Vehicle Detailer-Wash Bay Specialist

Niewohnerbros; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Niewohnerbros is seeking a Vehicle & Equipment Detailer / Wash Bay Specialist to clean, wash, detail, and maintain fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. The role supports shop maintenance, feedlot operations, and department managers to protect equipment investments and keep fleet hygiene high across locations.

The position emphasizes safety, adherence to SDS and chemical handling standards, quality detailing, and efficient turnaround times.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in vehicle detailing, wash bay operations, heavy equipment cleaning, or agricultural/automotive maintenance.
• Experience handling commercial pressure washers, steam cleaners, and detailing tools.
• Experience in agricultural, feedlot, or industrial environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑quality exterior washing, power washing, and interior detailing on finished vehicles, feed trucks, service vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Ensure thorough removal of mud, manure, road grime, grease, and debris from cab interiors and undercarriages.
• Inspect finished vehicles to ensure work meets company quality standards before returning them to service.
• Apply cleaning, waxing, conditioning, and protective treatments to paint, vinyl, leather, plastic, and glass surfaces.
• Standardize vehicle detailing and washing procedures across facilities.
• Report any vehicle or equipment issues to shop management.

Skills

Vehicle detailing

Wash bay operations

Safety compliance

Equipment cleaning

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Vehicle & Equipment Detailer / Wash Bay Specialist is responsible for cleaning, washing, detailing, and maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of company feedlot vehicles, heavy machinery, feed trucks, and support fleet. This role ensures that finished vehicles and operational equipment are thoroughly cleaned, prepped, and maintained according to safety, operational, and company branding standards. The position works collaboratively with Shop Maintenance, Feedlot Operations, and Department Managers to protect equipment investments, enhance fleet hygiene, and support operational efficiency across all company locations.

SAFETY

• Promote and model a culture where safety is the highest priority.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and company safety standards in the wash bay and detail areas.
• Inspect wash bay equipment, pressure washers, and chemical application systems routinely for safe operation.
• Identify and correct safety hazards related to wet surfaces, high-pressure equipment, and chemical usage.
• Develop and maintain safe standard operating procedures (SOPs) for washing and detailing heavy equipment and fleet vehicles.
• Ensure proper use and handling of all cleaning chemicals, degreasers, and detail products, including Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliance.
• Participate in safety meetings and required regulatory training.
• Wear and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye protection, waterproof boots, and gloves.

QUALITY

• Perform high-quality exterior washing, power washing, and interior detailing on finished vehicles, feed trucks, service vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Ensure thorough removal of mud, manure, road grime, grease, and debris from cab interiors, undercarriages, engine compartments, and body panels.
• Inspect finished vehicles to ensure work meets company quality standards before returning them to service or management.
• Apply proper cleaning, waxing, conditioning, and protective treatments to vehicle paint, vinyl, leather, plastic, and glass surfaces.
• Standardize vehicle detailing and washing procedures across facilities.
• Report any body damage, structural defects, mechanical issues, or fluid leaks discovered during the cleaning process to shop management.

PRODUCTIVITY

• Execute wash and detail schedules to ensure vehicles and equipment are cleaned promptly to support operational demands.
• Manage time efficiently to maintain high output without compromising detailing quality or safety.
• Monitor wash bay supplies, cleaning chemicals, soaps, brushes, and detailing inventory, reporting low stock to supervisors.
• Keep wash bay facilities, sumps, drainage pits, and equipment clean, orderly, and fully operational.
• Utilize continuous improvement practices to streamline vehicle wash turn-around times.

TEAMWORK & LEADERSHIP

• Build strong working relationships with Shop Personnel, Feedlot Operations, and Department Managers.
• Assist in onboarding and training new wash bay or maintenance support personnel.
• Foster clear communication, mutual accountability, and teamwork across operational teams.
• Support company culture through positive communication, reliability, and professional work ethics.

STRATEGY & MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

• Maintain standard operating procedures for wash bay maintenance, winterization, and chemical containment.
• Assist with minor preventative maintenance on wash bay pressure units, hoses, and water reclamation systems.
• Recommend improvements for cleaning products, equipment efficiency, or wash bay layout to leadership/management.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in vehicle detailing, wash bay operations, heavy equipment cleaning, or agricultural/automotive maintenance.
• Experience handling commercial pressure washers, steam cleaners, and detailing tools preferred.
• Experience working in an agricultural, feedlot, or industrial environment is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of automotive and heavy equipment cleaning chemicals, degreasers, and safe application techniques.
• Understanding of basic vehicle care, interior detailing, glass cleaning, and surface restoration.
• Ability to safely operate commercial pressure washers, hot-water power washers, and vacuum equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines, chemical dilution ratios, and SDS standards.
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently or with a team.

Physical Essential Functions

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, kneel, stoop, climb, and reach repeatedly throughout shifts in wash bay, shop, and livestock environments.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Safely operate motor vehicles, feed trucks, and heavy machinery to position them in and out of the wash bay.
• Navigate wet, slippery surfaces, ladders, steps, and uneven terrain safely.
• Maintain visual acuity and physical stamina to thoroughly inspect and clean large vehicles and equipment.
• Work in indoor and outdoor agricultural environments subject to wet conditions, dust, noise, livestock odors, weather extremes, and chemical exposure.
• Wear and properly use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (respirators, protective suits, face shields, rubber boots, safety glasses) during detailing and washing operations.