Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic

POSITION SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic inspects, diagnoses, services, repairs, and maintains company-owned construction, environmental, and oilfield equipment to support safe and dependable field operations. The position works on excavators, bulldozers, wheel and track loaders, backhoes, skid steers, motor graders, compactors, forklifts, telehandlers, and related attachments and support equipment. Duties include preventive maintenance, mechanical and electronic diagnostics, hydraulic-system repair, undercarriage and powertrain service, field breakdown response, and accurate work-order documentation.

Working under the direction of the Equipment Manager, the Mechanic coordinates with equipment operators, field supervisors, vendors, and other Environmental Operations personnel to reduce downtime and prevent repeat failures. The employee must follow manufacturer and company procedures, use appropriate blocking and energy-control methods, maintain a safe and orderly work area, and remove equipment from service when a condition could endanger personnel, property, or the environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

• Receive and verify operator complaints, inspection findings, fault codes, warning indicators, performance concerns, fluid-loss reports, and prior repair history before beginning diagnosis.
• Diagnose diesel engine, fuel, cooling, lubrication, air-intake, exhaust, aftertreatment, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, hydrostatic, powertrain, braking, steering, and control-system concerns.
• Use approved diagnostic software, scan tools, digital multimeters, hydraulic flow and pressure testers, temperature tools, gauges, service information, wiring and hydraulic schematics, and technical specifications.
• Perform visual and operational inspections, retrieve and interpret fault codes, review live data, conduct pressure and electrical tests, and identify the root cause before replacing components.
• Evaluate loss of power, overheating, excessive smoke, hard starting, hydraulic drift, slow cycle times, unusual noise or vibration, steering concerns, travel problems, and attachment malfunctions.
• Verify completed repairs through inspection, function testing, leak checks, calibration or relearn procedures, and authorized operational testing under controlled conditions.

Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Inspections

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance based on engine hours, time intervals, equipment use, duty cycle, manufacturer guidance, and company standards.
• Inspect engines, cooling systems, batteries, belts, hoses, wiring, hydraulic pumps, cylinders, valves, motors, hoses, fittings, reservoirs, filters, and fluid condition.
• Inspect transmissions, torque converters, final drives, axles, differentials, brakes, steering, frames, articulation joints, oscillation points, pins, bushings, and mounting hardware.
• Inspect tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets, shoes, chains, tires, rims, wheel ends, cutting edges, buckets, blades, forks, couplers, guards, steps, handrails, cameras, alarms, lights, and safety devices.
• Change oils, filters, coolant, fuel filters, breathers, hydraulic filters, and other service items using approved products and contamination-control practices.
• Lubricate designated points, inspect for wear and looseness, obtain fluid samples when assigned, and document conditions requiring repair or monitoring.

Mechanical Powertrain and Undercarriage Repair

• Repair or replace diesel-engine external components, cooling-system parts, fuel components, starters, alternators, batteries, belts, hoses, sensors, wiring, connectors, relays, and lighting.
• Service transmissions, torque converters, differentials, axles, driveshafts, hydrostatic drives, final drives, brakes, steering components, and related seals or bearings within individual qualification.
• Inspect and repair track frames, rollers, idlers, sprockets, track chains, shoes, tensioning systems, equalizer bars, oscillation joints, articulation components, pins, bushings, and wear components.
• Measure undercarriage and attachment wear, compare results with service limits, and recommend adjustment, repair, rotation, rebuild, or replacement.
• Repair or replace buckets, blades, cutting edges, teeth, shanks, ripper components, forks, quick couplers, guards, steps, handrails, and other approved structural or wear items.
• Perform welding, cutting, line boring, machining, tire service, air-conditioning service, or major component rebuilding only when trained, qualified, properly equipped, and authorized.

Hydraulic and Electronic Control Systems

• Diagnose hydraulic leaks, overheating, contamination, noise, cavitation, low pressure, weak functions, drift, slow response, and unequal or erratic movement.
• Test hydraulic pressure, pilot pressure, case drain, flow, temperature, and component performance using rated equipment and manufacturer procedures.
• Repair or replace hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders, control valves, accumulators, coolers, reservoirs, filters, hoses, tubes, fittings, seals, and related components within individual qualification.
• Control contamination by cleaning connection areas, capping open lines, using clean containers and tools, filtering fluids as required, and protecting components during disassembly.
• Diagnose sensors, switches, controllers, solenoids, joysticks, displays, machine networks, grade-control components, cameras, alarms, and electronic interlocks using approved procedures.
• Perform authorized calibrations, software updates, parameter checks, and component relearns and document configuration changes or unresolved faults.

Attachments and Auxiliary Equipment

• Inspect and service buckets, blades, rippers, forks, grapples, hammers, compactors, augers, couplers, thumbs, tilt systems, and other approved attachments.
• Verify attachment compatibility, secure connection, hydraulic routing, hose protection, pins, locks, guards, labels, and operating controls before release.
• Repair auxiliary hydraulic circuits, couplers, case drains, electrical connections, mounting components, and attachment-control systems within available tools and authorization.
• Inspect and service equipment-mounted pumps, compressors, generators, lighting systems, fire extinguishers, suppression components, and other support systems as assigned.
• Identify work requiring dealer programming, specialized tooling, engineering approval, structural repair, warranty authorization, or outside vendor support and escalate it promptly.

Field Service and Breakdown Response

• Respond to authorized breakdowns, no-starts, warning lights, overheating, leaks, derates, loss of function, track or tire concerns, and other service calls at yards, customer sites, construction areas, and remote field locations.
• Gather location, equipment, terrain, weather, work-zone, failure, and transport information before travel and determine the tools, parts, support, or recovery resources likely to be needed.
• Coordinate with the operator and field supervision to park equipment on stable ground, lower attachments, secure the machine, establish an exclusion zone, and control stored energy before work begins.
• Perform only repairs that can be completed safely and reliably in field conditions; arrange transport, recovery, vendor support, or equipment substitution when shop repair is required.
• Communicate status, repair limitations, estimated downtime, parts needs, and release conditions to the Equipment Manager and affected field supervision.

Parts Tools and Shop Operations

• Identify and request correct parts using unit number, serial number, model, component information, measurements, service literature, and approved vendor resources.
• Inspect received parts for correct application, quantity, condition, and compatibility before installation and protect warranty cores and returnable components.
• Maintain assigned hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, hydraulic test equipment, lifts, jacks, stands, cranes, presses, welders, shop equipment, and service vehicles in safe condition.
• Use rated blocking, cribbing, stands, lifting points, hoists, slings, and lifting devices and never work beneath unsupported attachments, booms, cabs, frames, machines, or components.
• Maintain clean work bays, service trucks, wash areas, aisles, storage areas, and parts areas and promptly control spills, trip hazards, scrap, and discarded materials.
• Safeguard company parts, fluids, fuel, tools, equipment, keys, purchasing information, and vendor accounts and report loss, damage, misuse, or inventory concerns.

Work Orders and Maintenance Records

• Open, update, and close work orders with complete complaint, cause, correction, labor, parts, equipment hours, inspection findings, measurements, and testing information.
• Document diagnostic steps, pressure and electrical readings, fault codes, wear measurements, fluid condition, repair recommendations, deferred items, vendor work, and required follow-up.
• Record preventive-maintenance services and inspection results accurately so equipment records reflect the actual condition and maintenance history of each asset.
• Notify supervision before expanding a repair beyond the approved scope, replacing high-cost components, sending equipment to a vendor, or returning a unit with unresolved concerns.
• Communicate clearly with operators regarding reported symptoms and completed repairs without releasing equipment that has not passed required checks.

Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Follow company, shop, customer, and site safety procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, equipment instructions, energy-control practices, and stop-work expectations.
• Recognize hazards involving raised equipment, stored hydraulic pressure, accumulators, gravity, rotating parts, tracks, articulation points, hot components, batteries, electricity, tires, refrigerants, fuels, exhaust, welding, and heavy lifting.
• Lower or mechanically support attachments, relieve hydraulic pressure, disconnect or isolate energy sources, secure articulation locks, block movement, and verify the condition before servicing affected systems.
• Use ventilation and exhaust extraction when operating engines indoors and maintain safe separation from running equipment, moving components, pinch points, and line-of-fire exposures.
• Store, label, handle, and dispose of used oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, filters, batteries, tires, solvents, refrigerants, absorbents, and contaminated materials according to company requirements.
• Immediately report injuries, near misses, spills, fires, equipment damage, defective shop equipment, unsafe machines, and significant hazards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; diesel technology, heavy-equipment technology, technical-school, apprenticeship, or military maintenance training is preferred.
• Two or more years of hands-on heavy equipment, diesel, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, oilfield equipment, fleet, or comparable mechanical experience; equivalent formal training may be considered.
• Working knowledge of diesel engines, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, hydrostatic drives, powertrains, undercarriages, steering, braking, preventive maintenance, and shop safety.
• Ability to use diagnostic software, scan tools, multimeters, hydraulic test equipment, gauges, service information, schematics, measuring tools, hand tools, and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow repair procedures, technical service information, specifications, parts information, safety data sheets, labels, and work orders.
• Ability to perform basic calculations and accurately document labor, parts, pressures, measurements, fluid quantities, equipment hours, and repair findings.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record consistent with company requirements.
• Ability to complete company-required training, medical evaluation, respiratory fit testing, and customer or facility access requirements when applicable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Four or more years of heavy equipment, diesel, construction, oilfield, agricultural, or fleet maintenance experience.
• Manufacturer or dealer training, ASE diesel certifications, air-conditioning certification, commercial driver's license, or recognized hydraulic training applicable to assigned duties.
• Experience with Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, CASE, Volvo, Bobcat, Kubota, or comparable equipment and electronic service or diagnostic platforms.
• Experience with hydraulic troubleshooting, undercarriage measurement and repair, machine control systems, diesel aftertreatment, welding, fabrication, and field service.
• Current first aid and CPR, defensive-driving, forklift, aerial-lift, rigging, welding, lockout or tagout, or other job-relevant training.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Diagnose faults methodically and avoid unnecessary parts replacement by confirming the complaint, testing the system, identifying the cause, and verifying the repair.
• Read and apply electrical and hydraulic schematics, service limits, torque specifications, adjustment procedures, and diagnostic decision trees.
• Recognize when equipment, attachments, hydraulic systems, undercarriages, tires, structures, or safety devices are unsafe and communicate the condition clearly.
• Prioritize safety-critical repairs, field breakdowns, preventive maintenance, inspections, scheduled work, parts availability, and operational needs with guidance from the Equipment Manager.
• Work independently while requesting technical support, authorization, lifting resources, transport, or vendor assistance when a repair exceeds individual capability or available equipment.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance, attention to detail, mechanical judgment, organization, productivity, teamwork, and care of company property.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position performs work in maintenance shops, equipment yards, construction sites, customer facilities, industrial locations, and remote field areas throughout the company's service territory.

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach overhead, twist, push, pull, grip, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements for extended periods.
• Frequently lift or carry up to approximately 50 pounds and use team lifting or mechanical assistance for heavier batteries, cylinders, hoses, wear parts, tools, and components.
• Work beneath, beside, inside, and on top of equipment while using ladders, steps, platforms, creepers, jacks, stands, blocking, and lifting devices.
• Work around noise, vibration, diesel exhaust, oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, coolants, solvents, refrigerants, battery acid, dust, welding fumes, hot surfaces, sharp edges, and moving equipment.
• Work indoors and outdoors on uneven, muddy, rocky, or sloped surfaces in heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, and changing weather while wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Drive to service locations and work early mornings, extended shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call periods, and emergency breakdowns as business needs require.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic may provide task-specific guidance to helpers, operators, or less-experienced technicians but does not manage employees unless formally designated.

DISCLAIMER

This job description summarizes the position's general duties and requirements and is not exhaustive. Management may modify duties or assign additional responsibilities to meet business, legal, safety, customer, and operational needs. Employment remains subject to applicable company policies and requirements.

Standard Safety & Supply is an Equal Opportunity Employer.