Fleet & Equipment Mechanic Wheeling, IL 60090 $28 - $35 an hour - Full-time Position Summary We are seeking a skilled and experienced Mechanic to join our growing landscaping and snow removal team in Wheeling, Illinois. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of our entire fleet of vehicles, trailers, and landscaping and snow equipment, ensuring our crews have reliable, safe, and fully operational equipment year-round. This is a critical position that directly supports our field operations and plays a key role in the efficiency and profitability of the company. You will work independently on complex repairs, keep accurate service records, help manage parts and vendors, and train and guide our Apprentice Mechanics. The right person takes pride in doing the job right the first time and keeping downtime to a minimum. About Green Garden Group Green Garden Group is a growing landscaping and snow removal company based in Downers Grove, 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. Key Responsibilities Preventive Maintenance Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on all company vehicles, including oil and filter changes, tire rotations and replacement, brake service, belts, hoses, batteries, and fluid checks Complete thorough multi-point inspections and identify worn or failing parts before they cause breakdowns Grease and lubricate equipment on a regular schedule, including loaders, skid steers, plows, and spreaders Follow manufacturer service intervals and keep each unit on a documented maintenance schedule Diagnostics & Repair Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues across a diverse fleet of gas and diesel-powered vehicles Use scan tools, multimeters, and manufacturer software to troubleshoot engine, emissions, charging, lighting, and wiring problems Perform engine overhauls, transmission repairs, suspension, steering, and drivetrain service as needed Diagnose and repair diesel systems, including fuel, DEF/aftertreatment, and DPF-related issues Repair and replace hydraulic pumps, cylinders, hoses, and fittings on trucks and equipment Perform basic welding and fabrication repairs on trailers, plows, mounts, and equipment (as qualified) Heavy & Snow Equipment Maintain skid steers, loaders, and attachments, including tracks, tires, buckets, and couplers Install, adjust, and repair snow plows, plow mounts, wiring harnesses, and plow controllers Service salt spreaders, including spinners, conveyors/augers, motors, and controls Conduct pre-season and post-season equipment checks to prepare for both the spring/summer and winter service seasons Snow Season Support Prepare the full snow fleet before the season, including plow installs, spreader checks, and test runs Provide on-call repair support during snow events, which may include nights, early mornings, and weekends Perform fast field repairs or roadside service to get plow trucks and equipment back in service Inspect and repair equipment between storms and report any units that are out of service Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate maintenance logs and repair records for all vehicles and equipment using fleet management software Track scheduled service intervals and proactively communicate upcoming maintenance needs to management Ensure all vehicles remain in compliance with DOT regulations and Illinois state vehicle inspection requirements Complete and review driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) and follow up on reported defects Track warranty work and recalls and coordinate claims with dealers and manufacturers Parts, Vendors & Cost Control Order and manage parts inventory, maintaining appropriate stock levels to minimize downtime Source parts and compare pricing and lead times to keep repair costs under control Coordinate with equipment dealers, parts suppliers, and outside service providers when needed Assist with the evaluation of used equipment purchases and recommend repair-vs-replace decisions Shop Operations & Leadership Keep the repair shop clean, organized, and in compliance with OSHA safety standards Operate all shop machinery safely, including lifts, jacks, presses, compressors, and welders Follow proper procedures for handling and disposing of oil, coolant, batteries, tires, and other waste Train, supervise, and mentor Apprentice Mechanics, assigning tasks and checking their work Communicate clearly with crew leaders and drivers about repairs, timelines, and proper equipment use 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 Minimum 5 years of hands-on mechanical experience, with at least 2 years servicing commercial fleet vehicles or landscaping/construction equipment Strong proficiency in gas and diesel engine diagnostics and repair Experience with hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and trailer maintenance Proficiency with computerized diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanners, manufacturer-specific software) Ability to read and follow service manuals, wiring diagrams, and hydraulic schematics Own a professional set of mechanic's hand tools Valid Illinois driver's license with a clean driving record; CDL (Class A or B) preferred Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment Availability for on-call and overtime work during snow events and peak season Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail Ability to meet the physical requirements listed below Preferred Qualifications ASE Certification (one or more) strongly preferred; ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications a plus Prior experience in the landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, or agriculture industries Experience servicing snow plows (e.g., Western, Fisher, Boss, or similar) and salt spreaders Experience with skid steers and loaders (e.g., Bobcat, CAT, John Deere, Kubota, or similar) Welding and fabrication skills (MIG/stick) Familiarity with fleet management software (e.g., Fleetio, RTA, or similar) Experience training or leading other technicians 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 for field repairs 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) includes on-call coverage during storms, which may require nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays Seasonal demands vary — spring and summer are the highest-demand periods for landscaping equipment, and winter is critical for the snow fleet Must be comfortable working outdoors and in an open shop environment in varying Illinois weather conditions What Success Looks Like First 30 days: Learn our fleet, shop layout, safety procedures, and record-keeping system; complete assigned repairs and preventive maintenance accurately First 60 days: Take ownership of the preventive maintenance schedule and lead diagnostics on complex repairs with little supervision First 90 days: Keep equipment downtime low, keep service records current, and actively train and support Apprentice Mechanics Ongoing: Our trucks and equipment are safe, reliable, and ready when crews need them — in every season Benefits Competitive hourly pay, based on experience 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) Ongoing training and manufacturer certification support (including ASE) Opportunity to grow into a Lead Mechanic role Stable, year-round employment with a growing local company. Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person