Hydraulic Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

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

It also highlights the major requirements that candidates for the hydraulic mechanic role are usually expected to fulfill to be hired for the position.

What Does a Hydraulic Mechanic Do?

A hydraulic mechanic is a competent technician who specializes in hydraulic systems – those neat contraptions that operate on the principle of fluid power.

They’re everywhere, from the braking in your car to heavy-duty industrial machines.

The hydraulic mechanic job description involves installing, maintaining, and repairing of hydraulic systems and performing some troubleshooting in hydraulic systems.

They are the professionals to approach in any work related to hydraulic pumps, valves, cylinders, and motors.

They ensure that the workings of these systems is efficient and safe for use; thus, very important for many industries.

Among the basic roles of the hydraulic mechanic are installation of hydraulic systems and components, routine maintenance so that breakdowns can be avoided, and diagnosis of problems in malfunctioning hydraulic systems.

Other duties they perform include repairing or replacing faulty components, reading and interpreting technical diagrams and schematics, and observance of safety regulations and industry standards.

Hydraulic mechanics may also be involved in training junior technicians or apprentices, depending on the work environment.

They are also responsible for keeping detailed records of repairs and maintenance activities, working with engineers to enhance the design of the systems, and welding or fabricating parts associated with hydraulic systems, as well as carrying out performance testing of systems they have repaired.

Hydraulics mechanics generally report to a maintenance supervisor or a lead technician.

In smaller operations, they may report directly to the facility manager or to the owner of the repair shop.

Hydraulic mechanics can be found in construction companies, manufacturing plants, aerospace industries, agricultural equipment manufacturers, mining operations, marine industries, and automotive repair shops.

To be a hydraulic mechanic, you will have to be well-grounded in mechanical principles.

Most employers would wish to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, completion of a vocational program in hydraulic systems or mechanical engineering, or an Associate’s degree in related fields, an added advantage.

Many hydraulic mechanics also start their careers as apprentices, learning in the field from experienced professionals.

Continuing education is very important in this profession, too, since hydraulic technology never stands still.

Though many times it’s not always required, certification from organizations like the International Fluid Power Society can give a leg up in the job market.

These kinds of certifications mean something and show expertise and commitment to that field of choice.

Hydraulics mechanics play a very important role globally.

Such professionals have high demand in countries with major manufacturing or construction industries, such as the United States, China, and Germany.

In developing nations, hydraulic mechanics are essential in the repair and maintenance of major infrastructure and agricultural equipment.

Among such skills and knowledge that are commonly looked for in hydraulic mechanics by employers during recruitment are problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and physical stamina.

Others include dexterity, effective communication, independence, and ability to work as part of a team.

Familiarity with computerized diagnostic equipment and basic knowledge of safety procedures and regulations are other important skills a hydraulic mechanic should have.

In the United States, OSHA sets general standards on safety issues that hydraulic mechanics deal with.

In addition, there are several industry-specific organizations, such as the SAE, that provide guidelines and standards on hydraulic system design and application.

Hydraulic Mechanic Job Description Template/Sample/Example

The following are some of the vital duties, tasks, and responsibilities that are commonly associated with the hydraulic mechanic job description:

• Install new hydraulic systems by specification and blueprint
• Inspect hydraulic equipment routinely to detect potential problems
• Conduct routine maintenance in hydraulic systems, including fluid changes and replacement of filters
• Diagnose troubles in hydraulic systems through several test methods and related equipment
• Repair or replace faulty hydraulic components, such as pumps, valves, and cylinders
• Operate hydraulic systems to determine what pressures and flow rates need to be adjusted to optimal operating levels.
• Utilize schematics, technical manuals and hydraulic circuit diagrams to aid in the performance of work activities
• Maintain complete and accurate record of maintenance, repairs and system modifications
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to enhance systems’ design and operating effectiveness
• Make sure all activities follow industry standards and safety regulations
• Mentor junior technicians and apprentices on the methods and procedures for hydraulic system maintenance and repairs
• Conduct leak detection, applying suitable solutions to prevent loss of fluids
• Conduct performance tests on newly installed hydraulic systems or those that have undergone repair
• Fabricate custom parts or modify existing parts for specific system application needs
• Utilize computer-diagnostic analysis equipment for hydraulic system performance testing
• Install preventive maintenance programs to prolong the life cycle of hydraulic equipment
• Make emergency repair calls and conduct on-site troubleshooting
• Keep abreast of new hydraulic technologies and current methods in the field
• Control stock of spare parts and order supplies as needed
• Perform routine welding and machining tasks associated with the repair of hydraulic systems
• Perform risk assessments before commencing significant repair or installation projects
• Calibrate hydraulic instruments and gauges to provide accurate readings
• Assist in establishing schedules of maintenance for various hydraulic systems
• Provide technical support and guidance to operators in using the system
• Attend safety meetings; contribute to the development of workplace safety procedures.

Hydraulic Mechanic Job Description for Resume

If you are making a new resume or CV as someone who has worked before as a hydraulic mechanic or presently working in that role, you can craft a compelling Professional Experience for your resume by utilizing the sample hydraulic mechanic job description provided above.

You can apply the hydraulic mechanic duties and responsibilities provided in the sample job description above in expressing what you did or are doing working in that role.

This will show that you have been effective working as a hydraulic mechanic, which can significantly enhance your chances of being hired, especially if the new job that you are seeking requires someone with some hydraulic mechanic work experience.

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

To be successful in your hydraulic mechanic career, you will need to have the following technical and soft skills:

• Deep knowledge of hydraulic principles and system components
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and schematics
• Problem-solving and strong analytical capabilities
• Knowledge of hydraulic fluid types and their properties
• Knowledge of related systems, including pneumatic, electrical systems, and interfaces with hydraulics
• Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools, and specialized hydraulic testing equipment; knowledge of safety procedures and regulations associated with hydraulic systems
• Basic computer skills in using diagnostic software and maintaining digital records
• Strong attention to detail-precise in work
• Physical stamina with the ability to lift heavy components repeatedly
• Good manual dexterity in handling small parts and performing delicate adjustments
• Excellent troubleshooting skills in diagnosing complex system issues
• Basic mathematics skills to calculate pressures, flow rates, and other system parameters
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical personnel
• Time management to balance many projects and tasks
• Ability to adapt to working environment indoors, outdoors, confined areas
• Strong interest in continuing to learn new technologies
• Basic welding/fabrication experience
• Knowledge of hydraulic system efficiency and energy conservation principles.

Hydraulic Mechanic Employment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies hydraulic mechanics under Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights.

Workers falling under this category install, maintain, and repair factory equipment along with other industrial machinery, including hydraulic lifts and conveying systems.

According to BLS, the industries that employed Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights including hydraulic mechanics employed 530,800 as of 2023.

Employment in the detailed job positions that constitute industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was given as follows:

• Industrial machinery mechanics: 429,500
• Maintenance workers, machinery: 59,000
• Millwrights: 42,300

However, according to Zippia, there are over 12,564 hydraulic mechanics employed in the United States as of 2022.

Highest Employing States

The States that employ the highest number of hydraulic mechanics in the United States include California and Texas, with 1,295 and 1,274 employments respectively.

Top Employing Industries

The largest employers of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights, according to the BLS data were as follows:

Hydraulic Mechanic: Industries with Highest Employments

Hydraulic Mechanic Salary

Median annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights in May 2023 according to the BLS were as follows:

• Millwrights: $62,980
• Industrial machinery mechanics: $61,420
• Maintenance workers, machinery: $57,350

Highest Paying Industries

Median annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights in May 2023, in the top industries in which they worked, were as follows:

Hydraulic Mechanic: Industries with Highest Salaries

Most industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers are full-time employees who work regular business hours.

However, mechanics may be on call or work night or weekend shifts.

Overtime is common, especially for mechanics.

Highest Paying States

The States that pay the highest salaries to hydraulic mechanics, according to Zippia include Alaska and Pennsylvania, with salaries of $86,334 and $65,731 respectively.

Hydraulic Mechanics Job Satisfaction

Recent surveys done on job satisfaction amongst industrial machinery mechanics in the United States provide a mixed outlook as to how all-around happy and satisfied mechanics are with their profession.

Job Satisfaction Rankings

1. Overall Happiness

Industrial machinery mechanics report their work happiness at 3.0 out of 5, placing them in the bottom 29% of careers in terms of job satisfaction.

This rating is a general sense of dissatisfaction in comparison to other professions.

2. Salary Satisfaction

Mechanics claimed that regarding their salaries, they were satisfied on the level of 3.2 out of 5.

Few report outright unhappiness while most have a generally positive view about compensation.

3. Meaningfulness of Work

The response about the meaningfulness of work is very low, at an average rating of 2.6 out of 5.

Many mechanics cannot really find meaning in their responsibilities, which again probably contributes to the general dissatisfaction with their jobs.

4. Enjoyment of Work Environment

Given a rating of 3.2 out of 5, mechanics did not find the work environment actively unenjoyable but saw room for improvement.

5. Personality Fit

Curiously enough, mechanics believe their personalities fit their work well, evidenced by their average score of 3.6 out of 5 for this particular aspect.

This would suggest that while there may not be full satisfaction with other elements of their jobs, they generally do feel suited to the tasks they perform.

Conclusion

Hydraulic technicians work in maintaining or repairing hydraulic systems that are inevitable in many industries.

To be a hydraulic mechanic requires technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and physical stamina.

This post has provided detailed information about the hydraulic mechanic job description and other areas of their career to get you well-equipped if you are interested in the career. It is also useful to employers in making an effective job description for the position.