Diesel Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post provides detailed information on the job description of a diesel mechanic, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the diesel mechanic role by most employers.

What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do?

Diesel mechanics, more recently known as diesel technicians or diesel service technicians, are specialized automotive professionals whose main field of work involves vehicles and machinery run by diesel engines.

The diesel mechanic job description involves inspecting, repairing, and maintaining diesel-running engines for various transportation means and other heavy machinery.

This includes semi-trucks, buses, construction equipment, and farm implements.

Most diesel mechanics directly report to the lead mechanic, service manager or shop foreman, again dependent on the size and shape of their workplace.

Employed diesel mechanics find their jobs in a number of respective areas and firms.

For instance, truck transportation companies, automotive repair and maintenance shops, wholesalers of vehicle parts, local government, and construction companies.

Some of the diesel mechanics have also established themselves as self-employed, who operate on an independent contract basis.

A diesel mechanic usually requires a high school diploma or its equivalent, as well as specialized training.

Many mechanics get postsecondary training in diesel technology, the duration of such programs ranging from six months to two years.

Many also receive on-the-job training. While certification is not always required, it is desirable.

Diesel mechanics can be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Certification is highly helpful for better employment, which carries a higher potential for salary.

Primary functions of the diesel mechanic include diagnosing the problem in the engine and performing routine maintenance or repairs by replacing defective parts.

They use computerized diagnosis tools along with good old-fashioned mechanical knowledge to keep diesel engines in good running order.

This could also include welding or electrical work on their vehicles, and some diesel mechanics may be required to drive their vehicles to test their performance following repairs.

The role of diesel mechanics is very important in most countries, more so in those that have large transportation or agricultural sectors.

For example, in the United States, diesel mechanics keep a prime driver of the economy – the nation’s trucking industry – running.

Employers typically seek out diesel mechanics that possess a very good understanding of diesel engine systems, excellent troubleshooting skills, and that are comfortable working with complex diagnostic equipment.

Physical strength and dexterity will also be required since this is often a heavy-lifting and tight-space job.

Since there is no overall governing and regulatory board over diesel mechanics in the entire United States, various organizations play vital roles.

The Environmental Protection Agency sets the emissions standards for the diesel engines in the United States, information with which the mechanics have to be conversant.

Many turn toward the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence for certification and professional development, which offers widely recognized certifications for diesel mechanics.

Diesel Mechanic Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The diesel mechanic job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Inspect diesel engines for defects or malfunctioning and diagnose problems with the help of computerized diagnostic equipment
• Perform different routine tasks, like changing oil and filters
• Repair or replace faulty components of the engine
• Test vehicles so that they may be performed efficiently after repairs
• Optimize the power output and fuel efficiency by adjusting the engine controls
• Fuel Injection Service and repair
• Brake service and repair on diesel-powered vehicles
• Rebuild or replace the transmission or parts in the powertrain
• Evacuate malfunctions in electrical systems
• Service and repair exhaust gas and emission control systems
• Repair and maintenance of ac and heating systems in diesel engines
• fabricate parts and components when the frame or parts of the vehicles are severely damaged and weakened – welding equipment
• Follow and interpret the reading in the technical manuals for proper repair and service
• Keep records of repairs and servicing
• Counsel customers on problems and required repairs on their vehicles
• Estimate cost and time for jobs
• Order supplies, parts, maintain inventory
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of work areas and tools
• Comply with safety procedures and regulations
• Preventive maintenance to minimize breakdowns
• Upgrade or retrofit older diesel engines to meet current emissions standards
• Troubleshoot problems in hydraulic systems of construction equipment and repair them
• Mentor junior mechanics or even train apprentices
• Be in line with the newest technologies trickle-down in diesel engines and new servicing/repair techniques.

Diesel Mechanic Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a diesel mechanic or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can create an effective Professional Experience for your resume by applying the sample diesel mechanic job description provided above.

You can highlight the duties and responsibilities you have carried out or presently performing in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above diesel mechanic job description example.

This will show that you have been effective performing the duties and responsibilities of the diesel mechanic role and will help to boost your chances of being hired for the new position that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some diesel mechanic work experience.

Diesel Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

To excel in this field, diesel mechanics need a diverse set of skills and knowledge.

Here are some of the most important ones, which are also commonly part of most employers/recruiters’ requirements for the position:

• Mechanical aptitude: An in-depth understanding of how engines and mechanical systems operate
• Diagnostic skills: The ability to diagnose problems by making quick and accurate identifications
• Technical knowledge: Diesel engine systems, including fuel, electrical, and emissive systems
• Computer literacy: Use of computerized diagnostic equipment and software
• Physical stamina and physical dexterity: ability to lift heavy parts and work in awkward positions 
• Attention to detail: taking a sharp look at all the components to note any possible problems at an early stage 
• Problem-solving: ability to critically think through and come up with a solution for a complex mechanical problem 
• Time management: accomplished at efficiently making repairs in required time frames 
• Communication skills: may explain technical problems to clients or fellow employees while at work or after hours
• Mathematical skills: Be able to work out measurements and do basic calculations
• Electrical system knowledge: Good knowledge of vehicle electrical systems and troubleshooting procedures
• Safety consciousness: Knowledge of, and attention to safety procedures
• Adaptability: Able to keep pace with changing diesel engine technologies
• Hand-tool proficiency: Ability to utilize various tools needed to make the repairs or do maintenance
• Reading comprehension: Ability to read, understand, and follow technical manuals and schematics.

Diesel Mechanic Employment

According to the May 2023 employment report by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment figure for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, which covers the diesel mechanic occupation, is 285,030.

On the other hand, Zippia gave the number of diesel mechanics presently employed in the United States as 226,972.

Employment by Industry

Industries that employ the highest number of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists as given by the U.S. BLS include:

• Truck Transportation, 56,460
• Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation), 32,520
• Automotive Repair and Maintenance, 28,790
• Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers, 25,490
• Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing, 13,950.

Zippia’s survey data shows the following as industries with the current highest number of employments for diesel mechanics in the United States:

• Transportation: 72,631
• Manufacturing: 22,697
• Fortune 500: 22,697
• Professional: 13,618
• Retail: 13,618.

Employment by State

The States that employ the highest number of diesel mechanics in the United States, according to survey data on Zippia include: Texas and California, with 2,616 and 2,249 employments.

Diesel Mechanic Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 as of May 2023.

However, Zippia gives the salary currently earned by diesel mechanics in the U.S. to be on the average $49,842 per annum.

Salary by Industry

Industries that pay the highest salaries to bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists according to BLS include:

• Natural Gas Distribution: $101,610
• Scheduled Air Transportation: $98,890
• Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation): $91,640
• Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution:$88,320
• Couriers and Express Delivery Services: $84,000.

Salary by State

According to Zippia, the highest-paying States for diesel mechanics in the U.S. include: Hawaii and Rhode Island, with average salaries of $62,268 and $61,259 per annum respectively.

Diesel Mechanic Job Satisfaction

According to Payscale, based on 256 responses at the time of writing this article, the job of diesel mechanic got a job satisfaction rating of 3.67 out of 5.

This shows that on the average, the diesel mechanic is satisfied with their job.

Conclusion

The diesel mechanic role is highly challenging and rewarding.

This profession requires a rather extraordinary balance of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and physical aptitude.

This post is helpful for people entering the diesel mechanic career.

It helps them to understand the daily responsibilities and required skills to achieve success on the job.

There is much promise in the employment outlook for this profession and in solving key mechanical problems that are instrumental in keeping the machinery running, literally, in almost all industries.

For employers, a comprehensive job description is necessary to post a job accurately, provide proper training programs, and develop performance standards.

This article also provides a diesel mechanic job description template they can apply in making theirs. The nature of this industry, which is constantly being transformed by changing technology and environmental legislation, places the burden on workers to inform themselves about the changes and continue to obtain new skills throughout their careers if they hope for long-term success.