About the Company:
Valley Farm Transport (VFT) is a family-owned company founded in 1963, built on hard work, strong values, and a deep connection to agriculture. What started as a single truck hauling grain has grown into a trusted transportation partner for over 25 commodities across seven terminals in California. While we’ve grown over the years, we’ve stayed true to our roots—maintaining a close-knit, team-oriented culture where people are valued. At VFT, we take pride in supporting our employees and creating opportunities for long-term growth, making it an exciting place to build a career and be part of a company that truly feels like family.
Job Summary:
The Fleet Maintenance Manager will take pride in delivering a reliable, safe and high-performance fleet of equipment that underpins the success of Valley Farm Transport. Through professionalism, thought leadership and careful execution, this person will support a team of mechanics to hit deadlines, prioritize safety, and achieve cost targets. This person will perform advanced truck diagnostics and repairs with journeyman-level mastery.
Salary: $150,000 / year
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Asset Management
· Oversee day-to-day management of the company’s entire fleet of trucks, trailers and shop equipment.
· Set preventative maintenance schedules for all assets to meet fleet uptime goals.
· Develop best practices for fleet maintenance, inspections, documentation and regulatory compliance (including CARB).
· Use Samsara and analytics tools to track asset maintenance activities and report information across the organization.
· Define specifications for new asset purchases to meet company performance and cost targets.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for parts and service vendors, as well as repair estimates.
Team Leadership
· Lead team of Shop Managers and mechanics in terminals across California.
Manage shop facilities and equipment to ensure a clean, safe and compliant work environment.
· Manage schedules, workload and priorities of mechanics.
· Coach, mentor and educate mechanics to have consistent maintenance practices across all terminals
· Set and achieve benchmarks for mechanic productivity, safety and work quality.
· Conduct performance reviews for mechanics and create development plans for skill improvement.
· Find opportunities for cost reduction and continuous process improvement.
· Produce and present internal reports with metrics and statistics about assets and shops.
· Set an example for professionalism, communication, quality of workmanship and hard work ethic.
· Introduce new technology and process to improve overall company efficiency and competitiveness.
Truck Mechanic Expert
· Serve as a lead diesel mechanic for the company, taking responsibility for advanced diagnostics and high-level repairs on medium- and heavy-duty Class 7 & 8 trucks
· Apply expert-level knowledge of truck systems to accurately diagnose issues and implement effective repair solutions
· Lead by example, maintaining top standards in safety, workmanship, and professionalism across all shop activities
· Perform and oversee detailed diagnostics and repairs to ensure every vehicle is returned to service in optimal condition
· Mentor and support fellow technicians, helping elevate team skills and overall shop performance
· Troubleshoot and repair key truck systems, including:
o Engines (MX 11-13)
o Transmissions
o Axles
o Steering components
o Brake systems
o Clutches
o Electrical systems
o Air systems
· Help reduce equipment downtime by ensuring repairs are completed accurately and efficiently the first time
· Utilize modern tools, equipment, and training resources to maintain high-quality output and technical growth
Qualifications
· Minimum 8 years of experience as a Class 7 & 8 technician in a dealership or related truck service facility.
· Journeyman level mechanic and/or specialized technical training preferred (PACCAR, Peterbilt, Kenworth and dealership certifications are preferred.)
· Mastery of the DAVI 4 software program.
· High School diploma or equivalent.
· Valid Class C license (Class A preferred) and clean driving record to meet insurability standards of the company.
· Proficiency with computers, including the Microsoft Office suite.
Benefits:
· Optional enrollment in Company benefits for medical, dental, vision insurance and 401(k) program.
· Company pick-up truck (subject to company use policy)
· Paid time off accrued with tenure.
Work Hours:
· 5 Days, 40-50 Hours per week year-round, with additional flexibility required during harvest season for rotational schedules and road calls (March 1 – October 31). No vacation will be permitted during this time without CEO approval.
· Up to 10% overnight travel and some local, same-day travel between terminals required.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that such a person may perform.
Mechanics may voluntarily provide personal hand tools. If an employee chooses not to provide personal tools, Valley Farm Transport will provide the necessary tools required to perform assigned duties.
Gaelco, Inc., dba Valley Farm Transport, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, California, or local law.
Valley Farm Transport is committed to providing reason able accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.