Heavy Equipment Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties, and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the heavy equipment mechanic job description, including the key tasks, duties, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

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

What Does a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Do?

Heavy equipment mechanics are a particular type of workers whose working apparatus involves a number of heavy-sized machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders.

As their prime responsibility, they need to keep them in good working condition by performing repairs, carrying out regular maintenance, and making inspections.

According to NMC Cat, the heavy equipment mechanic’s work involves inspecting, repairing, maintaining, and servicing machinery used for heavy-duty operations in industries, such as construction, transportation, and agriculture.

The job requires knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

Heavy equipment mechanics typically report to a shop supervisor or a maintenance manager.

In bigger organizations, they may also be further guided and instructed by an operations manager or project manager, especially when their field of operation significantly involves specific projects.

Heavy equipment mechanics are found working in various industries, such as construction, mining, agriculture, forestry, and municipalities, where the requirement to service and repair machinery arises.

A typical heavy equipment mechanic requires a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.

Many attend technical schools or community colleges that offer heavy equipment maintenance training.

Certification through agencies like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) may be preferred, though it is not a requirement.

Some employers help their workers build skills through on-the-job training.

The heavy equipment mechanic job description entails diagnosing mechanical problems and studying blueprints and technical manuals for the optimum performance of machinery, repair, and maintenance.

Among the other related roles, heavy equipment mechanics may order parts and supplies, maintain records of repairs, maintenance, and parts used, and instruct other workers in the proper use and care of equipment.

They do vital work of heavy equipment mechanics in practically all parts of the world, even though the details may differ from one country to another.

There would be a number of advanced infrastructure and construction projects in the developed countries where skilled mechanics could be in great demand.

In developing countries, technicians may work with a more diverse range of older or less sophisticated machinery, making their roles particularly essential in maintaining the operations at hand.

Employers generally seek applicants for heavy equipment mechanic positions who have practical experience, the technical ability to diagnose repair problems in complex systems, relevant certification, and attention to detail.

A large number of heavy equipment mechanics are bound to national and local legislations related to this work.

The United States is guided by OSHA in terms of legislation and rules regarding safety.

Requirements at a local level can vary, so it would be good to confirm state or regional licensing authorities for specific requirements and certifications.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Example/Sample/Template

The heavy equipment mechanic job description usually consist of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth inspection of heavy machinery to identify their faults
• Conduct routine maintenance tasks that include oil changes and filter replacements
• Replace worn out or damaged parts, which include engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems
• Conduct tests and adjustments in equipment for proper functionality
• Perform diagnosis by using diagnostic tools and software
• Read and interpret technical details from manuals and blueprints
• Carry out inspection of equipment and tools to meet safety standards
• Keep records of repairs and maintenance
• Order and inventory of parts and supplies on schedule
• Communicate with other mechanics and technicians in performing complex repairs
• Carry out emergency repair services as the need arises
• Train and mentor junior mechanics or apprentices
• Maintain an organized workspace
• Ensure all equipment is at industry standard
• Operate equipment to test and verify repairs
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules
• Perform welding and fabricating as needed
• Discuss with equipment operators to be able to identify problems and determine repair needs
• Stay abreast of new technologies and repair methods
• Follow safety rules and regulations. Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment
• Perform pre-use and post operating equipment checks
• Diagnose electrical and hydraulic systems
• Keep tools and equipment in good maintenance
• Assist in preparing procedures and guidelines within the maintenance
• Perform technical training and coaching to other operation departments.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Job Description for Resume

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

You can highlight the heavy equipment mechanic duties and responsibilities provided in the job description example above in your resume’s Professional Experience to show that you have been successful performing the role.

This will significantly boost your resume and increase your chances of being hired for the new job, especially if it requires someone with some heavy equipment mechanic work experience.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

Here are important requirements that you may be expected to meet by most employers/recruiters to be hired for the heavy equipment mechanic position, which are also needed for success in the career:

• Mechanical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of mechanical systems and components
• Diagnostic Skills: Ability to properly diagnose and troubleshoot
• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of the diagnostic tools and repair techniques
• Problem-solving: Strong analytical skills necessary for resolving complex problems
• Attention to Detail: Ability to focus on every part of the repair and maintenance work
• Communication Skills The ability to effectively communicate both to and from team members as well as equipment operators
• Physical Stamina: Ability to bear the physical demands of the job, which includes lifting and bending
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety practices and precautions.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Employment

From survey data obtained on the Zippia website, the number of currently employed heavy equipment mechanics in the United States is over 102,820.

Employment by Industry

The industries with the highest number of employment for heavy equipment mechanics, according to Zippia include:

• Manufacturing: 20,564
• Construction: 19,536
• Professional: 10,282
• Fortune 500: 8,226
• Technology: 7,197.

Employment by State

States with the highest number of employment for heavy equipment mechanics in the U.S. include California and Texas, with 2,875 and 2,710 employments respectively, according to report by Zippia.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Salary

The salary of a heavy equipment mechanic in the United States, according to report on Zippia, is averagely $49,018 per year.

Salary by Industry

According to data on Zippia, industries that pay the most salaries to heavy equipment mechanics in the U.S. include:

• Transportation: $60,682
• Construction: $57,680
• Manufacturing: $56,989
• Professional: $56,385
• Technology: $53,18

Salary by State

Averages for heavy equipment mechanics’ salaries change based on location, industry, and experience. Better pay is available from a few States.

The highest paying states for heavy equipment mechanics in the U.S., according to report on Zippia site, include Vermont and Illinois, with average yearly salaries of $65,649 and $63,785 respectively.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Job Satisfaction

According to PayScale, heavy equipment mechanics have an average job satisfaction rating of 3.76 out of 5 from survey, with 165 responses.

What this shows is that though many are generally satisfied, there is certainly room for improvement in many factors of their work environment and conditions.

Conclusion

This post has provided the details of the heavy equipment mechanic job description, giving you a view of the major responsibilities, required competencies, and job outlook.

Individuals who are interested in the heavy equipment mechanic career will find this post helpful in learning so much about what the role entails.

Employers/recruiters will also find this post useful in making a detailed job description for the position.