Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Senior Heavy Equipment Technician to serve as the primary technical lead and mentor within our fleet shop. This role is designed for a highly skilled professional who thrives on solving complex mechanical challenges while shaping the next generation of technical talent through our apprenticeship program. Reporting to the Manager, Fleet Services, you will ensure our diverse fleet meets the highest standards of reliability and strict compliance with Alberta Commercial Vehicle legislation.

If you are a Red Seal professional with a "safety-first" mindset and a passion for technical excellence and mentorship, this is a unique opportunity to lead within a growing municipal environment.

Why build your career with Cochrane?

Cochrane is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, creating unique opportunities for professionals to influence how essential services are delivered. By joining our Fleet department, you aren't just maintaining equipment; you are building a legacy of technical excellence and leadership within a community.

As a Senior Heavy Equipment Technician, your career growth with us includes:

• You will play a critical role in the long-term sustainability of our workforce by managing the Town’s apprenticeship program and signing off on provincial competency milestones, effectively shaping the next generation of technicians.
• We provide the environment for you to serve as the final subject matter expert for high-complexity diagnostics involving advanced electronic engine controls and Tier 4 final emission systems, ensuring your skills remain at the forefront of industry technology.
• Your expertise will directly impact our capital budget as you utilize Fleet Information Management Software (FIMS) to provide data-backed "repair vs. replace" recommendations, moving your career into the realm of strategic asset management.
• You will maintain everything from heavy construction equipment to specialized fire apparatus and light-duty municipal vehicles, offering a breadth of experience that few other roles can match.
• Build your future in a supportive environment that prioritizes a healthy and safe workplace, offering the stability of a municipal career while you lead the shop’s safety culture and provincial compliance standards.

What are some of the duties of the Senior Heavy Equipment Technician

• Formally coordinate the Town’s apprenticeship program by overseeing daily skill development, reporting technical hours, and providing official sign-off on provincial competency folders for AIT.
• Perform final technical audits and road tests on apprentice repairs to ensure 100% adherence to manufacturer and CVIP standards, while leading daily toolbox talks and high-risk hazard assessments.
• Proactively identify technical skill gaps and collaborate with all fleet-using departments to provide training, operational assistance, and professional guidance to improve asset longevity.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for high-complexity diagnostic faults involving advanced electronic engine controls, multiplex wiring, and Tier 4 final/Tier 5 emission systems.
• Conduct formal root-cause analysis on recurring mechanical failures to identify trends in operator or manufacturing defects and develop standardized PM protocols to prevent future downtime.
• Provide critical after-hours service and emergency assistance to support municipal operations during high-priority events, such as snow emergencies or major utility failures.
• Execute specialized welding and fabrication repairs on municipal assets, ensuring strict compliance with structural integrity, safety, and manufacturer engineering specifications.
• Maintain the shop's "Audit-Ready" status by reviewing work orders for strict compliance with Alberta National Safety Code (NSC) Standards 11 and 13.
• Oversee the legal defensibility and accuracy of all CVIP documentation within FIMS to ensure all safety-critical repairs are properly recorded and reported.
• Lead the shop’s environmental compliance program, managing the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous fluids to meet all Alberta Environment standards.
• Synthesize technical data from FIMS to provide the Manager, Fleet Services with data-backed "Repair vs. Replace" recommendations for high-value assets.
• Regularly review and update PM schedules for specific asset classes (e.g., Graders, Fire Apparatus) to optimize service intervals for Cochrane’s unique operational environment.
• Assist in the continuous improvement and standardization of equipment operating procedures to ensure safe and consistent use across all municipal departments.
• Lead specialized parts research and source third-party technical services to optimize the maintenance budget while minimizing "bay-time" for critical assets.
• Monitor external service provider quality and maintain proactive communication regarding repair status, timelines, and follow-ups to ensure timely fleet resolution.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience

Required:

• Must hold a valid Red Seal Journeyman Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) designation, covering both Off-Road and Truck & Transport branches.
• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of post-Journeyman certification experience in a heavy equipment repair and diagnostic environment.
• Must be able to obtain or currently hold, an Alberta Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) Technician license and certification as an Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT).
• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).

Preferred:

• Related experience working within a municipal fleet environment.
• A diverse set of skills working on different vehicles and equipment with an emphasis on advanced electrical and hydraulic systems.

Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Expert ability to utilize specialized software to troubleshoot complex Tier 4 Final emission systems and multiplex wiring issues.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and coach Apprentice Technicians through provincial competency requirements with a supportive yet decisive approach.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Alberta CVIP and National Safety Code (NSC), specifically Standards 11 and 13.
• Proficiency in synthesizing technical repair data from Fleet Information Management Software (FIMS) into actionable maintenance and lifecycle recommendations.
• The analytical skill set required to perform rigorous final inspections on apprentice repairs to guarantee provincial safety compliance.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex technical schematics and manuals.
• Working knowledge of operating machining equipment (drill press, welders, grinders) and performing specialized structural repairs.
• Ability to provide clear, professional guidance to shop staff and technical advice to all levels of the organization

Certifications, Licenses and/or Designations

Required:

• Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver’s License (or provincial equivalent) with a Q (Air Brake) Endorsement.
• Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Province of Alberta Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) Technician license.
• Valid WHMIS certification.

Preferred

• Advanced Driving Defensive Driver Training.

The Town of Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees. As an employee, you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others by following all relevant legislation, Town directives, and procedures.

Still interested? Here’s how to apply:

• Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit a resume detailing how your professional experience specifically your five plus years of post-journeyman expertise matches the required qualifications and leadership skills for this senior role.
• All candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey.
• Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST, May 13,2026. Please apply at www.cochrane.ca/jobs.
• This personal information is collected in accordance with ATIA.
• The hourly rate for this position is between $48.17 and $49.63, based on a 40 hour work week, and is governed by Pay Grid 2 of the Teamsters Collective Agreement.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.