Position Summary
The Head Mechanic is responsible for leading the maintenance, repair, inspection, and reliability of all rolling stock and mobile equipment used in the operation. This includes company trucks, forklifts, loaders, skid steers, utility vehicles, chip trailers, log trailers, and other mobile equipment.
This position is a hands-on leadership role. The Head Mechanic is expected to work directly on equipment while also organizing daily priorities, assigning work, improving preventive maintenance, reducing breakdowns, and holding mechanics accountable for quality repairs and safe work practices.
Key ResponsibilitiesEquipment Maintenance and Repair
· Diagnose, repair, and maintain company rolling stock, including:
o Trucks - Road Tractors
o Forklifts (36,000 lb. machines down to small propane lifts)
o Wheel Loaders (Volvo/Cat)
o Skid steers
o Utility vehicles
o Chip trailers
o Yard trucks and support equipment
· Perform mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, brake, suspension, drivetrain, steering, and fuel system repairs.
· Troubleshoot equipment failures and determine root cause of recurring problems.
· Complete repairs in a timely manner to reduce downtime and keep production and shipping operations running.
· Perform welding, fabrication, and basic metal repair as needed.
· Maintain safe and reliable equipment for operators and drivers.
Preventive Maintenance
· Develop and maintain a preventive maintenance schedule for all rolling stock and mobile equipment.
· Ensure oil changes, greasing, filter changes, inspections, tire checks, brake checks, and safety inspections are completed on schedule.
· Track equipment hours, mileage, service intervals, and repair history.
· Identify equipment that is being neglected, abused, or repeatedly breaking down.
· Recommend repairs or replacements before failures create production delays.
Leadership and Supervision
· Lead and support mechanics assigned to rolling stock maintenance.
· Assign daily repair priorities based on safety, production needs, shipping needs, and downtime risk.
· Follow up to ensure repairs are completed correctly and documented properly.
· Train mechanics on proper troubleshooting, repair procedures, safety practices, and preventive maintenance expectations.
· Hold mechanics accountable for workmanship, communication, housekeeping, and timely completion of work.
· Communicate clearly with maintenance management, production supervisors, drivers, and equipment operators.
Safety and Compliance
· Ensure all rolling stock is maintained in safe operating condition.
· Inspect and repair safety-related items including brakes, lights, backup alarms, tires, steering, hydraulics, forks, seat belts, guards, mirrors, and warning devices.
· Support DOT-related maintenance requirements for company trucks and trailers where applicable.
· Ensure lockout/tagout, blocking, lifting, jack stand, hot work, and shop safety procedures are followed.
· Remove unsafe equipment from service when necessary.
· Maintain a clean and organized shop, parts area, and work environment.
Documentation and Work Orders
· Complete work orders accurately and on time.
· Document repairs performed, parts used, labor time, and equipment condition.
· Use the company’s CMMS or maintenance software to track work orders, PMs, inspections, and repair history.
· Report major failures, repeat issues, and equipment abuse to management.
· Assist with building a reliable maintenance history for each piece of equipment.
Parts and Vendor Coordination
· Identify needed parts and communicate requirements clearly.
· Help maintain critical spare parts for rolling stock and mobile equipment.
· Coordinate with outside vendors when specialized repairs are required.
· Review vendor work for quality and completeness when outside repairs are performed.
· Help control repair costs by determining when to repair in-house versus outsource.
Required Qualifications
· Strong mechanical experience with trucks, forklifts, loaders, skid steers, trailers, and mobile equipment.
· Ability to diagnose and repair diesel engines, gas engines, hydraulics, brakes, electrical systems, drivetrains, and suspension systems.
· Experience performing preventive maintenance on rolling stock or fleet equipment.
· Ability to read service manuals, wiring diagrams, parts diagrams, and maintenance procedures.
· Strong troubleshooting skills.
· Ability to lead other mechanics in a hands-on shop environment.
· Welding and fabrication experience preferred.
· Must provide or properly use required hand tools for the position.
· Valid driver’s license required.
· CDL is preferred but not required.
· Forklift, loader, or equipment operation experience preferred.
Desired Skills
· Strong leadership and communication skills.
· Ability to prioritize repairs based on business need.
· Strong sense of urgency when equipment is down.
· Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
· Good organizational skills.
· Willingness to improve maintenance systems, PM compliance, and equipment reliability.
· Ability to coach employees and build a stronger maintenance culture.
· Practical understanding of safety requirements for mobile equipment.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, and work around heavy equipment.
· Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull heavy parts and tools.
· Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
· Ability to work around noise, dust, grease, oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and moving equipment.
· Ability to safely operate tools, jacks, lifts, torches, welders, diagnostic equipment, and shop equipment.
Work Schedule
This is a full-time position. Schedule may vary based on production, shipping, and maintenance needs. Overtime, weekend work, or emergency call-ins may be required when critical equipment is down.
Compensation
Pay will be based on experience, mechanical ability, leadership ability, and demonstrated knowledge of rolling stock and mobile equipment maintenance.
Performance Expectations
The Head Mechanic will be evaluated on:
· Equipment uptime and reliability
· Preventive maintenance completion
· Quality and timeliness of repairs
· Safety of rolling stock and mobile equipment
· Accuracy of work order documentation
· Organization of shop and parts areas
· Ability to lead and train mechanics
· Reduction in repeat breakdowns
· Communication with management, operators, and drivers
· Ability to build a stronger maintenance culture
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
