Fleet & Equipment Specialist

Ikrut; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO 17 days

Holidays 14 days

Transit & Parking Benefits

Job summary

Cara Collective in Chicago is seeking a Fleet & Equipment Specialist to inspect, maintain, and repair light trucks and landscape machinery, using diagnostic tools to identify engine, transmission, and electrical issues.

You will perform oil changes, brake repairs, tire rotations, and part replacements, document services, and keep a clean, organized shop while coordinating with the Manager of Facilities & Fleet Services.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in a shop setting or a mix of classroom/ shop experience.
• Willingness to learn and handle challenges presented with a large volume of small equipment.
• Knowledge of disc and drum brake operation; inspect for wear and potential hazards.
• Maintenance of two- and four-cycle landscape machinery; basic welding skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as a lube tech and maintain a maintenance schedule.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair light trucks and landscape machinery.
• Perform oil changes, brake repairs, tire rotations, and part replacements.
• Keep detailed service logs and maintain a clean shop.
• Coordinate with Fleet Mechanic and Purchasing Agent for plate renewals.
• Monitor stock of oils, filters, and PPE; report shortages.
• Perform field repairs to keep operations running and support onsite work.

Skills

Shop experience

Brake operation

Welding

Maintenance scheduling

Fleet maintenance

Driver's license

Independent work

Job description

FLEET & EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTSERVICES

About Cara Collective

Cara Collective seeks to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty. Through our three entities – Cara, Cleanslate, and Cara Plus – we engage job seekers, employers, and other organizations across the country to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment.

At present, we produce 1,000 jobs each year; however, our results don’t just end with employment. Today, we take the insights gained over the past 30+ years to equip other organizations and employers with practices to help build a more inclusive economy. Learn more at www.caracollective.org.

About Cleanslate

As a social enterprise undertaken by Cara Collective. Cleanslate is a small but mighty cleaning machine, differentiated by its fast and friendly service and its deep commitment to the community. We provide what some might consider an ordinary service (litter abatement, landscaping, snow removal, power washing & junk removal) in an extraordinary way, so that all Chicago neighborhoods – from Uptown to South Shore to many communities in between – can take pride in the safety, revitalization, and vibrancy that is created through clean streetscapes serviced by motivated and motivating people. We don’t just get the job done; we do it in a way that makes you feel good too. This unique DNA is what truly sets it apart.

About the Role

The Fleet & Equipment Specialist inspects, maintains, and repairs light trucks and landscape machinery, using diagnostic equipment to identify malfunctions in engines, transmissions, and electrical systems. Key duties include performing oil changes, brake repairs, tire rotations, and replacing worn parts. They must document services, maintain a clean shop, and communicate repair needs to Manager of Facilities & Fleet Services.

Qualifications

This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in building and sustaining safe, efficient, and high-performing fleet, equipment, and facility systems that directly support workforce development and community impact.

The ideal candidate is an operational problem-solver, highly organized, safety-focused, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to balance daily operational demands.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of experience in a shop setting or a mix of classroom/ shop experience.
• Willingness to learn and overcome challenges presented with a large volume of broken small equipment.
• Basic knowledge of brake operation both disc and drum, ability to inspect for wear and potential hazards.
• Maintenance of two- and four-cycle landscape machinery
• Prepping and welding of iron with both MIG and stick welder or willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as a lube tech and maintain a maintenance schedule on fleet
• Valid driver's license and familiarity with the Chicago area.
• Ability to make field repairs to keep the operation going.
• A drive to keep shop areas clean and free of clutter/hazards.

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Care & Equipment Maintenance (40%)

• Fleet placed on inspection and oil change schedule (roughly 35 vehicles/ trailers)
• Prepare vehicles for plate renewals, coordinate with Fleet Mechanic and Purchasing Agent
• Perform emergency repairs in the field so we can avoid tow costs and keep the crew running when possible
• Keep shop organized and fleet clean with the help of transitional workers
• Keep detailed logs of service repairs to track reoccurring issues on vehicles/machinery
• Communicate with drivers for performance feedback on fleet, investigate off cycle when needed.

Landscape Machinery Maintenance (40%)

• Tractors and stand-up mowers labeled and placed on oil change/filter schedule
• Mowers placed on blade and belt schedule throughout cut season
• Logs kept on tractors/mowers for projected replacement and reoccurring misuse patterns
• Trailers monitored for tires/wiring/broken welds
• Small engine maintenance, monitoring mixed fuel application, repair of heads/blades/bars

Stock levels (20%)

• Monitors bulk oil level and filters
• Keeps inventory of bags and salt throughout season
• Keep stock of common break parts and fluid
• Monitor PPE levels and report when under threshold

Perform additional duties as deemed necessary and appropriate by management.

Reports To

Manager of Facilities & Fleet Services

Direct Report(s)

N/A

Workplace Type & Team Culture

Cara Collective has a strong team culture that values collaboration, communication, and camaraderie. We believe in the

power of working together in person, which is why we expect our employees to be onsite at one of our Chicago-based

locations multiple days each week. For this role, that means a minimum of 5 days in the office. This commitment to in-person collaboration fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork among our employees, creating a supportive and dynamic

work environment. Regular travel within the Chicago area to meet with partners and employers is required, along with

occasional out-of-town travel to conferences, thought leadership opportunities, or other convenings related to Inclusive

Employment work.

We consistently measure staff satisfaction through employee surveys and have found that year over year, the vast majority

of staff agree that Cara Collective is a great place to work and grow. This high level of employee satisfaction reflects our

dedication to creating a positive and fulfilling workplace for all members of our team.

Starting Pay Range

We take budget and starting salary very seriously. We market our roles and are using a salary analysis tool called Payscale

and offer competitive, market-based compensation to all employees.

This position offers an expected starting pay of $22.00 – $25.00 per hour.

Benefits

Cara Collective is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefit package, with options designed to help you make the best decision for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. Available benefits are based on eligibility. Our Total Rewards

package includes a variety of medical and dental plans, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, 401(k)

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Basic Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Personal Technology Reimbursement
• Starting with 17 PTO Days
• 14 Paid Holidays

Employee Paid Benefits

• Pre-Tax Medical Flexible Spending Account
• Pre-Tax Dependent Care Account
• Pre-Tax Transit & Parking Options
• Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer match up to 4% upon hire & immediately vested)

As of this posting, we annually review our benefit offerings to meet our employees’ needs and be competitive in the market. All listed benefits offerings at the discretion of the employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cara is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Cara does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at [e-mail] if you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application.