Fleet & Equipment Specialist

Open positions at Cara•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cara Collective seeks to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty. Through our three entities – Cara, Cleanslate, and Cara Plus – we engage job seekers, employers, and other organizations across the country to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. At present, we produce 1,000 jobs each year; however, our results don’t just end with employment. Today, we take the insights gained over the past 30+ years to equip other organizations and employers with practices to help build a more inclusive economy. Learn more at www.caracollective.org . As a social enterprise undertaken by Cara Collective. Cleanslate is a small but mighty cleaning machine, differentiated by its fast and friendly service and its deep commitment to the community. We provide what some might consider an ordinary service (litter abatement, landscaping, snow removal, power washing & junk removal) in an extraordinary way, so that all Chicago neighborhoods – from Uptown to South Shore to many communities in between – can take pride in the safety, revitalization, and vibrancy that is created through clean streetscapes serviced by motivated and motivating people. We don’t just get the job done; we do it in a way that makes you feel good too. This unique DNA is what truly sets it apart. The Fleet & Equipment Specialist inspects, maintains, and repairs light trucks and landscape machinery, using diagnostic equipment to identify malfunctions in engines, transmissions, and electrical systems. Key duties include performing oil changes, brake repairs, tire rotations, and replacing worn parts. They must document services, maintain a clean shop, and communicate repair needs to Manager of Facilities & Fleet Services.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of experience in a shop setting or a mix of classroom/ shop experience.
Willingness to learn and overcome challenges presented with a large volume of broken small equipment.
Basic knowledge of brake operation both disc and drum, ability to inspect for wear and potential hazards.
Maintenance of two- and four-cycle landscape machinery
Prepping and welding of iron with both MIG and stick welder or willingness to learn.
Demonstrated ability to work independently as a lube tech and maintain a maintenance schedule on fleet
Valid driver's license and familiarity with the Chicago area.
Ability to make field repairs to keep the operation going.
A drive to keep shop areas clean and free of clutter/hazards.

Responsibilities

Fleet placed on inspection and oil change schedule (roughly 35 vehicles/ trailers)
Prepare vehicles for plate renewals, coordinate with Fleet Mechanic and Purchasing Agent
Perform emergency repairs in the field so we can avoid tow costs and keep the crew running when possible
Keep shop organized and fleet clean with the help of transitional workers
Keep detailed logs of service repairs to track reoccurring issues on vehicles/machinery
Communicate with drivers for performance feedback on fleet, investigate off cycle when needed.
Tractors and stand-up mowers labeled and placed on oil change/filter schedule
Mowers placed on blade and belt schedule throughout cut season
Logs kept on tractors/mowers for projected replacement and reoccurring misuse patterns
Trailers monitored for tires/wiring/broken welds
Small engine maintenance, monitoring mixed fuel application, repair of heads/blades/bars
Monitors bulk oil level and filters
Keeps inventory of bags and salt throughout season
Keep stock of common break parts and fluid
Monitor PPE levels and report when under threshold
Perform additional duties as deemed necessary and appropriate by management.