Lead Fleet Technician

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority; Aspen (CO); On-site; USD 49,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance with

Ski pass

Retirement plans

Job summary

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) in Aspen, Colorado, is seeking a Lead Fleet Technician. You will lead a team of up to 14 personnel, coordinate maintenance tasks, and ensure safe, timely repairs on conventional, biofuel, CNG, and Battery Electric vehicles.

The role requires hands-on mechanical and electrical expertise, leadership, and strong communication with Fleet Managers. Colorado license/permits and extensive transit maintenance experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on transit maintenance experience.
• Leadership training or experience managing a team.
• Valid driver’s license with Colorado CDL permit/licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise up to 14 personnel.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on BEVs, hybrids, CNG, and diesel vehicles.
• Ensure safety compliance and proper documentation of work orders.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

Leadership & communication

Reading English docs

Diagnostic tools proficiency

Education

High school or equivalent

Vocational/Technical degree

Tools

Trapeze EAM

Vansco

Siemens Electric Drive Systems

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Company Overview

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.

Position Details

Company Name: Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)

Title: Lead Fleet Technician

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: Aspen, Colorado

Pay Range: $35.47 - $45.22 hourly (Hiring/Starting pay based on experience)

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, and 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.

For more detail: https://www.rfta.com/employment/benefits/

Position Purpose

The Lead Fleet Technician will manage and lead a team of up to 14 personnel, including Fleet Techs, Fleet Service Workers, and Fleet Custodians. This position ensures effective shift turnover, monitors vehicle repair progress, manages parts orders, and provides seamless communication with the Fleet Managers regarding any operational or maintenance issues. The role involves performing general and complex mechanical repairs, preventative maintenance, and inspections on a wide range of RFTA buses and vehicles, including conventional, biofuel-powered, CNG, and Battery Electric vehicles. The Lead Fleet Technician ensures all work is performed safely and professionally, supporting the Operations Department as needed.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Operates vehicles in strict compliance with RFTA policies, procedures, and all applicable Federal and Colorado traffic laws and regulations.
• Review daily maintenance tasks and assign duties to Fleet Techs, Fleet Service Workers, and Fleet Custodians, using Trapeze EAM.
• Ensure timely completion of work according to priorities set by the Director of Maintenance or Fleet Managers.
• Monitor the status of vehicles to ensure adequate resources are available to meet service level requirements for the Operations Department.
• Conduct scheduled PM Inspections (e.g., Seasonal, State of Good Repair, Safety, DOT) and perform necessary repairs, including preventative maintenance on RFTA vehicles and non-high voltage systems of BEVs and hybrids.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on CNG and Diesel engines, Electric Vehicle (EV) systems, chassis, air systems, transmissions, drive trains, and more.
• Work at the system, unit, component, or part level as needed.
• Supervise shift personnel, providing detailed turnover to the following shift to ensure continuity on pending work and projects.
• Inform the Fleet Managers of any daily operational issues, ensuring that supervisors are aware of employee, equipment, or performance-related concerns.
• Troubleshoot vehicle systems, diagnose maintenance problems, and recommend or perform necessary repairs.
• Assist subordinates with troubleshooting, monitor parts and equipment orders, and help resolve labor or disciplinary issues.
• Ensure that proper vehicle assignments are made according to pull-out sheets, collaborating with Operations Supervisors on duty.
• Respond to road calls, service requests, and operate service trucks.
• Assist the Operations Department with vehicle exchanges, recovery, or repairs as necessary.
• Accurately document all actions taken in written and/or electronic formats, including accident, incident, spill reports, core and warranty claims, and work orders.
• Review subordinates’ documentation for accuracy.
• Document any employee issues or unusual occurrences and report to the Fleet Managers or Director of Maintenance.
• Participate in building safety inspections and training, fostering a culture of safety among team members.
• Uphold and enforce RFTA policies and procedures, leading by example to promote accountability, teamwork, and high-quality work.
• Ensure the department’s goals take precedence over personal interests.
• Continuously improve professional knowledge, skills, and abilities by participating in training sessions and relevant educational opportunities.
• Serve as the primary contact and first responder for serious accidents, incidents, or events within the Maintenance Department.
• Ensure the work area is maintained in a clean and organized manner.
• Occasionally assist or serve as a fill-in for Fleet Service Workers.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to align with and contribute to personal, departmental, and organizational goals.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including diesel and gas engines, transmissions, braking systems, suspension, and HVAC.
• Solid knowledge of NFPA 70E Electrical Safety, OSHA, and safe working practices and procedures.
• Proficiency with advanced computer systems and diagnostic software.
• Expertise in electrical systems, diesel and gas engine mechanics, power trains, air systems, HVAC, braking, and suspension systems.
• In-depth knowledge of high voltage systems, specifically for Battery Electric and Hybrid vehicles.
• Strong diagnostic abilities, including familiarity with Vansco, Dinex, Siemens Electric Drive Systems, and more.
• Solid leadership and communication skills to manage and interact effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools, hand tools, pneumatic tools, and electronic equipment.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

Education

• High school education or equivalent.
• Vocational/Technical degree in related fields (diesel, automotive, etc.).

Training and Certifications

Training and certifications are necessary to perform role responsibility.

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license; if holding an out-of-state license, must obtain a Colorado license within 90 days.
• Must obtain a Colorado Class B CDL Permit or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a B-P2 rating within 90 days of hire.
• Valid DOT Physical Exam Certificate.
• ASE Certifications – H4 & H8 (must obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Refrigerant Certification (Section 608 & 609).
• CNG FSI Certification (must obtain within 1 year).
• Underground Storage Tank (UST) Certification (Class C).
• RFTA Forklift Certification.
• CDOT Annual Inspections & Brake Inspector’s Certifications (must obtain within 2 years).
• CNG Fuel Certification.
• High Voltage PPE Safety Course - pass / successful completion required.
• Basic First Aid, CPR and AED Training Courses - pass / successful completion of all required.

Experience

5+ years of hands-on experience in transit maintenance, or a combination of vocational/technical training and 2+ years of transit maintenance experience with leadership training.

Working Conditions

This position requires strenuous physical work, including lifting objects over 100 pounds occasionally and over 50 pounds frequently. The technician will work in environments where up to 650 volts DC and 480 volts 3-phase AC are present. Work conditions include exposure to moving equipment, vehicles, fumes, chemicals, and hazardous materials. The technician must work in various weather conditions, at varying shifts, and on roadways in the event of breakdowns or accidents. Responds to serious accidents and regularly handles bodily fluids. The role also involves handling hazardous and toxic materials (e.g., toxic paints, thinners, and bodywork supplies) while adhering to safety rules and regulations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided. Must be able to pass fitness for duty test and drug and alcohol prior to employment.

RFTA Vehicle Maintenance Department operates two locations 24 hrs./7 days week 365 days a year. All employees are expected to work weekends, holidays and any shift as necessary. Most shifts are 10 1/2 hours with non-traditional staring times; generally, the morning shift (6:00 AM), afternoon (2:00 PM) or graveyard (10:00 PM). There are no conventional Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm shifts.

Application Deadline / Closing Date

No deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RFTA is an equal opportunity employer, and 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.

Culture

Are you looking for the chance to work with an organization that promotes growth and a rewarding career? With over 380 talented individuals in a wide variety of roles, you can find your place in our organization. Introduce yourself and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. RFTA fosters a diverse and inclusive culture where employees from all backgrounds come together to provide innovative public transportation services and trails in our service area. Our team is made up of individuals with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and skills, creating a dynamic workplace that values collaboration, respect, and continuous learning.

Colorado Residents

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