Emergency Vehicle Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As an Emergency Vehicle Technician, you are the backbone of our public safety operations. You will be entrusted with maintaining and repairing the complex systems that make our emergency vehicles mission-ready 24/7. This isn't just a mechanic role; it's a career for a specialist who understands the unique demands of fire trucks, ambulances, and police cruisers. You'll work on everything from diesel engines and aerial ladders to advanced onboard electronics and life-saving equipment. Your expertise ensures that when a 911 call comes in, our vehicles can respond without hesitation. This position requires a sharp diagnostic mind, a steady hand, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Automotive Technician
Diesel Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Military Vehicle Mechanic

Advancement To:

Lead Emergency Vehicle Technician
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor / Shop Foreman
Fleet Manager
Master EVT Certification Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Heavy Equipment Technician
Public Works Fleet Technician
Generator Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diagnose, inspect, and repair complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues on a diverse fleet of emergency vehicles including fire apparatus, ambulances, and law enforcement patrol cars.
Perform comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) inspections and services in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA standards, and departmental schedules to ensure maximum vehicle reliability and safety.
Conduct annual pump service testing, aerial ladder inspections, and ground ladder testing to maintain full compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901 and 1911 standards.
Install, troubleshoot, and repair specialized emergency equipment, such as emergency lighting, sirens, mobile data terminals (MDTs), camera systems, and two-way radio communication systems.
Utilize advanced diagnostic software and tools to interface with vehicle onboard computer systems, including engine, transmission, ABS, and body control modules, to accurately identify faults.
Perform major and minor repairs on diesel and gasoline engines, including component replacement, performance tuning, and addressing emission control system faults.
Service and repair complex vehicle systems, including air and hydraulic brake systems, steering and suspension components, HVAC systems, and drivetrain assemblies.
Troubleshoot and repair intricate multiplex electrical systems (e.g., Weldon V-Mux, Class 1) that control the majority of functions on modern emergency apparatus.
Perform skilled welding, cutting, and fabrication using MIG, TIG, and stick welders to repair vehicle bodies, frames, and custom-mount equipment.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all maintenance and repair work performed, including parts used, labor hours, and detailed service descriptions, utilizing a fleet management software system.
Respond to emergency road calls to provide on-site diagnostics and field repairs for disabled frontline emergency vehicles to minimize operational downtime and return units to service.
Diagnose and repair specialized fire apparatus systems, including centrifugal fire pumps, foam proportioning systems, compressed air foam systems (CAFS), and hydraulic generators.
Inspect, maintain, and repair aerial devices, including hydraulic ladders and platforms, ensuring all safety interlocks and operational controls are functioning correctly.
Read and interpret complex technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and hydraulic schematics to facilitate accurate troubleshooting and complex repairs.

Secondary Functions

Manage the inventory of spare parts, supplies, and tools, including sourcing, ordering, and tracking to ensure availability for scheduled and unscheduled repairs.
Prepare vehicles for service by performing pre-delivery inspections on new apparatus and decommissioning retired vehicles by removing specialized equipment.
Ensure a safe and clean work environment by adhering to all shop safety protocols, properly maintaining tools and equipment, and following hazardous material handling procedures.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to first responders regarding the proper operation and daily inspection of their assigned vehicles.
Stay current with emerging vehicle technologies, industry best practices, and manufacturer service bulletins by attending training sessions, workshops, and pursuing certification courses.
Assist in developing technical specifications for the procurement of new emergency vehicles and equipment based on departmental needs and hands-on expertise.
Mentor and provide on-the-job training for apprentice technicians and other maintenance personnel within the shop.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) Certification: F-series (Fire Apparatus), E-series (Ambulance), and/or L-series (Law Enforcement) certifications are highly desirable.
ASE Certifications: Certifications in Medium/Heavy Truck (T-Series), Automobile (A-Series), and especially Master Technician status.
NFPA Standards Knowledge: Deep understanding of NFPA 1901 (Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus) and 1911 (Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus).
Diesel and Gas Engine Diagnostics: Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing engines from manufacturers like Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Ford, and GM.
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Advanced skill in diagnosing and repairing complex hydraulic systems (aerials, pumps, tools) and air brake systems.
Multiplex Electrical Systems: Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair multiplex systems such as Weldon V-Mux, Class 1, or similar CAN-Bus networks.
Welding and Fabrication: Proficiency in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding for repairs and custom fabrication on steel and aluminum.
Fire Pump & Aerial Maintenance: Specialized experience in the service, testing, and repair of fire pumps (e.g., Hale, Waterous) and aerial devices (e.g., Pierce, E-ONE, Sutphen).
Emergency Equipment Installation: Experience installing and wiring lightbars, sirens, controllers, radios, and mobile computer systems.
Diagnostic Software Proficiency: Skilled in using OEM and aftermarket diagnostic software (e.g., Cummins Insite, Allison DOC, Bendix ACom, Ford IDS).

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to logically and systematically diagnose complex, multi-system failures under pressure.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in performing inspections, repairs, and documentation to ensure safety and compliance.
Time Management: Excellent ability to prioritize a demanding workload, from routine PMs to emergency down-vehicle situations.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical personnel (e.g., first responders, command staff).
Integrity and a Strong Work Ethic: A commitment to doing the job right every time, understanding the life-and-death importance of the work.
Adaptability: Eagerness to learn and adapt to constantly evolving vehicle technology and repair procedures.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with other technicians, vendors, and public safety personnel.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Possession of a valid Driver’s License (CDL may be required or must be obtained within a specific timeframe).

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Technical Diploma from an accredited program in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, or Heavy Equipment Technology.
Graduation from a certified Emergency Vehicle Technician training program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology
Diesel & Heavy Truck Technology
Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Preferred:

At least 3 years of direct, hands-on experience working specifically as an Emergency Vehicle Technician on fire apparatus, ambulances, or police vehicles.
A combination of multiple ASE and EVT certifications, particularly Master-level certification in either discipline.
Verifiable experience in a municipal, county, or state government fleet maintenance facility.