Heavy Diesel/Emergency Vehicle Technician

Hanover County Government; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanover County Government is seeking a skilled Heavy Diesel/EV Technician to maintain and repair a broad spectrum of heavy‑duty diesel and emergency vehicles in a professional shop setting.

You will perform complex diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and repairs, with after‑hours response and inspection duties as required. Strong reading of technical manuals and safe work practices are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in automotive technology plus 3+ years of related experience or a high school diploma plus 6+ years of related experience.
• Ability to read and understand complex technical manuals and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair a wide range of heavy-duty diesel vehicles including fire apparatus and emergency equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and testing of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic subsystems.
• Operate and interpret diagnostic equipment and onboard computer systems.
• Complete service documentation and paperwork accurately.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and conduct VA State inspections as needed.

Skills

Diesel repair

Electrical diagnostics

Drivetrain knowledge

Read manuals

Education

Associate degree in automotive technology

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

Join a dedicated team that keeps essential County operations moving. As a Heavy Diesel/EV Technician, you will work with a wide range of advanced diesel, emergency, and specialty equipment, using your technical expertise to ensure the safety and reliability of critical fleet vehicles. This role offers hands-on, meaningful work in a professional shop environment, opportunities to grow your skills through complex diagnostics and repairs, and the chance to support vital public services every day.

General Description:

This is a skilled technical position. The incumbent performs routine and complex tasks to repair and maintain County heavy-duty diesel and emergency vehicles.

Organization:

The Heavy Diesel/EV Technician reports to the Fleet Operations Supervisor and supervises no staff.

Essential Functions:

• Diagnoses and repairs a wide variety of fleet vehicles to include medium and heavy-duty diesel vehicles, fire apparatus, rescue, public utility, special purpose, and other heavy equipment.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulics, brakes and air brakes, ABS, gasoline and diesel-powered engines, advanced electrical systems, multiplexed vehicle systems and onboard computers, fuel delivery, transmissions, air systems, exhaust, drive axles, steering systems, suspensions, fire pumps, foam systems, aerial apparatus, portable water pumps, water valves, foam generating systems and electrical generators, in accordance with manufacturers' instructions or manuals.
• Perform preventive maintenance on emergency response and support vehicles including oil changes and safety checks according to the preventive maintenance schedule.
• Performs computerized drivability diagnostics, repairs, tests, and adjustments on engine and emission systems, automatic transmission and transaxle, drive trains and axles, suspension and steering systems, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning systems, pumping
• Rebuilds mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems.
• Examines assigned vehicle to determine if further safety or service work is required or recommended.
• Drives assigned vehicles and tests systems to ensure proper operation and effectiveness of repair or service work.
• Completes related paperwork, such as requisitions and documentation of service provided.
• Performs general maintenance work on the tools, equipment, and fleet facilities as required to maintain a safe and efficient fleet operation.
• Provides emergency field assistance to disabled equipment as needed and appropriate.
• Responds after hours and on weekends as assigned.
• Performs VA State inspections.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Hazards
  • Chemicals – Exposure to petroleum products, cleaning solvents, dust and fumes.
  • Conditions – Work is performed using heavy equipment, including noise and vibrations.
• Environment
  • Office – Primarily inside a shop but may be exposed to adverse weather.
  • Field – Must drive to test vehicles, etc.
• Physical Effort
  • Routine lifting of objects over 45 pounds.
  • Routine climbing onto and under vehicles and equipment.
• FLSA
  • Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles of operation of internal combustion engines and emission systems, automatic transmissions and transaxles, drive trains and axles, suspensions and steering systems, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, and heating and air conditioning systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of mechanical repair methods applicable to medium‑heavy trucks, emergency vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to municipal maintenance and repair activities.
• Working knowledge of the practices, methods, materials, and tools used in modern equipment maintenance.
• Skill in operation and care of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, vendors, and the public.
• Requires the ability to understand and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and understand complex technical manuals.
• Requires the ability to operate diagnostic and service equipment.

Education, Experience and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent with six (6) years’ related experience – OR – Associate degree in automotive technology with three (3) years’ related experience – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred Certifications:

• ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Tests (T Series) preferred.
• EVT Certifications (Fire Apparatus or Ambulance Tracks) preferred.

Special Conditions:

• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required within one year of start date.
• A/C Technician (EPA-approved Section 609) required within one year of start date.
• VA State Inspector’s License required within one year of start date.
• Criminal Records Check to include fingerprinting.
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Must obtain valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicle
• Pre-employment Physical Examination/Drug Test/Breath Alcohol Testing and repeated in accordance with policy thereafter.
• Must wear uniform to include safety equipment.
• This position is subject to the department’s on-call procedures which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.