Entry-Level Equipment Mechanic

Entry-Level Mechanic

The Entry-Level Mechanic is responsible for performing preventative maintenance, inspections, cleaning, lubrication, servicing, and basic mechanical repairs on forestry, construction, and support equipment. This position helps ensure company equipment remains safe, reliable, and ready for operation while learning the mechanical skills necessary to advance within the organization. The Entry-Level Mechanic works under the guidance of experienced mechanics and assists with repairs, shop maintenance, and equipment preparation.

Safety

• Contribute to developing and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Participate in daily safety discussions and risk assessments.
• Recognize hazards and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of your own safety and the safety of fellow employees.

Preventative Maintenance

Perform routine preventative maintenance on forestry and construction equipment.

Maintenance Duties Include:

• Greasing equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Blowing off equipment with compressed air.
• Washing equipment and engines.
• Cleaning radiators, coolers, screens, and engine compartments.
• Changing engine oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, gear oil, coolant, and filters.
• Checking and topping off fluids.
• Inspecting tires, tracks, rollers, sprockets, and undercarriages.
• Inspecting hoses, belts, clamps, wiring, and batteries.
• Replacing filters, lights, wiper blades, and other routine service items.
• Fueling equipment when required.
• Preparing equipment for seasonal operation.

Equipment Inspections

• Perform daily and scheduled equipment inspections.
• Identify leaks, excessive wear, loose hardware, damaged guards, cracked welds, and safety concerns.
• Report findings to supervisors or senior mechanics.
• Remove unsafe equipment from service following company procedures.

Basic Mechanical Repairs

• Replace hoses, lights, mirrors, batteries, belts, and other minor components.
• Tighten loose hardware and fittings.
• Assist with brake, steering, hydraulic, and electrical repairs under supervision.
• Assist senior mechanics during larger repairs and component replacements.
• Prepare equipment for repair by cleaning and organizing work areas.

Shop Responsibilities

• Keep the shop clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working condition.
• Properly dispose of oils, filters, and waste materials.
• Organize parts inventory and assist with receiving shipments.
• Help maintain service trucks and shop equipment.

Equipment Operation

Safely operate equipment as trained and authorized, including:

• Forklift
• Pressure washer
• Air compressor
• Grease equipment
• Floor jacks and jack stands
• Shop cranes
• Power tools
• Air tools
• Service vehicles

Requirements

Experience & Skills

• Mechanical aptitude with a willingness to learn.
• Interest in forestry and construction equipment.
• Ability to follow preventative maintenance schedules.
• Basic understanding of hand and power tools.
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment.
• Good organizational and housekeeping skills.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License
• Minimum six months of professional related experience

Physical Demands

• Must be able to exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally (5 times per day) and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently (50 times per day) and up to 25 lbs. of force on a regular basis through the day, depending on work-related circumstances.
• Must be able to lift objects from floor to above shoulder level and be able to lift from lying position on back overhead. Must be able to move objects/parts/tools and equipment from one area to another and one level to another level.
• This position includes the following physical demands:
• Reaching extending and pulling the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction while working with various tools as mentioned before.
• Handling - seizing, holding, grasping, turning, pulling, or otherwise working with hands and arms.
• Pulling using arms in such a way as pulling of tools, wrenches, parts, and equipment to complete the job.
• Fingering picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily (rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling).
• Feeling being able to determine objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by means of receptors in skin, particularly those of fingertips.

Work Environment:

• The majority of the time will be inside conditions with protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Some work is outside working conditions with no control over weather conditions.
• There are periodic high noise levels and vibrations associated with this job. Sources include engine noise, air compressors, air-powered equipment, and other shop noises. Also, there is possibly sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent to cause possible hearing loss.
• There are a variety of physical hazards in which there is a danger to life, health, or bodily injury, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving equipment, heavy parts, electrical shock, engine exhaust, working on elevated equipment, exposure to burns and radiant energy, exposure to explosives (gases) and exposure to toxic chemicals and biological agents.
• Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this type of work.
• Air power tools, electric drill, drill press, grinders (both hand and bench), wrenches, torches, welders, a variety of hand tools, air chipping hammers, and electric cords.