Upfit Technician

Ontario Trillium Foundation; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Kona Ice Corporate in Florence, KY is seeking an Upfit Technician to perform the full upfit process from start to finish on our fleet trucks. You will install electrical, plumbing, and mechanical components to Kona specifications and ensure work is completed on schedule.

The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on installation/upfit experience, and the ability to work on-site at the corporate office. You will maintain safety and quality while collaborating with a diverse team.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude required.
• Experience with install/upfit and assembly.
• Attention to detail and quality mindset.
• Must be able to work on-site at Kona Ice Corporate office.

Responsibilities

• Disassemble/assemble vehicle components per specs.
• Build and customize vehicles to specifications.
• Maintain daily records of work performed.
• Keep tools and work area organized and safe.
• Install and repair electrical, plumbing, and other add-on components.
• Test drives and safety inspections after work.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Install/Upfit experience

Attention to detail

On-site work

Education

KY driver's license & clean driving record

Experience with light/heavy-duty vehicles

Job description

Are you a jack-of-all-trades with electrical, plumbing, and carpentry skills looking for a long-term career opportunity with a company that cares? Would you enjoy being a part of the team that transforms ordinary truck chassis into an experience? Then look no further, Kona Ice Corporate is searching for Upfit Technicians who can work Mondays through Thursday from 6am-4:30pm at our corporate location in Florence, KY.

At Kona, you’ll join an award-winning team working to responsibly grow and sustain the largest mobile food and beverage brand in the country! Over our 15-year history, we’ve established and supported a growing network of +1400 franchises—small business owners ingrained in their communities creating memorable experiences for youth by serving sports tournaments, birthday celebrations, school field days, summer camps, and hot days at the local pool. Though our contributions extend beyond the joy we propagate, we’ve collectively given back +$110 million to local communities. We’re also ranked as the top franchise in the Franchise Business Review!

Kona Ice Corporate has a team of over 100 support staff with various backgrounds and skills, including accountants, project managers, engineers, upfit technicians, vehicle wrappers, and even a full-service Kreative and Marketing Team. While Kona Ice is the heart and soul of the brand, our company has expanded into other ventures like the Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and Elevated Wraps, of which the latter designs, produces, and wraps vehicles for commercial and brand use. With several businesses now successfully launched, there has been an even greater need for hard-working, dedicated individuals.

Job Purpose: The Upfit Technician is responsible for the upfit process from start to finish for Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s trucks. The Upfit Technician ensures the truck is complete within a scheduled timeframe while meeting Corporate specifications and quality standards.

*Necessary tools and equipment provided*

Essential Functions:

• Performs necessary assembly and disassembly of body and equipment, such as removal of fasteners, welded components, tie-downs, hydraulic hoses, and all other assembly/disassembly-related activities within company guidelines.
• Builds and customizes heavy & light duty vehicles with a variety of parts to specifications.
• Maintains accurate records of work performed on each vehicle daily, as required.
• Maintains tools, equipment, and shop area for the purpose of ensuring the availability, and functioning of, required tools and equipment within a safe work area.
• Moves parts into position, manually or with necessary equipment.
• Understands drawings/schematics and directions to determine material requirements and task sequences.
• Basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical components.
• Installs direct and alternating current electrical systems on an assortment of vehicles.
• Assembles custom wiring harnesses, pigtails, terminals, and connectors.
• Wires electrical components and lighting systems to an assortment of vehicles.
• Installs and repairs plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and cosmetic components on an assortment of vehicles.
• Performs maintenance, repairs, and remove/install add‑on equipment on all fleet vehicles.
• Removes, installs, and maintains add‑on equipment such as racks, winches, bumpers, toolboxes, etc.
• Removes and reinstalls seats, carpeting, and interior components.
• Removes and reinstalls exterior body components (body panels, bumpers, wheels, fender-liners, headlights, taillights, grilles, tailgates, etc.)
• Cuts openings and drill holes for fixtures and equipment, using a variety of power tools.
• Fabricates various parts, brackets, and fixtures.
• Test drives, performs safety inspections on vehicles, and ensures all repairs have been completed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Install/Upfit and Assembly experience
• Attention to detail and eye for quality
• Ability to work on‑site at Kona Ice’s Corporate office

Education and Experience

• Valid KY driver's license and good driving record
• Mechanical experience with light and heavy‑duty vehicles preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Can lift up to at least 50lb unassisted
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing on ladders and platforms of heights above 42”, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling throughout an 8‑hour day.
• Must be able to safely operate carts, forklifts, hand trucks, and other equipment.
• Ability to walk and stand on concrete and/or uneven surfaces for at least 8 hours per day
• Physical ability to climb

Requirements

Strong mechanical aptitude

Install/Upfit and Assembly experience

Attention to detail and eye for quality

Ability to work on‑site at Kona Ice’s Corporate office

Company Information

Join a team recognized for entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy, and FUN!

At Kona, you’ll join an award‑winning team working to responsibly grow and sustain the largest mobile food and beverage brand in the country! Over our 15-year history, we’ve established and supported a growing network of +1400 franchises—small business owners ingrained in their communities creating memorable experiences for youth by serving sports tournaments, birthday celebrations, school field days, summer camps, and hot days at the local pool. Though our contributions extend beyond the joy we propagate, as we have collectively given back +$110 million to local communities. We’re also ranked as the top franchise in the Franchise Business Review!

But working at Kona isn’t just about delighting kids and improving communities—you’ll have access to dynamic career opportunities across functions and fields. We’re a fast‑paced, agile, inspired culture with a commitment to developing and promoting our talent. We pride ourselves on creating a flexible work environment that cultivates fun and inclusivity for all.

…and we’re only getting started!Our product portfolio includes over a 100 new world-class shaved ice flavors and growing, premium beverages, and new menu offerings in exploration everyday.We don’t focus on job descriptions, but tend to identify employee passions and talents and craft work plans accordingly.