Emergency Vehicle Technician

Job summary

The Emergency Vehicle Technician is responsible for repairing and keeping in working order a wide range of heavy equipment. This includes, among other machinery, heavy trucks, trailers, cranes, forklifts, container handlers, back-hoes, trenchers, loaders, graders, scrapers, compactors, dozers, skid steers, and related equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out maintenance, repair, and servicing of assigned fire vehicles and equipment, including structural Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) units and ambulance apparatus.
• Handle maintenance work on heavy equipment, such as installation, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, and preventive servicing.
• Remove and replace engines and mechanical components, using computerized testing tools, calibration instruments, gauges, and similar equipment to inspect and identify issues.
• Repair and rebuild mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Fix air conditioning systems.
• Adjust load monitoring indicators so lifts remain safe and dependable.
• Reconstruct hydraulic cylinders, valves, planetary drive assemblies, suspensions, springs, bushings, and kingpins.
• Replace seals, bearings, axle brakes, and crane rigging components.
• Contribute information needed for work orders, invoices, equipment repair logs, and activity reports.
• Follow all safety rules and standards, including proper identification, handling, and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Support recovery operations when required.
• Serve as the contact person for maintenance concerns when the Maintenance Supervisor or Foreman is unavailable.
• Take on additional tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and experience

The role calls for practical expertise in repairing, rebuilding, maintaining, and overhauling engines plus mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic assemblies used in fire department operations. The technician should be able to diagnose electrical and mechanical faults using electronic testing equipment and should have strong experience in diesel and heavy vehicle repair and maintenance. A solid grasp of hydraulics, including Pascal’s theory, as well as pulley and gear ratios, is important. The candidate must also be able to read schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings, and should know how to research technical issues using a computer. Familiarity with US military heavy vehicles and equipment, Material Handling Equipment (MHE), and standards such as OSHA, ANSI, ASME, military regulations, and OEM requirements is preferred.

Education and eligibility

Applicants should have at least two years of experience maintaining heavy vehicles in emergency vehicle work or in a civilian heavy equipment, military, or tactical environment. Experience working on major systems is required. A high school diploma or equivalent is needed, along with a valid driver’s license. EVT Level 1 Certification in Fire Apparatus, Ambulance, and/or ARFF Technician tracks is preferred.

Physical requirements and working conditions

The job requires the ability to stand, sit, walk, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, push, and pull. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist with lifting up to 100 pounds. Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to dust, fumes, and gases from operating engines and motors. The assignment location may be remote and uncomfortable, and the role can involve long hours, weather exposure, hazardous conditions, and short-notice movement under difficult circumstances.