Mechanics Helper-Heavy Equipment

The Mechanics Helper will assist mechanics with maintaining and repairing a wide variety of heavy trucks, trailers, light trucks, and automobiles. Assists in performing minor repairs and preventive maintenance while training to assist on more complex procedures.

Work is performed under the frequent and close guidance of Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Heay Equipment Supervisor, and Fleet Manager.

The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Cleans and maintains shop area, tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Assists with routine service and maintenance on heavy trucks, automotive, construction, and related diesel and gasoline-powered equipment.
• Operates tools and equipment in a safe manner. Observes all rules and regulations for safe handling and avoidance of accidents. Keeps alert to potential problems or hazards.
• As training progresses, minor repairs and preventive maintenance are performed independently while assisting on more complex procedures.
• Assists with requisitioning necessary parts and supplies to repair and maintain vehicles and equipment.
• Reports observed deficiencies and repair needs and learns to formulate corrective action plans within scope of knowledge. Consults with Mechanics for all repair needs.
• Receives training on, and assists with performing repairs on hydraulic systems, trailers, and tires.
• Assists with performing emergency repairs at the Operations Center.
• Shows respect for workplace facilities and vehicles by maintaining a safe, orderly, and clean work environment.
• Receives training on and assists with removing and replacing or rebuilding components resulting from wear or failure, as time and the shop capabilities permit.
• Performs facilities and equipment maintenance and repair as time and training permit.
• Assists in loading and off-loading parts and miscellaneous items either by operating a forklift or by providing manual assistance.
• Picks up and delivers parts, supplies, and other items among various SPSA and vendor locations.
• May operate heavy equipment to move tires or other materials.
• Assists mechanics on road calls for vehicle repairs.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Experience & Education

• Required Education - High School diploma, trade school completion, or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience - One year of manual labor experience, six months of which must have been in a heavy industrial environment. Minor equipment maintenance experience preferred.
• Required Licenses - Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Ability to read and understand service manuals and parts books and catalogs.
• Ability to learn the use and care of tools and equipment used in the automotive and heavy equipment maintenance trade and repair of light automotive and other mechanical equipment.
• Ability to perform routine preventative maintenance (oil and filter changes, for instance) on light duty equipment unassisted within a twelve-month period from hire date.

This position requires spending a considerable amount of time outdoors and in a garage facility in adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow). 

Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear. Requires ability to work outside of normal scheduled hours to repair vehicles and equipment on an emergency basis as needed. Ability to drive a company vehicle to SPSA locations or sites of required road repairs in all weather conditions. 

This position will be required to learn to use hoists and hand tools to repair and reassemble a wide variety of heavy trucks, trailers, light trucks, automobiles, heavy construction equipment, and related components including diesel and gasoline-powered equipment. May be required to operate a forklift and heavy equipment.

This position requires the ability to:

• Understand and follow verbal and written directions given in English.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time.
• Work in a dynamic environment requiring teamwork and responsiveness to changing priorities and needs.
• Learn to safely operate heavy-duty trucks, trailers, automotive, heavy construction equipment, related components, and shop equipment to perform basic repairs.
• Visually detect defective or worn-out parts and tires.
• Select and use the proper repair tools and shop equipment.
• Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools with sufficient manual dexterity.
• Assist with emergency repairs on an incline and/or unstable ground in all weather conditions.
• Perform required repairs while standing, reaching, bending, and stooping for prolonged periods.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. throughout the day and move it from one location to another.
• Climb a ladder up to 10 feet in height to work on a truck engine.
• Clean and maintain shop area, tools, and equipment.
• Read and comprehend manuals, parts books, service catalogs and bulletins.
• Complete parts requisition sheets and work orders accurately.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with interpersonal relations skills to receive work assignments, follow directions, and collaborate effectively.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, hearing protection, safety goggles, hard hat, and steel-toed shoes.
• Drive an automobile, pick-up truck, and various heavy equipment safely.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, as needed.