Position Summary
Walker Diving Underwater Construction and Walker Cutting Services, located in Hammonton, NJ, is hiring an experienced Lead Diesel Mechanic. This role is responsible for the diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the company's fleet of heavy construction equipment, marine vessels, support barges, generators, hydraulic systems, cranes, diesel engines, and commercial vehicles. This position serves as the senior mechanic within the organization, performing the most technically complex repairs while providing leadership, direction, and training to three junior mechanics.
The Lead Diesel Mechanic will ensure equipment reliability to support critical underwater construction, marine construction, commercial diving, and heavy civil projects. This role requires a hands-on leader who can effectively manage shop operations, respond to field service needs, maintain regulatory compliance, and travel to project sites approximately 10% of the time. This role will be primarily in-person at our Hammonton, NJ Office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
- Lead, supervise, train, and mentor a team of three mechanics.
- Assign daily work priorities and coordinate maintenance schedules to maximize equipment availability.
- Inspect and review completed work for quality, safety, and compliance with company standards.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance on complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and marine equipment issues.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the maintenance department.
Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- Perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on diesel engines, marine propulsion systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, transmissions, and heavy construction equipment.
- Conduct repairs on barges, work boats, dredging equipment, generators, compressors, cranes, excavators, pumps, and support equipment.
- Diagnose and resolve complex engine performance, fuel system, emissions, electrical, and hydraulic failures.
- Perform preventative maintenance inspections and ensure timely completion of all scheduled service activities.
- Respond to equipment breakdowns and emergency repair situations to minimize project downtime.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, repair histories, and parts usage within the company's CMMS system.
Fleet & Compliance Management
- Ensure all company vehicles, trailers, and equipment comply with applicable DOT, OSHA, Coast Guard, and company requirements.
- Assist in the development and management of preventive maintenance programs.
- Coordinate equipment inspections, certifications, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Monitor equipment condition and provide recommendations regarding major repairs, rebuilds, and replacement planning.
Field Service Support
- Travel to project sites, marine terminals, shipyards, and remote construction locations to perform diagnostics and repairs.
- Provide technical support to field operations and dive construction teams.
- Participate in after-hours emergency service calls when necessary.
Qualifications
- Minimum 8 years of diesel mechanic experience involving heavy equipment, marine equipment, commercial vehicles, or industrial machinery.
- Minimum 3 years of experience supervising or leading maintenance personnel.
- Strong diagnostic experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and electronic control systems.
- Experience working on marine engines, vessels, barges, or waterfront equipment preferred.
- Experience supporting heavy civil construction, marine construction, or commercial diving operations is highly desirable.
- Valid driver's license required.
- CDL Class A license is a bonus.
- Technical school certification, diesel technology degree, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
- Ability to operate forklifts, loaders, telehandlers, and other yard equipment safely.
- Must possess and maintain a professional set of mechanic's tools.
Skills and Competencies
- Advanced diesel diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities.
- Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Working knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
- Thorough understanding of preventative maintenance practices.
- Ability to read technical manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
- Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, vessel crews, dive supervisors, and field personnel.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and greater weights with assistance.
- Ability to climb ladders, board vessels, access barges, and work in confined spaces.
- Ability to work in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
- Ability to stand, kneel, bend, squat, and work with tools for extended periods.
- Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time to project sites and emergency repair locations.
Work Environment
This position works in maintenance shops, equipment yards, marine terminals, vessels, barges, and active construction project sites. Work may occasionally occur near water, around commercial diving operations, and in environments subject to weather, noise, vibration, and heavy equipment activity.
Preferred Industry Experience
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries are strongly preferred:
- Marine Construction
- Underwater Construction
- Commercial Diving Support
- Heavy Civil Construction
- Marine Transportation
- Industrial Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Fleet Maintenance
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
EOE disability/Veteran
Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
