WORK WHERE YOU COME FIRST.
At Jones Lumber, you are not an employee. You are a vital part of our team who, for over 70 years, have kept safety and our core values at the center of everything we do. We invite you to see how your career can grow at a company that puts your happiness above all.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Wheel Loader Specialist)
Jones Lumber Company
Reports to: Equipment Fleet Manager
Join Jones Lumber as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Jones Lumber turns raw timber into premium grade hardwood lumber and durable access mats. We exist to enhance the lives of our employees, customers, vendors, and the communities we serve. This Heavy Equipment Mechanic keeps our Cat and John Deere wheel loaders running safely and reliably so the whole operation keeps moving.
What Makes Our Culture Different
We run on five core values: Integrity, Passion, Unity, Sustainability, and Humility. Safety, teamwork, productive feedback, and genuine care for our people guide how we operate every shift, not just slogans on a wall.
Why This Role Matters
Wheel loaders are the workhorses of our yard and mill. When they go down, material stops moving. This mechanic's skill directly protects uptime, safety, and production. Reporting to the Equipment Fleet Manager, you are the specialist we count on to keep these machines in top condition.
Position Summary
The Heavy Equipment Mechanic diagnoses, repairs, and maintains Caterpillar and John Deere wheel loaders and supports other fleet equipment as needed. This is a hands-on role focused on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality repairs that keep machines safe and available.
Primary Responsibilities
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and machine guarding.
- Participate in daily toolbox talks and safe work practices.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Follow environmental rules for fluids, waste, and disposal.
Maintenance and Repair
- Perform preventive maintenance on heavy equipment and rolling stock on schedule.
- Diagnose and repair engine, hydraulic, electrical, powertrain, and brake systems.
- Troubleshoot faults using diagnostic software and OEM procedures.
- Perform welding and fabrication repairs as needed.
- Support repairs on other heavy equipment and vehicles when required.
Documentation and Parts
- Complete accurate work orders, service records, and inspection reports.
- Identify and request the correct parts and track usage.
- Communicate equipment status and repair timelines to the Equipment Fleet Manager.
Reliability
- Recommend repairs or part replacements before failures occur.
- Support root cause analysis on recurring issues.
Key Performance Indicators
- Wheel loader uptime and availability
- Preventive maintenance completed on schedule
- Repair quality and rework or comeback rate
- Diagnostic and repair turnaround time
- Safety incidents and near misses
- Accuracy of work orders and service records
Qualifications and Skills
Required Technical Skills
- Proven ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment and rolling stock.
- Strong knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical, and powertrain systems.
- Ability to use diagnostic software and read schematics and service manuals.
- Preventive maintenance and inspection skills.
- Safe use of shop tools, lifts, and diagnostic equipment.
- Basic computer skills, including work order and service record entry.
Preferred Technical Skills
- Experience with Caterpillar ET and John Deere Service Advisor diagnostic tools.
- Welding and fabrication skills.
- Experience with a broader mixed fleet of heavy equipment.
- Familiarity with sawmill, log yard, or forestry equipment.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Technical or trade school training preferred.
- Proven hands-on experience repairing heavy equipment, with wheel loader experience strongly preferred. Open to a range of experience levels.
- Demonstrated track record of quality, reliable repairs.
Certifications and Training
- OSHA 10 or 30, or willingness to obtain.
- Caterpillar or John Deere factory training (preferred).
- ASE, diesel or Heavy equipment certification (preferred).
- Forklift or equipment operation certification (a plus).
- Welding certification (a plus).
Industry Knowledge
- Understanding of heavy equipment operation in an industrial setting.
- Familiarity with lumber, forestry, or material-handling environments.
- Awareness of OEM maintenance standards and intervals.
The Ideal Candidate
Soft Skills and Traits
- Safety-first mindset: treats safe work as non-negotiable.
- Strong troubleshooter: stays methodical and calm when diagnosing tough faults.
- Quality-focused: takes pride in repairs that last.
- Dependable: shows up and follows through.
- Team player: communicates clearly and supports the crew.
- Adaptable: shifts priorities as breakdowns and production needs change.
- Eager to learn: keeps current on Cat and John Deere technology.
Working Style and Team Fit
The ideal mechanic is hands-on, dependable, and takes real pride in their craft. They live our values: Integrity in honest, quality repairs, Passion for machines that run right, Unity in supporting the crew and production, Sustainability in extending equipment life and handling fluids responsibly, and Humility in the willingness to learn and pitch in wherever needed.
Growth Opportunities
This role can grow into a lead mechanic, shop supervisor, or specialized diagnostic technician position, with potential to move toward Mechanical Foreman or fleet leadership over time. We invest in our people, and your growth is part of our plan.
Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan and Employer Match
- Employer Paid Group Life/AD&D
- Employer Paid Short-Term Disability
- Employer Paid Cancer Coverage
- Medical + Prescription Drug Coverage
- Dental
- Vision
- Voluntary Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life/AD&D
- Voluntary Accident
- Voluntary Critical Illness
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account
- Pre-employment drug screen and background check required
Jones Lumber is an Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, veteran status, disability, color, religion, sex, national origin, any other federally protected class.
