Emergency Vehicle Technician (Heavy Duty Mechanic)

About the role

Choose Richmond — Richmond, British Columbia.

Reporting directly to the Captain in charge of the Emergency Vehicle Technician Branch (EVT), this position is skilled mechanical work performed in accordance with established trade practices at the journeyman level in the inspection, maintenance, overhaul and repair of a variety of firefighting equipment and vehicles in Fire-Rescue.

Responsibilities

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Servicing of large emergency and light duty vehicles including performing oil and fluid changes, onboarding electrical and computer systems, keyboarding, brakes, tires torqueing turntable bolts, diagnostics, etc.
• Servicing of emergency equipment including hydraulic tools and hoses.
• Oral and written assignments are received from the Supervisor (EVT-Captain) who reviews work performance in terms of effective journeyman services provided.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the automotive and heavy-duty mechanical trade.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and proper safety precautions related to the work performed.
• Ability to perform a variety of skilled mechanical and related tasks in the overhaul, repair, maintenance, and adjustment of a wide variety of automotive, heavy duty, firefighting equipment and emergency vehicles.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and work from blueprints, diagrams and sketches.
• Proficiency in work related computer applications such as diagnostic equipment, MS Office including Word and Outlook (including e-mail and calendar).
• Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment used in the trade.
• Superior mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to operate a variety of vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to fabricate, trouble shoot, repair and overhaul diesel engines; ability to repair and overhaul air brake systems.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision; exercise considerable independence of judgement and action in completing assignments.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.
• Physically and mentally fit to perform the work and meet the physical demands of the job; ability to work within confined spaces.
• Attention to detail is required.
• Must be able to demonstrate the City’s Values of People, Excellence, Leadership, Team and Innovation.

Education and Experience

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent supplemented by a valid BC Certificate of Qualification as a Heavy Duty Mechanic or Commercial Transport Mechanic Red Seal (documents will need to be submitted)
• Related work experience is required.

Licenses, Certificates and Registrations

• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License for the Province of British Columbia with Air Brake Endorsement (with no current driving infractions – drivers abstract will need to be submitted)
• Must obtain a valid Class 3 Driver’s License for the Province of British Columbia within 12 months from start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current EVT certification and/or Certified Automotive Mechanic
• A valid Class 3 Driver’s License for the Province of British Columbia with Air Brake Endorsement (with no current driving infractions).
• Experience in the areas of fire apparatus, small engine, hydraulic, A/C and D/C wiring, welding steel and welding aluminum
• A valid BC Authorized Inspector certificate.

Working Conditions

This position involves regular physical work as a significant part of the conditions, and performs work in all variety of weather, onsite at the indoor RFR Mechanical shop, at various Fire Hall locations and potentially outside at emergency scenes. Exposure to noise of power tools and impact wrenches.

Occasionally required to work blind in order to access various engine parts. Physical ability and effort is required which involves heavy lifting, lowering, moving, carrying, pushing and/or pulling equipment such as engines, pumps, hydraulic spreaders, etc. Frequent and regular physical effort is required which involves lifting and lowering of hand tools and pneumatic tools. Exposure to dust, dirt, toxic chemicals and fumes. Potential exposure to hot coolant, machinery parts and or/welding flash.

This position will be posted until filled, we anticipate beginning the review of candidates and subsequent interviews after November 30, 2026.