EMERGENCY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

City of Oakland Park; Oakland Park (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oakland Park is seeking an Emergency Vehicle Technician to inspect, maintain, and repair gasoline- and diesel-powered fire apparatus and related equipment. Work is performed under the supervision of the Fleet Manager to ensure the department can respond effectively to emergencies.

The EVT will diagnose engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, HVAC, and portable equipment, while maintaining safety, logs, and inventory.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Three years experience as a journey-level mechanic.
• Minimum six months experience maintaining and repairing fire apparatus or heavy-duty equipment.
• EVT Certification in two or more areas.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair fire apparatus and related equipment.
• Initiate parts and inventory requests to maintain stock levels.
• Test and validate new equipment for proper performance.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Preventive maintenance

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Time management

Reading schematics

Tool usage

Physical ability

Education

High School diploma or GED

EVT Certification (two+ areas)

ASE Certification (two+ areas)

Tools

Fleet maintenance software

Job description

POSITION

An Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, of gasoline- and diesel-powered fire apparatus, aerial ladder trucks, rescue units, and related emergency response vehicles and equipment. Responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing engines, hydraulic systems, suspensions, electrical systems, HVAC, and specialized portable equipment used in critical emergency operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness and continuity of Fire Rescue services, directly supporting the department’s ability to respond to emergencies and protect the community. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Fleet Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

The list of duties and functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Applies diagnostic skills and tools in the troubleshooting of fire and rescue services equipment repair and maintenance needs.
• Initiates parts and inventory requests; tracks frequently utilized inventory items and ensures appropriate stock levels to ensure minimum down-time when servicing equipment; assists during emergency callouts as directed.
• Designs and develops procedures to test, operate and evaluate the proper performance of fire and rescue services equipment.
• Evaluates the operational condition and effectiveness of existing equipment according to standard life cycle specifications; provides recommendations for upgrades/replacement accordingly.
• Performs initial operational testing of new fire and rescue equipment and/or vehicle acquisitions to ensure adherence to pre-determined specifications.
• Implements and maintains preventative maintenance procedures and schedules for related fire and rescue services equipment.
• Maintains regulatory updates, equipment manuals, and product catalogs pertaining to fire and rescue services equipment.
• Conveys status of requests for equipment that is out of service for repair/inspection and determines need for future replacements.
• Determines priority service requirements considering department/unit operational readiness requirements; efficiently coordinates service and repair tasks. Prepares and distributes month end reports, maintains logs, records, and properly documents work activities, e.g., inventory logs, maintenance, and repairs activities.
• Ensures inventory/fixed assets are processed according to State statutes; issues property control identification numbers, tags equipment and maintains a computer database of all tangible property.
• Operates various standard handheld manual, electrical and gas-powered tools and equipment.
• Cleans and disinfects fire and rescue services equipment and devices according to departmental procedures.
• May operate an agency vehicle.
• Mechanical & Technical Skills
  • Repair and maintain electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and drivetrain systems.
  • Use hand tools, power tools, and specialty equipment effectively.
• Diagnostic Skills
  • Identify and resolve malfunctions using diagnostic software and tools.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on mechanical and electronic failures.
• Communication Skills
  • Explain technical issues clearly to non-technical personnel.
  • Read and interpret manuals, technical bulletins, and schematics.
• Computer & Software Skills
  • Use of fleet maintenance software for work orders and inventory.
  • Familiarity with vehicle diagnostic programs (e.g., Cummins Insite, Allison DOC).
• Time Management & Organization
  • Prioritize repairs based on urgency and operational needs.
  • Maintain organized workspaces and accurate service documentation.
• Physical Ability
  • Lift and carry heavy tools and vehicle parts (up to 50+ lbs).
  • Stand, kneel, crawl, and bend for extended periods in various weather conditions.
• Attention to Detail
  • Detect subtle mechanical or electronic issues before they become major problems.
• Problem-Solving Ability
  • Work independently to troubleshoot complex vehicle problems.
• Adaptability
  • Quickly learn new systems, equipment, or procedures as technology evolves.
• Team Collaboration
  • Work effectively with other technicians, fire/rescue personnel, and supervisors.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of automotive and heavy-duty vehicle systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, electrical, brakes).
• Knowledge of diesel and gasoline engine repair principles.
• Knowledge of air brake systems and hydraulic systems
• Knowledge of emergency lighting, siren systems, radios, and communication systems.
• Familiarity with fire apparatus systems, ambulance electrical systems, and auxiliary power units.
• Familiarity with NFPA 1911 and 1901 standards for fire apparatus maintenance.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools (e.g., scan tools, multimeters).
• Ability to read and understand wiring diagrams and schematics.
• Preventive maintenance schedules and inspection techniques.
• Recordkeeping systems for maintenance logs and compliance checks.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED equivalency certification.
• Three (3) years experience as a mechanic at the journey level.
• A minimum of six (6) months experience in the maintenance and repair of fire apparatus or heavy-duty equipment.

Certification by the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission (EVTCC) in two or more of the following:

1. F1 - Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing of Fire Apparatus
2. F2 - Design & Performance Standards of Fire Apparatus
3. F3 - Fire Pumps & Accessories
4. F4 - Fire Apparatus Electrical Systems
5. F5 - Aerial Fire Apparatus
6. F6 - Allison Automatic Transmissions

PREFERRED EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Certification by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in two or moreof the following:

1. T2 - Truck – Diesel Engines
2. T3 - Truck – Drive Train
3. T4 - Truck – Brakes
4. T5 - Truck – Suspension & Steering
5. T6 - Truck – Electrical / Electronic Systems
6. T7 - Truck – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Those holding ASE Certification must complete two additional (2) ASE Truck certifications within one (1) year from date of employment.
• Must complete three additional (3) levels of Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certification within three (1) years from date of employment.
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License without any restrictions that may affect ability to perform the essential functions of the work outlined herein.
• Must be able to obtain a Class B Driver’s License with air brake endorsement within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to work any shift, including holidays, and weekends at any location according to agency needs. olidays and weekends.