Assistant Mechanic

Description

• The Assistant Mechanic supports the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of all golf course maintenance equipment and machinery at Westwood Country Club. Working under the direction of the Equipment Manager, this position assists with preventive maintenance, equipment repairs, mower setup, troubleshooting, and the daily organization and operation of the equipment maintenance facility.
• The Assistant Mechanic works closely with the Equipment Manager and Grounds Department team to ensure equipment is safe, properly maintained, and available to support daily golf course and property maintenance operations.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance and Repair

• Assist with the maintenance and repair of golf course equipment, including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, specialty turf equipment, small engines, and other machinery.
• Perform preventive maintenance, routine servicing, and repairs as assigned by the Equipment Manager.
• Assist with diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and engine-related problems.
• Complete repairs efficiently and communicate equipment issues or additional repair needs to the Equipment Manager.
• Assist with emergency repairs and equipment breakdowns to minimize operational downtime.

Cutting Unit Maintenance and Setup

• Assist with the maintenance, adjustment, sharpening, and setup of reel and rotary cutting equipment.
• Check cutting units regularly for proper operation and quality of cut.
• Perform reel grinding, bedknife grinding, backlapping, height-of-cut adjustments, and other cutting-unit maintenance as trained and assigned.
• Work with the Equipment Manager and Grounds staff to identify and correct equipment-related quality-of-cut concerns.

Preventive Maintenance

• Follow established preventive maintenance schedules for the Club’s equipment fleet.
• Perform oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, fluid checks, tire maintenance, battery service, and other routine maintenance.
• Inspect equipment for wear, damage, leaks, loose components, and other potential problems.
• Identify and report developing mechanical issues before they result in equipment failure.

Equipment Preparation

• Assist with preparing equipment for daily golf course maintenance operations.
• Ensure equipment is fueled, serviced, adjusted, and ready for use when required.
• Inspect equipment returning from operation and report or repair identified problems.
• Assist with seasonal equipment preparation and maintenance.

Parts and Inventory

• Assist the Equipment Manager with maintaining an organized inventory of replacement parts, tools, lubricants, fluids, and shop supplies.
• Notify the Equipment Manager when parts or supplies need to be reordered.
• Maintain organized storage areas for parts, tools, and maintenance materials.
• Assist with receiving and organizing equipment parts and supplies.

Record Keeping

• Accurately document maintenance and repair work performed on equipment.
• Assist with maintaining service histories, preventive maintenance records, operating hours, and parts replacement information.
• Utilize equipment maintenance software and other record-keeping systems as required.

Staff and Equipment Support

• Assist Grounds Department employees with basic equipment questions and proper equipment operation.
• Help identify equipment damage, improper operation, or maintenance concerns.
• Reinforce expectations for daily inspection, cleaning, fueling, and proper care of Club equipment.
• Communicate equipment problems and operational concerns to the Equipment Manager.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all established shop, equipment, and workplace safety procedures.
• Ensure guards, shields, safety switches, and other equipment safety devices remain properly installed and operational.
• Properly handle and store fuels, oils, batteries, lubricants, chemicals, and other maintenance materials.
• Maintain a safe working environment and immediately report unsafe equipment or conditions.

Maintenance Facility

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, efficient, and professionally organized equipment maintenance facility.
• Clean and properly store tools and equipment after use.
• Maintain shop equipment and work areas in good condition.
• Assist with proper disposal and storage of waste oil, filters, batteries, tires, and other maintenance materials.
• Work closely with the Equipment Manager, Director of Grounds, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, and Grounds staff to support daily operations.
• Respond to equipment needs and breakdowns in a timely manner.
• Help ensure equipment availability for daily maintenance, tournaments, projects, aeration, and other major golf course operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Grounds Department and Westwood Country Club.

Benefits

• Free lunch Tuesday-Friday.
• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.
• Uniform provided including shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, hat, gloves, and PPE.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Education:  High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Technical education or training in automotive, diesel, small-engine, equipment, or mechanical repair is beneficial.
• Experience:  Previous mechanical, automotive, equipment maintenance, golf course, landscape, or related experience is preferred. Candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn will also be considered.

Employment Standards

• Mechanical aptitude and a working knowledge of gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and mechanical components.
• Ability to learn and perform preventive maintenance and equipment repair procedures.
• Knowledge of reel and rotary cutting equipment is preferred but can be developed through training.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, grinders, and other equipment associated with maintenance and repair.
• Ability to follow instructions and established maintenance procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to completing repairs and maintenance correctly.
• Ability to organize work, maintain records, and manage multiple assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate while functioning effectively as part of the Grounds Department team.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn equipment maintenance and record-keeping software.
• Strong commitment to workplace and equipment safety.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, drive, squat, kneel, reach, bend, stoop, twist, climb, and perform the physical duties required of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds and performing frequent repetitive motions.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking, including work on rough, sloped, or uneven terrain.
• Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and in varying weather conditions, including hot and cold temperatures and wet or humid conditions.
• Must be able to work in environments with moderate to loud noise levels.
• Must be able to work in environments where exposure to dust, fumes, gases, fuels, lubricants, and other materials associated with equipment maintenance may occur.
• Must be able to work safely in close proximity to moving machinery and operate the equipment, vehicles, tools, and machinery required for the position.
• Must have sufficient independent mobility to safely and effectively perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and work in various weather conditions as needed