Senior Fleet Mechanic & Shop Manager

ruppertlandscape; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Hands-on learning from day one

Paid time off and holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

EAP

People-first culture

Job summary

Ruppert Landscape in Richmond, VA is seeking a Senior Fleet Mechanic / Shop Manager to lead hands-on maintenance of our in-house fleet and oversee shop operations. You will diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel and gas trucks, trailers, mowers, and landscape tools while coordinating with branch teams to minimize downtime.

This role combines technical expertise with shop leadership: manage parts, safety, records, and scheduling; mentor technicians; ensure adherence to Ruppert's safety and quality

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on mechanic experience with fleet vehicles or landscaping equipment.
• Ability to diagnose and repair gas and diesel engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
• Experience leading a shop or maintenance operation is preferred.
• Hands-on with repairs while managing shop responsibilities.
• Paint/bodywork experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles and equipment including diesels, trailers, mowers, and tools.
• Lead shop operations, balancing repairs with daily management tasks.
• Prioritize repairs with branch personnel to minimize downtime.
• Oversee reconditioning programs to ensure safety and reliability.
• Maintain records, manage parts, inventory, and shop supplies.

Skills

5+ years hands-on experience

Diesel experience

Gas engine repair

Hydraulic systems

Electrical systems

Shop leadership

Strong organizational skills

Safety focus

Bilingual English/Spanish (nice tohave

Job description

SENIOR FLEET MECHANIC / SHOP MANAGER

Who We Are

Ruppert Landscape is a leading provider of commercial landscaping maintenance and installation services with more than 3,500 employees serving customers from 55+ branches across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and southeastern US. We take pride in delivering reliable, high-quality services on a wide range of commercial properties and construction projects. For over 50 years, our mission has been to provide opportunities for our people, take care of our customers, and be good stewards of the environment and our community.

Where You Fit In

As a Senior Fleet Mechanic / Shop Manager on our in-house fleet team, you will be a hands-on leader responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of vehicles and equipment while helping oversee the day-to-day operations of the shop.

This role is ideal for an experienced mechanic who enjoys working with their hands but is also ready to take ownership of shop operations, prioritize repairs, coordinate with branch teams, and help maintain a safe, organized, and productive environment. You will play a key role in keeping our fleet reliable, minimizing downtime, and ensuring vehicles and equipment meet Ruppert's safety, quality, and image standards.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, including diesel and gas trucks, trailers, commercial mowers, power equipment, and landscape tools.
• Serve as a hands-on leader in the shop, balancing mechanical repairs and maintenance with daily shop management responsibilities.
• Prioritize and coordinate scheduled and unscheduled repairs with branch personnel to minimize downtime and keep operations running efficiently.
• Lead and perform seasonal vehicle and equipment reconditioning programs to ensure assets are safe, reliable, clean, and meet company image standards.
• Assist with vehicle and equipment paint, bodywork, and cosmetic repairs as needed; experience in these areas is a plus.
• Inspect equipment and identify instances of misuse, abuse, accidents, or unsafe operation and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Train and support other shop team members on proper maintenance, repair, safety, and care of vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain accurate service, repair, inspection, mileage, and reconditioning records.
• Manage parts, inventory, tools, and shop supplies to ensure the team has what it needs to complete repairs efficiently.
• Assist with shop purchasing, vendor relationships, purchase orders, invoices, and expense tracking.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional shop and maintenance yard.
• Work closely with branch and regional fleet leadership to identify opportunities to improve fleet reliability, preventative maintenance, shop efficiency, and overall performance.
• Ensure company maintenance and safety standards are consistently followed.
• Assist with additional fleet, shop, and operational projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a mechanic, preferably working with fleet vehicles, trucks, trailers, commercial equipment, or landscaping equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair gas and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and a variety of commercial equipment.
• Experience leading or managing a shop, crew, or maintenance operation is strongly preferred.
• Ability and willingness to remain hands-on with repairs and maintenance while managing shop responsibilities.
• Experience with paint, bodywork, and/or vehicle and equipment reconditioning is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize repairs, manage multiple responsibilities, and keep the shop operating efficiently.
• Safety-first mindset with a commitment to following and promoting safe work practices.
• Ability to train, coach, and work effectively with other mechanics and branch personnel.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly explain mechanical issues, repair needs, and priorities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required administrative and compliance tasks.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and proactive, with a strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Ability to provide personal tools as needed to perform the role.
• Diesel experience is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish ability is a plus but not required.

Reports To: Regional Shop Manager

Schedule: Monday–Friday, averaging 40–45 hours per week; based in Richmond, VA.

Compensation: $60,000-$65,000 annually. Actual compensation offered will be based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications
• Hands-on learning from day one with ongoing opportunities to learn, grow, and build your career
• Paid time off and holidays to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, plus flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help cover healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support for personal, financial, and wellness needs
• A people-first, family-oriented culture where teamwork, respect, and growth matter and where your hard work is recognized and appreciated

Why Ruppert

Our success starts with our team. We are committed to creating opportunities for our team members to grow, lead, and build meaningful careers. Through hands-on training, strong mentorship, and a collaborative team environment, we invest in developing talented individuals who take pride in their work and in supporting one another. Guided by our core values, we are dedicated to doing the right thing for our employees, our customers, and our communities. From maintaining safe work sites to promoting environmental stewardship, we strive to make a positive, lasting impact everywhere we work.

Ruppert Landscape is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

This job description is subject to change at any time.