Apprentice Fleet & Equipment Mechanic Wheeling, IL $21 - $25 an hour - Full-time Apply with Indeed Position Summary We are looking for a motivated Apprentice Mechanic who wants to build a career working on trucks and heavy equipment. No professional shop experience is required — if you are mechanically inclined, dependable, and eager to learn, we will train you. Working side by side with our experienced mechanics in Wheeling, Illinois, you will learn to maintain and repair our fleet of vehicles, trailers, and landscaping and snow equipment. You will start with the basics and take on more responsibility as your skills grow, while gaining the hands-on experience and certifications needed to advance to a full Mechanic role. About Green Garden Group Green Garden Group is a growing landscaping and snow removal company based in Wheeling, Illinois, serving properties across the Chicago area. Our crews depend on safe, reliable trucks and equipment every day of the year — from mowing and landscape installs in the summer to plowing and salting through Illinois winters. Our shop team is the backbone that keeps those crews moving. Who This Role Is For Recent high school graduates who enjoy working with their hands Students or graduates of automotive, diesel, or technical programs looking for real shop experience People who have worked on their own cars, trucks, or equipment and want to turn it into a career Anyone looking to switch careers into a skilled trade with a clear path to grow Key Responsibilities Preventive Maintenance (Under Supervision) Perform oil and filter changes, tire service and rotations, fluid top-offs, and battery checks Grease and lubricate trucks, trailers, loaders, skid steers, plows, and spreaders Complete basic vehicle and equipment inspections using checklists and report problems to the Lead Mechanic Check and replace lights, wipers, belts, filters, and other basic wear items Repair Support Assist mechanics with diagnosing and repairing trucks, trailers, and light-duty fleet vehicles Help with brake jobs, suspension work, electrical repairs, and hydraulic hose replacement Remove and install parts, gather tools, and prepare vehicles for repair Snow Season Support Help install, remove, and inspect plows and salt spreaders before and after the winter season Assist with pre-storm checks to make sure the snow fleet is ready Support the shop during snow events, which may include nights, early mornings, and weekends Help clean salt off trucks and equipment to prevent rust and corrosion Shop Support Keep the shop, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and safe, following OSHA safety standards Record completed work accurately in maintenance logs or fleet management software Pick up parts and supplies from vendors and help keep parts inventory organized and labeled Wash and clean vehicles and equipment as needed Properly handle and dispose of used oil, coolant, filters, and other shop waste What You Will Learn Training is hands-on and paced to your progress. A typical path looks like this: Stage 1 — Shop Basics Shop safety, PPE, and safe use of lifts, jacks, and air tools Oil changes, tire service, greasing, fluid checks, and basic inspections How to find information in service manuals and log your work Stage 2 — Building Skills Brake, suspension, and steering service Basic electrical troubleshooting with a multimeter and scan tool Hydraulic hose and fitting replacement; plow and spreader setup and repair Stage 3 — Working Toward Mechanic Diagnosing problems on gas and diesel engines with less supervision Completing repairs on your own and having your work checked Preparing for ASE certification tests Equipment You Will Work On Our fleet and equipment may include: Pickup trucks (½-ton to 1-ton), work vans, and light-duty fleet vehicles Dump trucks and medium-duty trucks (gas and diesel) Open, enclosed, landscape, and equipment trailers Skid steers, compact track loaders, and wheel loaders Snow plows (straight blade, V-plow, and pushers/box plows) and plow hydraulics Salt spreaders (tailgate and V-box/hopper spreaders) and liquid de-icing equipment Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED (or currently enrolled in an automotive, diesel, or technical program) Strong interest in mechanics and a genuine willingness to learn Basic knowledge of hand tools and how vehicles or engines work Valid Illinois driver's license with a clean driving record Reliable, on time, and able to follow directions and safety procedures Able to take feedback and work well as part of a team Availability for overtime during snow events and peak season Ability to meet the physical requirements listed below Preferred Qualifications Completed or in-progress coursework in automotive or diesel technology Any hands-on experience working on cars, trucks, or equipment (school, work, or personal) Prior experience in the landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, or agriculture industries Experience operating skid steers, tractors, or other equipment Owns a basic set of hand tools Bilingual in Spanish a plus Physical Requirements Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 60 lbs.; heavier items with assistance or lifting equipment Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and crawl under vehicles for extended periods Work with arms overhead and in tight or awkward positions Climb onto trucks, trailers, and equipment safely using steps and handholds Work in heat, cold, rain, and snow, and around noise, fumes, grease, and moving parts Wear required PPE at all times, including safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection Work Schedule & Conditions Primary work location: company shop in Wheeling, IL; occasional travel to job sites may be required Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time; occasional weekend availability during peak season Overtime available, especially during spring startup and snow season Snow season (approximately November-March) may require nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays during storms Must be comfortable working outdoors and in an open shop environment in varying Illinois weather conditions Career Path We want to grow our mechanics from within. Apprentices who build their skills, earn certifications, and show reliability can advance along this path: Apprentice Mechanic — learn the basics and support the shop Mechanic — handle diagnostics and repairs independently Lead Mechanic — lead the shop, train others, and manage the fleet maintenance program Advancement is based on skills, performance, and company needs Benefits Competitive hourly pay Overtime pay opportunities during peak and snow season Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays 401(k) retirement plan with company match Company-provided uniforms and PPE Tool allowance or company-provided tools (details discussed during onboarding) Paid on-the-job training from experienced mechanics Support toward ASE certification Clear path to advance to a Mechanic position Stable, year-round employment with a growing local company Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) Paid time off Referral program Work Location: In person