Join the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), the largest rural transit agency in the U.S., in the stunning Colorado Rockies. Known for innovative and reliable transit, RFTA connects vibrant communities while supporting sustainability and quality of life.
Title of Position: Fleet Technician I
Position Type: Full‑Time, Non‑Exempt
Location: Candidate must be able to work onsite in Aspen and/or Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Pay Range: Starting pay range is $25.25 – $32.19 hourly, based on experience.
Sign‑On Bonus: $3,000 ($750 paid quarterly over the first year). Tool Bonus: $1,500 each year on the employee's anniversary.
Benefits
- Paid time off, medical, dental, vision, hearing insurance with FSA/HSA, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), 401(a) and 457(b) retirement plans, EAP, ski pass, etc.
Position Summary
Performs routine and minor repairs and preventive maintenance on RFTA buses and automotive equipment, including conventional and alternative‑fueled vehicles such as biofuels, compressed natural gas, and battery electric vehicles. Supports the Operations Department as needed.
Essential Job Duties
- Operate vehicles while strictly complying with RFTA policies, directives, procedures, and all federal and Colorado traffic laws and regulations.
- Perform routine maintenance and general repairs on transit equipment and support vehicles, focusing on tire replacement, brakes, minor repairs and adjustments, replacement of body panels, and seasonal equipment switchover.
- Perform regular preventative maintenance on RFTA vehicles, including non‑high‑voltage systems on battery electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Inspect vehicles as scheduled (e.g., State of Good Repair, Safety, and DOT inspections), identify defects, and make repairs as needed.
- Troubleshoot vehicle systems on a limited basis, accurately identifying causes of maintenance problems and recommending and performing subsequent repairs.
- Assist in the maintenance of vehicles utilizing alternative propulsion technologies and fuels including battery electric buses (BEB), compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid, and biodiesel technologies.
- Ensure proper vehicle assignments are made to meet vehicle needs.
- Respond to road calls and service calls and operate service trucks.
- Provide support to Operations for vehicle exchanges, repairs, or recoveries as needed.
- Document all actions taken professionally in written or electronic format, completing necessary forms (e.g., accident, incident, spill reports, core and warranty information).
- May assist in providing limited training and direction to other mechanics.
- Actively and continuously improve professional knowledge, skills, and abilities through routine training and educational seminars.
- Meet attendance/participation standards for routine safety meetings and training sessions and complete all RFTA‑sponsored learning management software training in a timely manner.
- Maintain a neat and orderly work area.
Additional Job Duties
- Provide support for the Operations Department (e.g., bus pullout, vehicle exchanges, vehicle recovery, snow plowing, and sanding).
- Occasionally assist or serve as a fill‑in as a Service Worker when needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced computer and data entry skills.
- Ability to work harmoniously with others and abide by the department code of conduct.
- Solid knowledge of operating theory, failure diagnosis, repair, and preventive maintenance practices for buses and heavy vehicles.
- Solid knowledge of NFPA 70E electrical safety, OSHA, and safe working practices.
- Solid skills with common mechanic hand tools, pneumatic tools, and diagnostic equipment.
- Robust ability to use judgment and problem‑solving skills to make reasonable and appropriate decisions and recommendations.
- Proficient ability to read, understand, and use maintenance, repair, parts, schematics, and ladder logic manuals in both printed and electronic format; use computer‑based maintenance information systems, FMVSS regulations, service updates, and troubleshooting guides.
- Proficient ability to identify differences between high‑voltage and low‑voltage systems on battery electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Ability to learn and develop necessary skill sets for maintenance on battery electric, CNG, hybrid, and biodiesel technologies.
- Strong communication skills with employees, the general public, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, and state and federal regulatory personnel.
- Basic knowledge of electrical systems, air systems, chassis and suspension, HVAC, diesel engines, transmissions, and gas welding.
- Basic skills with common mechanic hand tools, pneumatic tools, and diagnostic equipment.
- English speaking, reading, writing, and understanding proficiency.
Education and Training
- High school education or equivalent knowledge to perform the job successfully.
- Preferred vocational/technical degree in a related field (diesel, automotive, etc.).
Licenses, Certifications, Qualifications, and Training
- Valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
- Ability to obtain a Colorado State Commercial Driver's License with a B‑P2 rating within two weeks of beginning employment.
- ASE Certification required for consideration of promotion beyond Fleet TechnicianI.
Experience
Two years of actual experience or a combination of formal training and experience preferred.
Application Deadline & How to Apply
Posting will remain until all open positions are filled. Please apply via the RFTA website.
RFTA is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.