Senior Heavy Equipment Technician

Town of Cochrane•Cochrane, AB

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Cochrane is seeking a Senior Heavy Equipment Technician to serve as the primary technical lead and mentor within their fleet shop. This role is designed for a highly skilled professional who thrives on solving complex mechanical challenges while shaping the next generation of technical talent through their apprenticeship program. The Senior Heavy Equipment Technician will report to the Manager, Fleet Services and ensure the diverse fleet meets the highest standards of reliability and strict compliance with Alberta Commercial Vehicle legislation. This is a unique opportunity to lead within a growing municipal environment for a Red Seal professional with a "safety-first" mindset and a passion for technical excellence and mentorship.

Requirements

Must hold a valid Red Seal Journeyman Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) designation, covering both Off-Road and Truck & Transport branches.
Must have a minimum of five (5) years of post-Journeyman certification experience in a heavy equipment repair and diagnostic environment.
Must be able to obtain or currently hold, an Alberta Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) Technician license and certification as an Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT).
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).
Expert ability to utilize specialized software to troubleshoot complex Tier 4 Final emission systems and multiplex wiring issues.
Demonstrated ability to guide and coach Apprentice Technicians through provincial competency requirements with a supportive yet decisive approach.
Comprehensive knowledge of the Alberta CVIP and National Safety Code (NSC), specifically Standards 11 and 13.
Proficiency in synthesizing technical repair data from Fleet Information Management Software (FIMS) into actionable maintenance and lifecycle recommendations.
The analytical skill set required to perform rigorous final inspections on apprentice repairs to guarantee provincial safety compliance.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex technical schematics and manuals.
Working knowledge of operating machining equipment (drill press, welders, grinders) and performing specialized structural repairs.
Ability to provide clear, professional guidance to shop staff and technical advice to all levels of the organization.
Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver’s License (or provincial equivalent) with a Q (Air Brake) Endorsement.
Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Province of Alberta Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) Technician license.
Valid WHMIS certification.

Nice To Haves

Related experience working within a municipal fleet environment.
A diverse set of skills working on different vehicles and equipment with an emphasis on advanced electrical and hydraulic systems.
Advanced Driving Defensive Driver Training.

Responsibilities

Formally coordinate the Town’s apprenticeship program by overseeing daily skill development, reporting technical hours, and providing official sign-off on provincial competency folders for AIT.
Perform final technical audits and road tests on apprentice repairs to ensure 100% adherence to manufacturer and CVIP standards, while leading daily toolbox talks and high-risk hazard assessments.
Proactively identify technical skill gaps and collaborate with all fleet-using departments to provide training, operational assistance, and professional guidance to improve asset longevity.
Serve as the primary subject matter expert for high-complexity diagnostic faults involving advanced electronic engine controls, multiplex wiring, and Tier 4 final/Tier 5 emission systems.
Conduct formal root-cause analysis on recurring mechanical failures to identify trends in operator or manufacturing defects and develop standardized PM protocols to prevent future downtime.
Provide critical after-hours service and emergency assistance to support municipal operations during high-priority events, such as snow emergencies or major utility failures.
Execute specialized welding and fabrication repairs on municipal assets, ensuring strict compliance with structural integrity, safety, and manufacturer engineering specifications.
Maintain the shop's "Audit-Ready" status by reviewing work orders for strict compliance with Alberta National Safety Code (NSC) Standards 11 and 13.
Oversee the legal defensibility and accuracy of all CVIP documentation within FIMS to ensure all safety-critical repairs are properly recorded and reported.
Lead the shop’s environmental compliance program, managing the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous fluids to meet all Alberta Environment standards.
Synthesize technical data from FIMS to provide the Manager, Fleet Services with data-backed "Repair vs. Replace" recommendations for high-value assets.
Regularly review and update PM schedules for specific asset classes (e.g., Graders, Fire Apparatus) to optimize service intervals for Cochrane’s unique operational environment.
Assist in the continuous improvement and standardization of equipment operating procedures to ensure safe and consistent use across all municipal departments.
Lead specialized parts research and source third-party technical services to optimize the maintenance budget while minimizing "bay-time" for critical assets.
Monitor external service provider quality and maintain proactive communication regarding repair status, timelines, and follow-ups to ensure timely fleet resolution.