Director Of Fleet Operations

The Department of Fire Services provides firefighter training, public education, fire prevention, code enforcement, licensing, fire investigation, hazardous material response, and emergency response. The agency is compromised of the following business areas: the Office of the State Fire Marshal (Legal, Public Information, Fire Investigation Unit, Cigarette Compliance, Information Technology, and Grants), the MA Firefighting Academy, the Hazardous Materials Response Division, the Fire Safety Division, and the Administrative Services Division (Human Resources, Fiscal and Capital Asset Management). The agency's headquarters are in Stow, MA, with regional facilities in Springfield MA and Bridgewater MA.

The Director of Fleet Operations provides leadership, management, and supervision of the fleet maintenance unit. The position manages all aspects of the maintenance, repairs, servicing and quality assurance of the Department of Fire Services fleet including but not limited to heavy equipment, fire apparatus, emergency response vehicles, large trucks, light vehicles, generators, and all associated fleet equipment. The manager is responsible for developing and maintaining an effective fleet maintenance program that prolongs the life of the fleet and ensures the safe operation of all fleet vehicles and equipment. The Department of Fire Services fleet is comprised of approximately 187 pieces of motorized and non-motorized equipment including 12 fire engines, 3 ladder trucks, 1 Ladder Tower, 33 light duty vehicles ranging from passenger cars SUV’s & pickup trucks, 53 generators ranging from portables to affixed generators on different response and training vehicles, 22 Heavy Duty HazMat Response vehicles, 3 Heavy Duty Incident Support Unit Response Vehicles, 4 Heavy Duty Rehab response vehicles, 52 trailers ranging from 8’ to 40, 2 Mack tractor trailers, 3 Fork Lifts, 1 front end loader, 2 backhoes, 2 skid steers, 7 Kubota’s, 2 Gravely UTVs, 4 lawn tractors, 5 lighting plants, and other misc. equipment.

Major responsibilities include:

1. Manages the Department of Fire Services fleet operations and scheduling to optimize vehicle and equipment availability. Communicate with affected divisions and senior staff regarding the availability of vehicles and their repair schedules/status; ensure all reported safety defects are resolved prior to the vehicle or equipment being released for use. Leverages industry best practices to develop and implement innovative and efficient solutions for the fleet. Provides assistance and coordinates emergency roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown; on-call 24 hours a day / 7 days a week if required to address emergencies.

2. Oversees the Department of Fire Services third-party service providers’ contracts and purchase orders, negotiates the timely and most cost-effective delivery of third-party services, validates the delivery of services and authorizes the payment of invoices.

3. Partners with division leadership and division vehicle coordinators to collaborate regarding centralizing vehicle maintenance records and the utilization of the fleet department services. Builds relationships with divisions to ensure routine maintenance is successfully coordinated and provides support for complex vehicle related projects. Holds regular meetings with division vehicle coordinators and updates coordinators on any changes in fleet operations. Collect, review and retain copies of monthly driver logs and update division directors and senior staff on non-compliant drivers.

4. Provides supervision and technical guidance to mechanics. Guides staff to identify and address process improvement opportunities.

5. Monitors and ensures the timely repairs and maintenance of the Department of Fire Services’ garage facilities, equipment and tools to provide a safe environment for all employees. Perform routine garage supervisory activities to ensure all materials, supplies and tools are in stock, properly stored, and all working areas are safe, clean and orderly. Oversee UST compliance. Monitor and ensure the timely and accurate tracking of on-site fuel usage and ensure fraud prevention procedures are being followed by all staff.

6. Assesses and recommends the Department of Fire Services’ future fleet requirements. Serve on procurement teams to source new vehicles and equipment. Writes bid specifications for vehicle and equipment acquisitions and develops bid response evaluation criteria. Evaluates all proposed vehicle purchases in terms of safety, cost efficiency and operational requirements. Evaluates aging vehicles and equipment and makes recommendations on the disposal or trade-in of equipment, as needed.

7. Develops and directs policies, systems and procedures to ensure that the Department of Fire Services is in compliance with all local, state, and federal mandates and NFPA and manufacturer standards for vehicle maintenance, operations and record keeping. Performs detailed fleet analysis using a variety of data and criteria, including telematics; prepares a wide variety of periodic and special reports concerning maintenance costs, labor utilization, and equipment conditions; develops and executes the fleet maintenance budget. Develops and directs proper inventory and accountability procedures to prevent the loss of tools and equipment.

8. Designs, develops and delivers training on garage-related equipment and driver-related training for specific DFS personnel as needed. Maintains training records, copies of employee driver’s license information, annual reviews of RMV history, and OVM driver affirmation forms for DFS authorized drivers. Periodically shares list of DFS authorized drivers, including driver license classification, with appropriate staff and institutes management controls to ensure only authorized drivers are given access to DFS vehicles. Maintain current working knowledge of DOT and OSHA regulations and NFPA and manufacturer standards for vehicles, drivers and garage area. Responsible for ensuring that all drivers are subject to corrective action for violation of DFS or OVM policy.

• A cover letter and resume expressing your interest in this position must be submitted as part of the application process. These documents must be specfically attached to the job requisition for which you are applying.

The position requires a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driver history supported by documentation from the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles or comparable agency in another state. All persons holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) and who perform duties requiring a CDL for the Department of Fire Services, whether temporarily or permanently, at any time will be required to undergo controlled substances and at our discretion, alcohol testing prior to employment and will be subject to further testing throughout their period of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong technical and managerial skills in fleet operations and maintenance
• Computer literate with proficiency in Word, Excel and other desktop applications
• 7+ years experience in fleet management and maintenance
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, management, negotiation, and business skills
• Working Knowledge of NFPA Standards.
• 5+ years as a full performance level mechanic diagnosing, repairing, maintaining and inspecting fire/rescue/EMS vehicles, apparatus, diesel trucks and/or heavy duty trucks and construction equipment
• Thorough understanding of finance and accounting relating to the acquisition (purchase or lease) of vehicles, equipment, staffing, supplies, and materials
• Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Fire Apparatus Technician Level II Certification,
• Strong understanding of vehicle systems and technology and knowledge of local motor vehicle laws, OSHA, CDL, DOT and other pertinent regulatory requirements

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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