Jobs › Republic Services

Lead Diesel Mechanic/Technician

Republic Services · Urbana, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

A newer technician is stuck on a diagnosis. How do you coach them without just doing it yourself?

What they are checking: Whether they teach diagnostic thinking so the team gets stronger over time.

Tell me about a time you led a group of technicians. What was hard about it?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead peers and handle conflicts or uneven effort.

How do you make sure your team follows safety procedures every day?

What they are checking: Whether they model and enforce safety rather than just talking about it.

What would you do

You inspect a repair one of your techs finished and it isn't safe. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold the line on safety and use it as a coaching moment rather than ignoring it.

A truck breaks down on its route. How do you decide whether to fix it on the road or tow it in?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh safety, the repair needed and route impact when doing road calls.

Two trucks need attention and you only have one tech free. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they make clear priority calls based on safety and operational need.

About the work

How would you schedule repair work for your group so trucks are back on routes on time?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by urgency, parts and tech skill to cut lost productivity.

Walk me through how you'd diagnose an intermittent electrical fault on a refuse body control system.

What they are checking: Whether they have the advanced diagnostic skill the lead role needs for complex problems.

How do you keep up with federal and state regulations that affect fleet maintenance?

What they are checking: Whether they know DOT inspection and compliance rules that keep trucks legal.

What's your approach to diagnosing an engine that's losing power?

What they are checking: Whether they follow a logical path through fuel, air, exhaust and electronic systems.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Republic Services.

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to a Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Manager, the Maintenance Lead Technician provides direction to a group of technicians to ensure that all repairs and maintenance of equipment are performed in compliance with the Company’s safety standards and applicable federal and state regulations. The Maintenance Lead Technician is responsible for all chassis (diesel and non-diesel equipment and trucks) and refuse bodywork, including, but not limited to, hydraulic, electrical, heating and air conditioning system maintenance and repair. In addition, the Lead Technician diagnoses more complicated repair work; provides coaching on diagnostic techniques to subordinate technicians; performs external repair inspections to ensure all repair work is done in a safe manner; and schedules the repair work for his or her work group to ensure that all repair and maintenance work is done in a safe and timely manner, reducing lost productivity within the shop. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: • Maintains expert knowledge of, and advanced working proficiency in, the following vehicle components and systems, with the ability to perform complex repair maintenance functions, both on-site and on the road:o Chassis component repair and maintenance; Refuse bodies, including control, hydraulic and electrical systems o Air and hydraulic braking systems; o Engine repair and maintenance;o Suspension, drivetrain and steering systems; and o Heating and air conditioning systems. o Performs line maintenance welding and fabrication. o Provides direction to technicians assigned to his or her work group to ensure that all repair and maintenance work is performed in a safe, efficient and timely manner. May plan and schedule repair work to minimize lost productivity. o Inspects repairs done by a third party vendor to ensure all work has been properly completed in accordance with the Company’s safety procedures and federal and state regulations; follows up when necessary. o Performs repair diagnostics on more complex matters. o Identifies the source of malfunctions using a variety of electronic tools. o Completes applicable Company training programs. o Handles Maintenance Supervisor responsibilities, as needed. o Acts as a mentor to technicians. • Performs other job-related duties as assigned or apparent. QUALIFICATIONS: • Ability to perform inspections and repairs without supervision in some (not all required) of the following heavy truck, or automotive systems:o Suspensions, Steering, General Engine, Transmissions, Brakes, Electrical, Hydraulics, Drive Train, Diesel Emissions. • At least 3 years of experience in a role requiring compliance with OSHA Haz Com, OSHA Lock Out Tag Out, and all OSHA fire protection regulations is a plus but not required. • At least 1 year of supervisory or lead technician experience is a plus but not required. • ASE Heavy Truck Certifications (T1-T8) is a plus but not required. • Class B or higher Commercial Driver’s License is a plus but not required • Valid Driver’s License. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • At least 3 years of experience as a technician working on heavy-duty trucks. $30.56/HR Bonus Plan Details (if applicable): Rewarding Compensation and Benefits Eligible employees can elect to participate in: • Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage. • Health care and dependent care spending accounts. • Short- and long-term disability. • Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance. • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP). • Employee discount programs. • 401(k) plan with a generous company match. • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Benefits https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company. EEO STATEMENT:Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For any concerns relating to Republic Services’ commitment to equal opportunity employment, you may contact the AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4. ABOUT THE COMPANY Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. In 2025, Republic’s total company revenue was $16.6 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.3 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills. Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer. Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 42,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it. Our company values guide our daily actions: • Safe : We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities. • Committed to Serve : We go above and beyond to exceed our customers’ expectations. • Environmentally Responsible: We take action to improve our environment. • Driven : We deliver results in the right way. • Human-Centered: We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person. We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 5.1 million people in 2024 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods. STRATEGY Republic Services’ strategy is designed to generate profitable growth. Through acquisitions and industry advancements, we safely and sustainably manage our customers’ multiple waste streams through a North American footprint of vertically integrated assets. We focus on three areas of growth to meet the increasing needs of our customers: recycling and waste, environmental solutions and sustainability innovation. With our integrated approach, strengthening our position in one area advances other areas of our business. For example, as we grow volume in recycling and waste, we collect additional material to bolster our circularity capabilities. And as we expand environmental solutions, we drive additional opportunities to provide these services to our existing recycling and waste customers. Recycling and Waste We continue to expand our recycling and waste business footprint throughout North America through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The 13 million customers we serve and our more than 5 million pick-ups per day provide us with a distinct advantage. We aggregate materials at scale, unlocking new opportunities for advanced recycling. In addition, we are cross-selling new products and services to better meet our customers’ specific needs. Environmental Solutions Our comprehensive environmental solutions capabilities help customers safely manage their most technical waste streams. We are expanding both our capabilities and our geographic footprint. We see strong growth opportunities for our offerings, including PFAS remediation, an increasing customer need. Sustainability Innovation Republic’s recent innovations to advance circularity and decarbonization demonstrate our unique ability to leverage sustainability as a platform for growth. The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation’s first integrated plastics recycling facility. These innovative sites process rigid plastics from our recycling centers, producing recycled materials that promote true bottle-to-bottle circularity. We also formed Blue Polymers, a joint venture with Ravago, to develop facilities that will further process plastic material from our Polymer Centers to help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. We are building a network of Polymer Centers and Blue Polymer facilities across North America. Our customers are increasingly looking for decarbonization solutions, and we are leveraging our network of landfills to meet that need. Republic is committed to harnessing landfill gas, a natural byproduct of decomposing waste, and converting it to energy. Republic has partnered with renewable gas developers to construct Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plants at our landfills, expanding beyond the 77 projects we currently have to make progress towards our goal to beneficially reuse 50% more biogas by 2030 (2017 baseline year). RECENT RECOGNITION • Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies • CDP Discloser • Dow Jones Best-In-Class Indices • Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies • Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies • Great Place to Work • Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global

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