Overview
I have a client in Wetaskiwin County that is seeking a skilled seasoned Heavy Duty Mechanic for full time work.
The Heavy Duty technician is responsible for the 365-day reliability of a specialized fleet, will make decisions on how to complete repairs under the direction and prioritization of Fleet Manager who will identify schedule and timelines. You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of everything from standard Class 8 highway tractors to tandem-axle crash and paint trucks to small tools like backpack blowers and generators, while simultaneously maintaining the highly specialized equipment. You are the primary mentor for apprentices and the final authority on CVIP safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fleet-Wide Maintenance Responsibilities Preventative Maintenance (PM)
This is the "bread and butter" of the role—keeping things from breaking in the first place.
- Routine Inspections: Checking fluid levels, filters, and tire pressure/track tension.
- Lubrication: Greasing joints, pins, and bearings on heavy machinery like backhoes and cranes.
- Scheduling: Following service expectations and schedules to ensure oil changes and system flushes at specific intervals.
Diagnostics and Repairs
When a machine "throws a code" or stops moving, you’re the detective.
- Hydraulics: Repairing leaky hoses, faulty pumps, and cylinders. This is a huge part of construction work.
- Engine Work: Troubleshooting diesel engines, fuel systems, and exhaust treatments (DEF/DPF).
- Electrical Systems: Fixing wiring harnesses, starters, alternators, and complex onboard computer sensors.
- Suspension & Tires: Swapping out tires or repairing/replacing suspension wear parts.
General Trucking & Heavy Haul
- Highway Tractors & Tandems: Lead the maintenance for Class 1 tractors and Class 3 tandem-axle trucks (paint trucks, crash trucks, and supply haulers). This includes full inspection and maintenance on engines (Cummins, PACCAR, Detroit Diesel) and transmission service (Eaton Fuller, Allison). Also responsible for making recommendations on major repairs or rebuilds.
- CVIP Authority: Perform and sign off on Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program audits for the entire fleet to ensure "Commercial Clean" status with Alberta Transportation.
- Brakes & Suspension: Service S-cam and air disc brake systems, along with heavy-duty air-ride or walking-beam suspensions common on tandem-axle units.
- Chassis & Driveline: Inspect and repair frame rails, fifth wheels, and tridem/tandem differentials that endure high stress on Alberta's gravel and paved highways.
Specialized Line Painting Systems
- High-Pressure Fluid Dynamics: Maintain the specialized pumps and hydraulic circuits that deliver paint and glass beads at precision rates.
- Thermoplastic Melters: Service high-output burners, LP gas delivery systems, and heat-jacketed kettles. You are responsible for ensuring these units operate at 200°C safely.
- Milling & Sweepers: Oversee the "Ground Engaging Tools" (GET). Replace carbide teeth on milling drums and maintain the high-suction vacuum systems on sweepers to ensure perfect surface prep.
Safety and Documentation
- Compliance: Ensuring all equipment meets OSHA or local safety standards (e.g., checking ROPS—Roll-Over Protective Structures).
- Service Logs: Keeping meticulous records of what was fixed and when. This is vital for the company’s insurance and resale value of the machines.
- Inventory: Ordering parts and managing the shop's supply of oils, filters, and hardware.
2. Leadership & Shop ManagementMentorship & Apprentice Coaching
- Alberta Apprenticeship Sponsor: Act as the primary "Qualified Mentor" for 1st to 4th-year HET apprentices, signing off on blue-book hours and ensuring they meet Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) standards.
- Skill Transfer: Teach apprentices specialized skills like PLC programming for paint computers, hydraulic troubleshooting, and burner calibration—skills not found in standard HET schooling.
- Quality Control: Inspect and "verify" all work performed by junior techs before equipment is released.
Shop Operations
- Winter Rebuild Program: Supports the shop's "Off-Season" strategy—following schedule and prioritization of identified units and repairs.
- Inventory Management: Complete weekly supply list requirements for ordering ordering of both "common" parts (screws, wiring, filters, brakes, oil) and "niche" parts (spray tips, thermoplastic dies, milling teeth).
- Safety Compliance: Maintain the shop’s safety culture, leading daily toolbox/FLHA, ensuring required PPE is worn in the shop and ensuring Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is used on all pressurized and heated systems.
Qualifications
- Alberta Journeyman Red Seal (HET): Must hold a valid Heavy Equipment Technician certificate.
- CVIP Signing Authority: A valid license from Alberta Transportation to perform Commercial Vehicle Inspections.
- Class 1 or 3 Driver’s License: A Class 1 is preferred for moving highway tractors and trailers; a Class 3 with Air (Q-Endorsement) is the minimum requirement to test-drive tandem-axle paint trucks.
- Apprenticeship Mentor Status: Proven track record of being a "Qualified Mentor" as recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), with the ability to sign off on Blue Book competencies
- Advanced Diagnostics: Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical "ghosts" in the computerized line-pattern systems while also handling traditional diesel mechanical issues.
- Stress Management: Ability to stay calm and direct a team during the "Spring Push" when the entire fleet must be road-ready simultaneously.
- Physical Stamina: Capability to work in a shop environment that can range from freezing winter rebuilds to high-heat summer repairs near molten thermoplastic.
- Forklift experience, certification is an asset
Pay: From $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
