Lead Service Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Herc-U-Lift, Inc. is seeking an experienced Lead Service Technician to provide hands-on technical expertise and day-to-day leadership within our service department. This position is responsible for diagnosing and repairing material handling and related equipment while serving as a technical resource, mentor, and working leader for other technicians.

The Lead Service Technician will help coordinate daily workflow, prioritize service needs, troubleshoot complex repairs, train and support technicians, inspect work for quality and safety, and communicate service issues to management. This is a working leadership position, not a formal supervisory role. The position has authority to direct technical work and day-to-day workflow but does not have formal authority over hiring, termination, compensation, or disciplinary decisions.

Position Focus

70% – Hands-On Technical Work: Diagnose, repair, maintain, inspect, and service material handling and related equipment.

20% – Technician Support/Training/Work Coordination: Provide technical assistance, mentor and train technicians, coordinate workflow, and help prioritize work.

10% – Administrative/Documentation/Quality Follow-Up: Complete and review work orders, documentation, quality inspections, and follow-up.

Percentages are intended as a general guide and may vary based on workload and business needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on forklifts, MEWPs, rail car movers, rough terrain equipment, and other material handling equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, fuel, charging, and other equipment systems.
• Perform complex repairs involving engines, transmissions, differentials, brakes, electrical systems, hydraulics, couplers, and related components.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and diagnostic information.
• Assist technicians with complex troubleshooting and repairs. 
• Provide hands-on training, mentoring, and technical guidance to other technicians.
• Help coordinate daily work assignments and workflow with the Branch Admin.
• Help prioritize service work based on customer needs, urgency, technician availability, and department priorities with the Branch Admin.
• Monitor work in progress and completed repairs to identify quality, safety, or workmanship concerns.
• Communicate technician training needs, quality concerns, workflow issues, and significant service problems to the Corporate Service Manager.
• Work with the Parts Department and Branch Admin to identify and obtain necessary parts and materials.
• Complete accurate work orders, service reports, labor entries, parts information, inspections, and other required documentation.
• Promote safe work practices and compliance with company safety policies and OSHA requirements.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment (shop and van).
• Provide professional customer service and communicate equipment condition, repair needs, and recommended services.
• Maintain current technical knowledge of equipment, manufacturers, and repair procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Authority & Accountability

The Lead Service Technician may provide day-to-day technical direction, assist with work assignments and priorities, coach and train technicians, inspect work, and identify quality, safety, and training concerns.

Formal personnel decisions—including hiring, termination, compensation, promotions, formal discipline, and employee performance evaluations—remain the responsibility of the Corporate Service Manager, and/or Human Resources.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Advanced mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diagnostic troubleshooting skills.
• Strong knowledge of forklifts, material handling, heavy equipment, MEWPs, rail car movers, or related industrial equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
• Ability to diagnose and repair complex equipment problems.
• Ability to effectively train, mentor, and provide technical direction to other technicians.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple jobs and changing customer needs.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, diagnostic equipment, and service management software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain/maintain forklift certification.
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and professional service.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/trade school training preferred.
• 5+ years of technician experience in forklift, material handling, heavy equipment, industrial equipment, automotive, or a related field.
• Previous Lead Technician, Senior Technician, Foreman, or similar technical leadership experience preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stretch, kneel, squat, crawl, crouch, push, pull, and climb as needed to inspect and service equipment.
• Ability to work around machinery, tools, noise, dirt, grease, oils, fuels, chemicals, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment and safely operate required tools and equipment.
• Must be able to wear required PPE.

Benefits:

• Medical (and FSA/HSA plans), dental and vision insurances.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Company paid basic life insurance.
• Supplemental term life insurance.
• 401(k) with match.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Group accident and critical illness insurance.
• Safety glasses and boot program.
• Tuition reimbursement and in-house training.

Herc-U-Lift, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.  Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics.  Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.