Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Wheel Loader Specialist)At Jones Lumber, you are not an employee. You are a vital part of our team who, for over 70 years, have kept safety and our core values at the center of everything we do. We invite you to see how your career can grow at a company that puts your happiness above all.Jones Lumber turns raw timber into premium grade hardwood lumber and durable access mats. We exist to enhance the lives of our employees, customers, vendors, and the communities we serve. This Heavy Equipment Mechanic keeps our Cat and John Deere wheel loaders running safely and reliably so the whole operation keeps moving.We run on five core values: Integrity, Passion, Unity, Sustainability, and Humility. Safety, teamwork, productive feedback, and genuine care for our people guide how we operate every shift, not just slogans on a wall.Wheel loaders are the workhorses of our yard and mill. When they go down, material stops moving. This mechanic's skill directly protects uptime, safety, and production. Reporting to the Equipment Fleet Manager, you are the specialist we count on to keep these machines in top condition.The Heavy Equipment Mechanic diagnoses, repairs, and maintains Caterpillar and John Deere wheel loaders and supports other fleet equipment as needed. This is a hands-on role focused on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality repairs that keep machines safe and available.Primary ResponsibilitiesSafety and ComplianceMaintenance and RepairDocumentation and PartsReliabilityKey Performance IndicatorsWheel loader uptime and availabilityPreventive maintenance completed on scheduleRepair quality and rework or comeback rateDiagnostic and repair turnaround timeSafety incidents and near missesAccuracy of work orders and service recordsQualifications and SkillsRequired Technical SkillsProven ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment and rolling stock.Strong knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical, and powertrain systems.Ability to use diagnostic software and read schematics and service manuals.Preventive maintenance and inspection skills.Safe use of shop tools, lifts, and diagnostic equipment.Basic computer skills, including work order and service record entry.Preferred Technical SkillsExperience with Caterpillar ET and John Deere Service Advisor diagnostic tools.Welding and fabrication skills.Experience with a broader mixed fleet of heavy equipment.Familiarity with sawmill, log yard, or forestry equipment.Education and ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent required. Technical or trade school training preferred.Proven hands-on experience repairing heavy equipment, with wheel loader experience strongly preferred. Open to a range of experience levels.Demonstrated track record of quality, reliable repairs.Certifications and TrainingOSHA 10 or 30, or willingness to obtain.Caterpillar or John Deere factory training (preferred).ASE, diesel or Heavy equipment certification (preferred).Forklift or equipment operation certification (a plus).Welding certification (a plus).Industry KnowledgeUnderstanding of heavy equipment operation in an industrial setting.Familiarity with lumber, forestry, or material-handling environments.Awareness of OEM maintenance standards and intervals.The Ideal CandidateSoft Skills and TraitsSafety-first mindset: treats safe work as non-negotiable.Strong troubleshooter: stays methodical and calm when diagnosing tough faults.Quality-focused: takes pride in repairs that last.Dependable: shows up and follows through.Team player: communicates clearly and supports the crew.Adaptable: shifts priorities as breakdowns and production needs change.Eager to learn: keeps current on Cat and John Deere technology.Working Style and Team FitThe ideal mechanic is hands-on, dependable, and takes real pride in their craft. They live our values: Integrity in honest, quality repairs, Passion for machines that run right, Unity in supporting the crew and production, Sustainability in extending equipment life and handling fluids responsibly, and Humility in the willingness to learn and pitch in wherever needed.Growth OpportunitiesThis role can grow into a lead mechanic, shop supervisor, or specialized diagnostic technician position, with potential to move toward Mechanical Foreman or fleet leadership over time. We invest in our people, and your growth is part of our plan.Benefits401(k) Retirement Plan and Employer MatchEmployer Paid Group Life/AD&DEmployer Paid Short-Term DisabilityEmployer Paid Cancer CoverageMedical + Prescription Drug CoverageDentalVisionVoluntary Long-Term DisabilityVoluntary Life/AD&DVoluntary AccidentVoluntary Critical IllnessEmployee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending Account*Pre-employment drug screen and background check requiredJones Lumber is an Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, veteran status, disability, color, religion, sex, national origin, any other federally protected class.