Fleet Mechanic in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois at Apex Landscaping INC

Title: Fleet Mechanic

Reports to: Shop Manager

Job Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $32.00 - $38.00

Location: Hawthorn Woods, IL

Sign-ON Bonus Available: Complete 90 days of employment and become eligible for a $1500 sign-on bonus.

Apex Landscaping, founded in 1991, has grown from a single summer route into one of Chicagoland’s leading full-service landscaping companies, serving areas from Kenosha, WI to Bolingbrook, IL and west to Elgin. Headquartered in Hawthorn Woods, Apex operates over 200 team members and 40 crews daily in the summer, while also providing full-service snow and ice management in winter. With decades of steady expansion, Apex offers residential, commercial, and multi-family clients comprehensive landscaping, construction projects exceeding $10,000, and year-round maintenance services, backed by the resources and stability of a company built for continual growth.

Job Summary: The Fleet Mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing trucks, trailers, semi-tractors, and a variety of other vehicles and equipment to keep the fleet operating safely and efficiently. This role involves diagnosing mechanical issues, performing routine service, and completing repairs that ensure maximum reliability. The mechanic supports daily operations by keeping equipment in top working condition and minimizing downtime

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Identify mechanical issues through visual inspection and diagnostic equipment.

• Test vehicle systems and components to verify proper mechanical function.

• Repair and service automobiles, trucks, diesel units, landscape equipment, and snow machinery.

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups.

• Repair or replace malfunctioning parts such as brakes, belts, pumps, and transmissions.

• Specialize in transmission systems and related repairs.

• Conduct follow-up tests, including road tests, to confirm repair quality.

• Use diagnostic tools to evaluate vehicle and equipment performance.

• Perform quality inspections before returning vehicles to service.

• Build and assemble mechanical components or equipment as required.

• Inspect engines, machines, and transmissions to identify functionality issues.

• Troubleshoot reported problems and complete repairs efficiently.

• Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment, and systems.

• Clean, lubricate, and replenish fluids and parts as needed.

• Provide guidance on proper maintenance and preventative practices.

• Assist with additional tasks such as hydraulic repairs or vehicle painting.

• Maintain accurate logs of work performed and report issues.

• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation

• Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision

• 401K Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Career Growth Opportunities

• Team-Oriented Work Environment

Core Competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of vehicle repair.

• Excellent mechanical repair skills.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to visually diagnose mechanical issues.

• Proficient with computer diagnostic equipment and software.

• Ability to read service and repair manuals.

• Ability to perform repairs in a timely fashion.

• Ability to read work orders.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining fleet equipment.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to pass a background check and drug test.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Master technician certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work safely in a noisy area with many odors present.

• Ability to regularly lift 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.

• Must be able to inspect vehicles to determine repairs needed.

• Must be able to bend, stretch, kneel, and squat to perform repairs and inspections.

Work Environment: The work environment for this role involves a combination of shop-floor and outdoor settings, depending on the equipment being serviced. The Fleet Mechanic regularly works with tools, machinery, and diagnostic equipment, and may be exposed to noise, grease, and varying weather conditions.