Lead Fleet Mechanic – Automotive and Machinery
Location: Hempstead, NY (In-person, on-site at main facility; field work as needed across Long Island and NYC service areas)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Schedule: 40 hours per week standard (typically Monday through Friday, shop hours); overtime at time-and-a-half as needed for peak seasons, emergencies, or high demand Compensation: $35 to $45 per hour (based on experience, certifications, and skills)
Join a stable, family-owned business with more than 65 years of trusted service in the irrigation and landscaping industry. With a fleet of about 80 vehicles and pieces of equipment (service trucks, light-duty vehicles, trailers, small engines, skid steers, loaders, pumps, and irrigation machinery), you will keep operations running smoothly for a team of 90 to 95 people. This hands-on lead position includes preventive maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and the opportunity to perform in-house New York State vehicle inspections once the facility becomes a licensed inspection station.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on a mixed fleet of gasoline and diesel trucks, vans, trailers, small engines, and landscaping/construction machinery.
- Troubleshoot and fix mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and drivetrain problems in both shop and field settings (including job-site repairs during busy seasons).
- Conduct independent diagnostics using scan tools, multimeters, pressure gauges, and OEM software.
- Handle major repairs such as engine rebuilds, transmission work, hydraulic overhauls, and component replacements when required.
- Prioritize and manage multiple breakdowns efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Keep accurate repair records, track parts inventory, and document work for compliance and efficiency.
- Perform (or prepare to perform) New York State annual safety and emissions inspections on company vehicles once the facility is licensed as an inspection station.
- Work independently with minimal supervision while coordinating with operations teams.
- Maintain strict safety standards and company protocols on every job.
- Be available for overtime, emergency field repairs, and peak-season demands.
Required Qualifications
- 5 or more years (10 or more years preferred) of hands-on experience as an automotive, fleet, or machinery mechanic.
- Proven expertise with gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical diagnostics (including CAN bus where applicable), and drivetrain repairs.
- Valid New York State driver's license (clean record preferred).
- New York State Certified Motor Vehicle Inspector (Group 1/Safety Inspector) certification required (or ability and willingness to obtain promptly; company supports the process to become a licensed private fleet inspection station for internal efficiency).
- Strong problem-solving and diagnostic skills (real troubleshooting, not just parts swapping).
- Physical ability to lift heavy objects, work in varying outdoor conditions, and perform field repairs.
- Reliable, punctual, safety-conscious, and organized with good communication skills for clear reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with heavy equipment, construction machinery, skid steers/loaders, small engines, trucks/light vehicles, or irrigation-related equipment.
- ASE certifications, CDL, welding/fabrication skills, or major component rebuild experience.
- Familiarity with fleet maintenance in service industries (landscaping, irrigation, construction).
- Comfort working on both vehicles and specialized machinery.
What We Offer
- Hourly pay of $35 to $45 based on experience, certifications, and skills.
- Overtime at time-and-a-half during peak seasons, emergencies, or busy periods.
- Employer-sponsored health insurance (partial contribution), dental (employee-paid), 401(k) with partial match, paid time off, and potential tool allowances or other perks.
- Stable, year-round work in a long-standing family-owned business with a strong reputation.
- Opportunity to grow into a lead role in a supportive, collaborative environment.
If you have the technical skills, leadership mindset, and drive to keep a large fleet and field teams moving reliably, apply today. This is a chance to make a direct impact in a respected, growing operation.
