Senior Fleet Mechanic & Shop Manager

Ruppert Landscape Maintenance • Richmond, VA

1d • $60,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Fleet Mechanic / Shop Manager on our in-house fleet team, you will be a hands-on leader responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of vehicles and equipment while helping oversee the day-to-day operations of the shop. This role is ideal for an experienced mechanic who enjoys working with their hands but is also ready to take ownership of shop operations, prioritize repairs, coordinate with branch teams, and help maintain a safe, organized, and productive environment. You will play a key role in keeping our fleet reliable, minimizing downtime, and ensuring vehicles and equipment meet Ruppert's safety, quality, and image standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a mechanic, preferably working with fleet vehicles, trucks, trailers, commercial equipment, or landscaping equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair gas and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and a variety of commercial equipment.
• Ability and willingness to remain hands-on with repairs and maintenance while managing shop responsibilities.
• Safety-first mindset with a commitment to following and promoting safe work practices.
• Ability to train, coach, and work effectively with other mechanics and branch personnel.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly explain mechanical issues, repair needs, and priorities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required administrative and compliance tasks.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and proactive, with a strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Ability to provide personal tools as needed to perform the role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading or managing a shop, crew, or maintenance operation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with paint, bodywork, and/or vehicle and equipment reconditioning is a plus.
• Diesel experience is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish ability is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, including diesel and gas trucks, trailers, commercial mowers, power equipment, and landscape tools.
• Serve as a hands-on leader in the shop, balancing mechanical repairs and maintenance with daily shop management responsibilities.
• Prioritize and coordinate scheduled and unscheduled repairs with branch personnel to minimize downtime and keep operations running efficiently.
• Lead and perform seasonal vehicle and equipment reconditioning programs to ensure assets are safe, reliable, clean, and meet company image standards.
• Assist with vehicle and equipment paint, bodywork, and cosmetic repairs as needed; experience in these areas is a plus.
• Inspect equipment and identify instances of misuse, abuse, accidents, or unsafe operation and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Train and support other shop team members on proper maintenance, repair, safety, and care of vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain accurate service, repair, inspection, mileage, and reconditioning records.
• Manage parts, inventory, tools, and shop supplies to ensure the team has what it needs to complete repairs efficiently.
• Assist with shop purchasing, vendor relationships, purchase orders, invoices, and expense tracking.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional shop and maintenance yard.
• Work closely with branch and regional fleet leadership to identify opportunities to improve fleet reliability, preventative maintenance, shop efficiency, and overall performance.
• Ensure company maintenance and safety standards are consistently followed.
• Assist with additional fleet, shop, and operational projects as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications
• Hands-on learning from day one with ongoing opportunities to learn, grow, and build your career
• Paid time off and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed