Vehicle and Utility Equipment Technician

At Hydro Ottawa, we power the lives of the people in the communities we serve. 

As the electricity distributor to the Nation’s Capital, our work powers the essential activities that make up our lives - at home, at work and at play. And as Ontario’s largest municipally-owned producer of green power, we are leading the way to a greener tomorrow. 

We are seeking a Vehicle and Utility Equipment Technician who enjoys hands-on work with the support of a collaborative team; a problem solver who always puts safety first. Without you, we’d be in the dark. 

Are you ready to make a difference in our community?
 

JOB SUMMARY

The Vehicle and Utility Equipment Technician is responsible for performing competent cradle to grave maintenance (preventative and unscheduled) to all kinds of fleet vehicles up to 66,000 lbs., GVW and equipment including personnel elevating devices up to 80 feet in elevation and load lifting devices up to 30,000 lbs, (V&E).

As a trade professional, the Vehicle and Utility Equipment Technician is responsible to attain and maintain industry accepted competency levels that enable him/her to:

• Diagnose technical operational problems;

• Carry out necessary repairs effectively on a large variety of light and heavy-duty fleet vehicles and equipment including aerial devices;

• Ensure the safety and security of all personnel using the equipment. 

The vehicles and equipment that employees rely on in the field are critical to their safety and the reliability of the work they perform, therefore it is vital that these vehicles and related equipment be safe to operate/use. The Vehicle and Utility Equipment Technician has the responsibility and authority to determine the fitness of vehicles and equipment for their intended use and will be held accountable for such decisions. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential responsibilities of the job include but are not necessarily restricted to the following:

• Ensure prompt and accurate diagnosis of operating faults by using a variety of highly sophisticated testing equipment such as computerized diagnostic testers, mechanical gauges, etc. and interpret results by referring to detailed service manuals, specification charts, wiring diagrams, manufacturers blue prints, service bulletins, Web-based manufacture database, etc.

• Perform detailed inspections to fleet vehicle and equipment including aerial devices, requiring in depth knowledge of various systems such as mechanical, HVAC, hydraulic (air, oil, water), electrical, electronic, computerized, pneumatic, structural or any combination thereof.

• Determine the appropriateness for continued service based on physical inspection, operator reports and observations or operating conditions. 

• Carry out complex and intricate repairs to all makes of vehicles and equipment including personnel elevating devices (bucket trucks, diggers, forklifts, cranes, etc.) by diagnosing, repairing, adjusting, replacing parts and components.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates (with due considerations to economic considerations) for completing repairs, listing all replacement parts and sourcing parts from suppliers as may be required.

• Perform work in accordance with published labour time guides, to industry standards and act professionally at all times to instill confidence with the users.

• Fabricate, modify, design parts, components and accessories as may be required.

• Ensure that repairs to vehicles and equipment conforms to all applicable regulatory requirements and that the safety of operators and passengers on board as well as the public at large is safeguarded against motor vehicle or equipment related accidents due to inappropriate repairs.

• Responsible and held accountable to confirm the mechanical fitness and compliance with regulations by signing various government inspection certificates, stickers, vehicle log books as inspection mechanic, etc.

• Perform work, inspections and certifications to prevent serious injuries to Power Line Maintainers and other trades who utilize equipment in hazardous working situations.

• Conduct road tests to ascertain drive ability problems and to confirm that repairs are performed effectively.

• Understand and comply with all shop safety rules and regulations.

• Provide equipment operational instructions to equipment operators (to improve awareness of proper operating techniques, operator safety and to minimize wear and tear on vehicles and equipment.

• Approve the regulatory certifications on vehicles and equipment as defined under the Highway Traffic Act.

• Assist the supervisor with various vehicle specifications for ordering new units for Hydro Ottawa 

• Diagnose operating problems, install, remove, etc., electronic devices, e.g., GPS.  

• Apply vehicle detailing and striping as well as minor and body repairs, refinishing and repainting.

• Maintain an inventory of hand and power tools and keep work area in a safe and orderly condition.

• Perform other related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma

• Truck and Coach Technician Certificate (310T) combined with Utility Fleet Mechanic Certificate 

• Truck and Coach Technician Certificate (310T) combined with the ability to obtain Utility Fleet Mechanic Certificate within 30 months of hiring may substitute

• Automotive Service Technician Certificate (310S) or ability to obtain within 30 months of hiring 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a mechanic on both light and heavy duty equipment within a fleet environment

• Recent and relevant experience with complex hydraulic systems, air brake systems,  electronic circuitry and computerized diagnostics

• Experience working with insulated aerial device hydraulic systems considered an asset

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• English essential, both oral and written

• Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset

• Valid driver’s license – Class DZ

The terms and conditions of employment for this position are governed by the collective agreement between Hydro Ottawa Limited and IBEW Local 636.

Hydro Ottawa offers a Hybrid Work Model. Hybrid work is position specific, details of the hybrid model will be discussed with successful candidates.

Hydro Ottawa may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) during the recruitment process to aid in the screening and selection of candidates.