Fire Truck Mechanic

Job Title: Truck Mechanic – Emergency & Fire Apparatus

Job Description

The Truck Mechanic will maintain, diagnose, and repair fire engines, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, and other emergency service vehicles to ensure they remain safe, reliable, and ready for service at all times. This role focuses on diesel, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems, with an emphasis on the specialized components found in fire and rescue apparatus. The position directly supports public safety by keeping mission-critical emergency response fleets compliant and operational.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, service, and repair fire engines, ladder trucks, rescue vehicles, pumpers, tankers, ambulances, and support vehicles.
• Perform repairs on diesel engines, transmissions, drivetrains, suspension, steering, cooling, and exhaust systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair air brake systems, ABS, and hydraulic components to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Conduct preventive maintenance inspections (PMs) to maximize fleet safety, uptime, and regulatory compliance.
• Repair and maintain truck bodies and systems, including mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components specific to emergency vehicles.
• Carry out vehicle parts repair and assembly in accordance with work orders and customer specifications.
• Use hand and power tools safely and effectively to complete repairs, installations, and adjustments.
• Perform electrical diagnostic work and repairs on vehicle wiring, lighting, and control systems.
• Carry out diesel engine diagnostics and repairs, including identifying performance issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Complete inspections of vehicles and systems to identify potential issues before they result in downtime.
• Support welding, fabrication, and paint preparation tasks as needed to restore or modify vehicle components.
• Respond to occasional field or service calls to diagnose and repair vehicles outside the primary repair facility.
• Work efficiently under time-sensitive conditions to return emergency vehicles to service as quickly and safely as possible.
• Document work performed, parts used, and findings from inspections in a clear and accurate manner.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a diesel or heavy-duty truck mechanic.
• Strong diagnostic skills across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and pump systems.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair diesel engines, transmissions, drivetrains, suspension, steering, cooling, and exhaust systems.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing air brake systems, ABS, and hydraulic components.
• Proficiency in performing preventive maintenance inspections (PMs) on heavy-duty vehicles.
• Ability to safely and effectively use hand and power tools in a repair shop environment.
• Experience with mechanical assembly, vehicle parts repair, and system installations.
• Capability to perform electrical diagnostics and repairs on complex vehicle systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow work orders and technical instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, reliability, and quality workmanship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on fire engines, ambulances, or other emergency service vehicles is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Freightliner, International, Pierce, Spartan, or similar emergency vehicle chassis is a plus.
• Experience with welding and basic fabrication for vehicle repairs and modifications.
• Background in paint preparation and bodywork support for vehicle refurbishment.
• Ability to perform inspections and identify potential issues before they impact fleet readiness.
• Comfort working under time-sensitive conditions supporting first responders and emergency operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and clearly describe repair needs and completed work.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to public safety by keeping mission-critical emergency vehicles safe, reliable, and ready to respond when they are needed most. The work goes beyond standard fleet maintenance, offering a specialized and meaningful focus on fire and rescue apparatus. You will enjoy a stable, long-term opportunity in a high-demand field where your skills are valued and continuously utilized. This environment offers a strong sense of pride and purpose, knowing that your expertise supports firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders every day.

Work Environment

Work takes place primarily in a repair shop environment with occasional field or service call assignments. You will regularly work around heavy equipment, emergency vehicle systems, and elevated noise levels, following appropriate safety procedures and using hand and power tools. The role involves working under time-sensitive conditions to support first responders and ensure vehicles return to service quickly and safely. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with occasional overtime and weekend work as needed, which is described as rare.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Modesto, CA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Modesto,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.