Fleet Mechanic III

City of Box Elder; Box Elder (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Box Elder is seeking a Fleet Mechanic III to maintain and repair a diverse fleet including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. You will diagnose complex systems, perform major overhauls, and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and EPA standards while mentoring junior mechanics.

Join a municipal team focused on reliability for public services, with opportunities to work on varied equipment and contribute to a safe, efficient fleet operation in Box Elder, SD.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 3 years related experience in fleet maintenance.
• Associate degree in Automotive or Diesel Repair preferred; ASE certs beneficial.
• CDL class B required; ASE certifications recommended; compliance knowledge in safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced maintenance and servicing of fleet vehicles and equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and computer-controlled systems.
• Overhaul engines, transmissions, and drivetrains; conduct root-cause analysis.
• Maintain safety and environmental standards; complete workflow reports.

Skills

General maintenance

Diagnostics

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

CMMS systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Automotive or Diesel Repair

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

Welcome to Box Elder, South Dakota - a community that truly feels like home. Nestled between the rolling prairie and the scenic Black Hills, Box Elder offers the best of both worlds: peaceful small‑town living with easy access to adventure. Conveniently located just east of Rapid City along Interstate 90, the city is also proud to be home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, which plays a vital role in the local economy and adds to the strong sense of community.

Box Elder blends military and civilian life seamlessly, creating a diverse, welcoming atmosphere where people from all backgrounds come together. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area year‑round, with the Black Hills to the west and Badlands National Park nearby-making hiking, camping, and exploration part of everyday life.

Founded in 1907 as a charming whistle stop, Box Elder has grown into one of the fastest‑growing cities in South Dakota. With an impressive average growth rate of 5% each year, it continues to evolve while holding on to its close‑knit character. Whether you're seeking opportunity, natural beauty, or a place to put down roots, Box Elder offers a vibrant future and a place to belong.

Fleet Mechanic III

Responsible for performing technical duties related to the operations, maintenance, and repair of the city's fleet. Duties include but are not limited to servicing and repairing both vehicles and equipment with gasoline and diesel engines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job‑related knowledge and skills.

Mechanic III:

• Performs advanced maintenance and servicing of small engines, light duty vehicles, heavy duty vehicles, and equipment.
• Uses basic tools and shop equipment, working independently, and with minimal supervision.
• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and computer‑controlled systems on gas, diesel, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles.
• Perform major overhauls on engines, drivetrains, and braking systems.
• Conduct root cause analysis of recurring fleet failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure shop operations comply with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and municipal safety and environmental standards.
• Able to operate equipment such as lawnmowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, small loaders, front‑end loader, back‑hoe, road plows, sweepers, tamper, dump trucks and pickup trucks, skid steers, excavator, and aerial lift.
• Repairs and services vehicles and equipment by using proper hand and power tools.
• Prioritizes work assignments to complete work in a safe, timely, and efficient manner.
• Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment that may include air‑conditioning, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and computer‑controlled systems. Understands basic functions and/or operations.
• Completes appropriate work‑flow reporting, maintains accurate service and maintenance records.
• Maintains city provided tools and equipment to ensure proper operation and safe operating conditions.
• Maintains a clean and professional working environment, wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate snow removal equipment if needed during an extended event.
• Research and prepare parts lists for repairs of vehicles and equipment.
• Performs metal fabrication work and welding with oxyacetylene, mig welder, and stick welder.
• Provides guidance and mentoring to lower‑level team members.

• Tunes and repairs advanced engine components of both gasoline and diesel engines to include fuel injection systems, electrical and ignition systems, hydraulic systems, air conditioning systems, frame and suspension, drivetrain (standard and automatic transmissions) clutches and rear differentials, heating system, and exhaust systems

• Performs advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics to investigate malfunctions and mechanical breakdowns.
• Performs needed repairs ensuring that tolerances, fittings, settings, replacement parts, and adjustments are repaired accurately and precisely in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
• Repairs, overhauls, or rebuilds engines and does other major repairs of systems such as diesel and gasoline engines, automatic and standard transmissions and drivelines, hydraulic systems, computer‑controlled systems, and electrical systems.

• Trains Mechanics I and II in safely performing duties and conducts training in the operation of the related equipment.

• Provides guidance and mentoring to lower‑level team members.

• May act as lead person in absence of the Fleet Manager.
• Provides correspondence with the Fleet Manager of concerns from the Fleet mechanics
• Records weekly reports on maintenance and repairs on the fleet vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains records in the replacement plan binders and reviews fleet vehicle and equipment condition.
• Provides guidance and training for Mechanic I, II, and III on difficult or advanced repairs of vehicles and equipment.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each level of repair. Confers with Fleet Manager to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
• Creates weekly workflow schedule and provides a weekly report to the Fleet Manager.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the City by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three years related experience in Fleet maintenance and/or an associate's degree in the Automotive or Diesel Repair Industry.

Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Possession of a South Dakota Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Possession of ASE Maintenance and Light Repair Technician Certification.
• Possession of 6 (six) additional ASE Certifications in either Automotive or Heavy/Medium Duty Truck Technician Certification

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of advanced principles of internal combustion, diesel, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting, including use of laptop‑based OEM diagnostic platforms.
• Knowledge of principles of team leadership and workflow coordination
• Knowledge of mechanical diagrams, computer programs, repair manuals, and wiring diagrams for automotive and diesel repairs.
• Knowledge of safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work performed.
• Knowledge of shop mathematics.
• Knowledge of vehicle components including engines, transmissions, braking systems, steering, suspension, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of hand tools, power tools, lifts, diagnostic equipment, and shop tools used in automotive service
• Preventive maintenance programs and fleet standards

Required Skills:

• Ability to perform general maintenance work, individually or as a member of a crew.
• Ability to maintain a variety of small engine equipment.
• Ability to safely use and maintain hand and power tools related to the work being performed.
• Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret service manuals and repair instructions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to prepare basic records and reports of work performed.
• Ability to understand the operation of a wide variety of light and heavy motorized equipment.
• Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Ability to use computers to track, record and communicate with team members and management.
• Ability to problem solve and determine necessary actions to resolve concerns.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports, and communicate by written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain and promote safety, quality, and efficiency in all work.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to use CMMS systems for tracking, scheduling, and reporting maintenance work.
• Ability to work under pressure during emergency situations or critical equipment failures.