summary

Panzarella Waste & Recycling Services in Fort Lauderdale is seeking a Fleet Technician (Heavy Equipment) for full-time, on-site work. The role covers inspection and maintenance of CDL-class vehicles, heavy equipment, and light-duty vehicles. Candidates should have 3+ years of experience in heavy equipment mechanics, particularly with refuse vehicles. The position emphasizes safety and compliance with OSHA and DOT standards, alongside a commitment to preventive maintenance practices. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a diesel or heavy equipment mechanic.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Class 6–8 trucks or refuse collection vehicles.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive fleet vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on CDL class vehicles.
• Inspect, service, and repair heavy equipment including loaders and balers.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs and document findings.

Skills

Diesel mechanical expertise

Hydraulic systems proficiency

Electrical diagnostics

Brake systems knowledge

Tools

Fleet maintenance software

CMMS platforms

Job description

Position Summary

The Fleet Technician (Heavy Equipment) is responsible for the inspection, preventive maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the company’s full fleet of CDL‑class vehicles, heavy equipment, and light‑duty vehicles. This is a hands‑on, on‑site role that is critical to maintaining safe and uninterrupted operations across all collection and processing activities. The ideal candidate brings strong diesel mechanical expertise, familiarity with refuse collection equipment, and a commitment to safety and uptime.

Job Details

Fleet Maintenance | On‑Site | Full‑Time

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Fleet Maintenance & Repair

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repair, and diagnostics on CDL class vehicles including front‑load garbage trucks and rear‑load/roll‑off garbage trucks.
• Inspect, service, and repair heavy equipment including loaders, balers, compactors, and forklifts.
• Maintain and repair light‑duty vehicles including pickup trucks and support vehicles.
• Conduct pre‑trip and post‑trip vehicle inspections; document findings and corrective actions.
• Perform engine, transmission, brake, hydraulic, electrical, emissions, and cooling system repairs.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems specific to refuse collection bodies (packing blades, arms, roll‑off hoists).
• Replace and service tires, including mounting, balancing, and inflation checks.

Preventive Maintenance

• Execute and document all scheduled PM services per manufacturer and company standards.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, work orders, and parts usage records.
• Monitor fleet condition proactively and flag emerging issues before they cause downtime.
• Track and manage parts inventory; coordinate with procurement for replenishment.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all vehicles and equipment meet OSHA, DOT, and company safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements for CDL‑class vehicles.
• Adhere to all shop safety protocols, PPE requirements, and hazardous materials handling procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions, accidents, or near‑misses promptly to supervision.

Requirements

Required

• 3+ years of experience as a diesel or heavy equipment mechanic.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with Class 6–8 trucks or refuse collection vehicles.
• Proficiency in hydraulic systems, diesel engines, electrical diagnostics, and brake systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and work orders.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to drive and move fleet vehicles on‑site.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work in confined spaces, and perform manual labor in varying outdoor conditions.

Preferred

• Experience with refuse/solid waste collection vehicles (front‑load, rear‑load, roll‑off).
• Forklift technician certification or equivalent experience.
• CDL Class A or B license.
• ASE certification(s) in diesel or medium/heavy‑duty vehicles.
• Experience with fleet maintenance software or CMMS platforms.

Work Environment

• Commercial garage work environment.
• Outdoor industrial zone/area.
• Dynamic, often hazardous environments like busy highways, city streets, and construction zones (occasionally).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Holidays