Vehicle Equipment Technician

The Vehicle Equipment Technician oversees maintenance of over 50 licensed vehicles and another 20-30 motorized vehicles, including tractors, off-road vehicles, EV's and stationary engines. This position works with the Chief Facilities Officer in managing the inventory of the fleet, including finding replacement vehicles, completing vehicle inspections for resale and purchase and maintaining records of all equipment. The Vehicle Equipment Technician oversees students who aid in cleaning, refueling and maintenance of our internal rental car fleet.

• Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures

• Serves as a point of contact to individuals providing information and updates about vehicle and large-engine maintenance and repairs

• Inspects, maintains, and repairs complex parts and systems for large-engine vehicles and equipment under general supervision to ensure optimal and safe operation

• Identifies and troubleshoots complex vehicle and large-engine issues and collaborates with work unit staff to resolve issues

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, the Vehicle Equipment Technician III serves in a lead technical capacity, providing advanced diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and support for fleet vehicles, maintenance crew vehicles, grounds equipment, and specialized heavy equipment. This position performs highly skilled and complex mechanical work, exercises independent judgment, and provides guidance to lower-level technicians and student workers. This position includes paid time off, sick time, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, life insurance ( multiple, low-cost plans), and flexible spending accounts, as well as participation in the nationally ranked pension Wisconsin Retirement System with employee match!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and Technical Support

• Act as a lead technician, providing technical guidance, training, and support to student workers.

• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex mechanical and electronic systems.

• Review completed work for quality and compliance with standards.

Maintenance and Repair

• Diagnose, repair, overhaul, and maintain a wide range of equipment, including but not limited to:

  • Automobiles, light-duty and heavy-duty trucks (over 26,000 lbs.)

  • Aerial trucks

  • Grounds and construction equipment such as tractors, end loaders, scrapers, graders, and gang mowers

  • Gasoline, diesel, electric, and alternative-fuel-powered equipment

• Perform major and minor engine repairs, including tune-ups, valve adjustments, and timing.

• Repair transmissions, clutches, differentials, drive trains, shafts, and U-joints.

• Inspect, adjust, and repair braking systems (hydraulic, air, electric, and mechanical), suspension, steering, and exhaust/emissions systems.

• Diagnose and repair electrical, lighting, electronic, heating, and air-conditioning systems.

• Maintain and repair fuel, cooling, and hydraulic systems.

• Remove and replace major vehicle and equipment components as needed.

• Perform road tests and operational checks to ensure safe and proper operation.

Preventive Maintenance and Inspections

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on fleet vehicles and equipment.

• Conduct safety inspections and vehicle inspections, as required.

• Maintain accurate preventive maintenance schedules and service records.

• Lubricate components, change oil and filters, check and replenish fluids, and refuel vehicles.

Fleet Operations Support

• Prepare fleet and motor pool vehicles for customer use, including washing, fueling, and interior cleaning.

• Perform visual inspections to identify mechanical, body, or preventive maintenance needs.

• Complete vehicle checklists, properly stage vehicles, and return keys and documentation to dispatch.

• Operate lift, hand tools, shop equipment, scan tools, and diagnostic testing devices.

Administrative and Records Management

• Receive, review, create, edit, and complete work orders.

• Diagnose issues using engine analyzers, multimeters, electronic test equipment, and gauges.

• Prepare time and material estimates when required.

• Identify, request, and obtain replacement parts and supplies.

• Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts, materials, fuel, oil usage, and invoices for internal billing.

• Supervise, Hire, Terminate and Train student employees for Car Fleet Support.

Safety and Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Identify and report safety hazards.

Other Duties

• Perform related work as assigned.

• Respond to vehicle and equipment breakdowns, which may require working in varying environmental conditions.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Vocational or technical training in automotive or diesel technology preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an automotive shop, fleet service department, or related setting.

• Required experience with major mechanical overhauls, electrical troubleshooting, and computerized vehicle controls.

• Experience working on a broad range of automotive, heavy-duty, and specialized equipment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to diagnose mechanical and electronic issues and determine appropriate repairs with minimal supervision.

• Skill in repairing and overhauling gasoline, diesel, electric, and alternative-fuel-powered equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret service manuals, factory service bulletins, technical diagrams, and memoranda.

• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records of work performed, parts used, and materials consumed.

• Ability to train and assist lower-level technicians and student workers.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 25 pounds repeatedly, 50-70 pounds frequently, and heavier objects occasionally.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including bending, twisting, stooping, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions and engage in strenuous activity consistent with the trade.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until February 23, 2026.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Cover letter addressing all required qualifications

• A current resume

• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for 3 professional references.

Legal Notices and Important Information:

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices.

The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources.

Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleAnnual Security & Annual Fire Safety Reportis available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at608.342.1584for a paper copy of the annual report.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released.See Wis. Stat. *. 19.36(7).

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.