Fleet Maintenance Trainee

Cincinnati Metro; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Metro is seeking an entry-level Fleet Maintenance Trainee to assist in inspection, maintenance, and repair of SORTA buses and related equipment. You will train under qualified staff, complete hands-on and manufacturer-led sessions, and progress through a formal Fleet Maintenance Training Program.

Expect to develop diagnostic skills across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems while performing routine maintenance and documenting work in our fleet management system.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of technical experience in automotive or mechanical fields.
• Demonstrates mechanical aptitude and interest in fleet maintenance.
• Valid Driver License required.
• Class B CDL with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsements after probation.
• Must obtain EPA 608/609 and OSHA forklift certifications after probation.
• Ability to read and follow English instructions; read simple sketches and parts lists.
• Teamwork in a safety-critical environment.
• Physical tasks including lifting up to 100 pounds; bending and kneeling.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, service, and repair SORTA transit buses and fleet equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic issues under supervision.
• Perform preventive maintenance: fluids, filters, lubrication, inspections.
• Assist in major repairs under direct supervision.
• Road-test vehicles after maintenance and repair.
• Complete work orders, labor entries, parts records in SORTA system.
• Maintain tools and shop areas per standards.
• Participate in required trainings and safety meetings.
• Uphold exemplary customer service and safety practices.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Team player

Safety-conscious

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Fleet Maintenance Trainee Position Summary

Employees in this classification are entry-level personnel who, under direct supervision, are progressing toward proficiency and assisting in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of SORTA transit buses and related fleet equipment. Fleet Maintenance Trainees work under the direct supervision of qualified maintenance personnel and supervisors while developing the technical knowledge and hands‑on skills required for a career in fleet maintenance. All employees in this classification are required to actively participate in the SORTA Fleet Maintenance Training Program, which combines formal classroom instruction, manufacturer training modules, and structured on‑the‑job assignments. Duties are performed in accordance with SORTA policies, manufacturer specifications, and applicable safety regulations.

Job Duties

FLEET MAINTENANCE TRAINEE JOB DUTIES, PHYSICAL DEMANDS, & QUALIFICATIONS

• Work from oral and written instructions and follow established SORTA maintenance procedures and shop standards.
• Assist in the inspection, servicing, and repair of SORTA transit buses, support vehicles, and related fleet equipment.
• Develop proficiency in the diagnosis of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system issues while working under direct supervision.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance activities including fluid checks, filter replacement, lubrication, and general inspections.
• Support major repair activities as assigned and under direct supervision.
• Road‑test vehicles as directed during or following maintenance and repair activities.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment as training progresses.
• Participate in required classroom, hands‑on, manufacturer‑led, and on‑the‑job training sessions as part of the SORTA Fleet Maintenance Training Program.
• Accurately complete required documentation including work orders, labor time entries, parts records, and training assessments in SORTA’s fleet management system.
• Clean, inspect, and maintain hand tools, power tools, and work areas in accordance with SORTA shop standards.
• Work in a safe manner at all times, using required personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all SORTA safety rules and OSHA regulations.
• Attend and participate in shift meetings, safety briefings, and required departmental meetings.
• Perform work activities in both indoor maintenance facilities and outdoor environments.
• Model exemplary internal and external customer service.
• Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran.
• Ability to work in compliance with Metro's safety and security policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Lifting, lowering, and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs. (O)
• Standing, walking, sitting, climbing ladders, balancing, kneeling, crouching/squatting, crawling, lower back movements, reaching (horizontal/vertical), elbow movements, wrist movements, fine motor finger movements (O)
• Performing overhead work (O)
• Operating motor coach for diagnostic purposes (O)
• Standing or walking in awkward or cramped positions (O)
• Neck movements, gripping, and foot action (F)
• Performing repetitive motions (F)
• Exerting moderate force to move objects (F)
• Maintaining focus in noisy environments (F)
• Using hand‑eye coordination, manual dexterity, and visual acuity for detail‑oriented tasks (C)
• Having mental alertness for safety and diagnostics (C)
• Using fine motor skills to manipulate tools with precision (C)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 – 2.5+ hours a day).

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5+ hours a day).

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hours a day).

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).
• Must possess a minimum of two (2) years of technical experience in automotive or mechanical fields, or equivalent related experience. Experience with diesel engines, heavy equipment, or transit vehicles is preferred.
• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and an interest in developing fleet maintenance skills.
• Must possess a valid Driver License.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsements upon completion of the probationary period.
• Must obtain a valid U.S. EPA Section 608/609 Air Conditioning Certification (Clean Air Act, 1990) and an OSHA Industrial Forklift Operator Certification upon completion of the probationary period.
• Must be able to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions in English; distinguish between colors; and prepare simple work sketches and parts lists.
• Must be able to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team in a safety-critical environment.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks including continuous bending, reaching, stretching, climbing, stooping, and crouching; lifting and carrying items up to 100 pounds; and occasionally lifting items in excess of 100 pounds with assistance.
• Must meet all applicable SORTA safety, drug/alcohol testing, DOT physical examination, and medical requirements.
• Must successfully complete all required written, hands‑on, and performance‑based assessments as part of the SORTA Fleet Maintenance Training Program.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in SORTA’s maintenance facilities and occasionally in outdoor settings. Employees regularly work in tiring and physically demanding positions for extended periods and may be exposed to loud noise, vibrations, dust, grease, diesel exhaust, fuels, oils, and cleaning solvents. Employees may occasionally be exposed to human/animal waste and/or body fluids. All employees are required to strictly follow safety procedures and regularly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, rubber and leather gloves, hearing protection, eye and face shields, respiratory masks, and steel‑toed footwear.

Career Development

Individuals appointed to this position will serve an eighteen (18) month probationary period. This position is designed as a structured training and development pathway leading to qualification as an A‑Rate General Repair Person. A Fleet Maintenance Trainee may be promoted to A‑Rate General Repair Person after a minimum of eighteen (18) months of experience in this classification, successful completion of all SORTA Fleet Maintenance Technician Training Program requirements, possession and maintenance of all required licenses and certifications, and recommendation of the appointing authority based on satisfactory performance evaluations.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other conditions of employment or career development.