Forestry Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Technician - Forestry Operations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Forestry Mechanic, you are the backbone of our field operations. You will be responsible for the expert diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a diverse fleet of heavy forestry equipment, including feller bunchers, skidders, processors, forwarders, and loaders. This role requires a blend of advanced technical skill, diagnostic prowess, and a rugged, independent spirit. You will work both in a dedicated workshop and directly in the field, often in challenging terrain and weather conditions, to minimize downtime and ensure the safety and productivity of our logging crews. Your expertise directly impacts the efficiency and success of our entire operation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Diesel Mechanic (Truck or Heavy Equipment)
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Apprentice Heavy Duty Mechanic
Experienced Automotive Technician with a desire to upskill

Advancement To:

Lead Mechanic / Shop Foreman
Fleet Manager or Maintenance Supervisor
Field Service Manager
Equipment Specialist or Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

Construction Equipment Mechanic
Mining Equipment Technician
Field Service Technician for an equipment manufacturer (e.g., John Deere, Caterpillar)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive diagnostic tests on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, hydrostatic transmissions, and complex electrical systems to accurately identify faults and malfunctions on equipment like feller bunchers, skidders, and processors.
Perform major and minor repairs on a wide range of forestry machinery, involving the disassembly, repair, and reassembly of engines, transmissions, differentials, and hydraulic components.
Execute preventative and predictive maintenance (PM) programs, including fluid and filter changes, lubrication, and detailed inspections, to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment life.
Troubleshoot and repair advanced hydraulic and hydrostatic systems, including pumps, motors, valves, and cylinders, ensuring they operate at correct pressures and flows.
Diagnose and rectify complex issues within 12V/24V electrical systems, utilizing wiring diagrams, multimeters, and diagnostic software to address issues with sensors, ECUs, and control modules.
Perform skilled welding and fabrication using MIG, Stick, and TIG processes to repair cracks, reinforce structures, and fabricate custom parts or guards as needed.
Respond to in-field service calls to diagnose and repair equipment on-site, minimizing operational downtime and ensuring logging crews can resume work quickly.
Read and interpret technical manuals, service bulletins, and electrical/hydraulic schematics to guide troubleshooting and repair procedures effectively.
Maintain meticulous, detailed records of all maintenance and repair work performed, including parts used and hours logged, using our computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Order necessary parts, components, and supplies, ensuring accurate specifications and timely delivery to complete repairs efficiently.
Rebuild and recondition major components such as final drives, swing boxes, and hydraulic pumps to OEM specifications as a cost-effective alternative to replacement.
Ensure all repairs and maintenance activities strictly adhere to company safety protocols, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
Perform undercarriage inspections and repairs on tracked equipment, including replacing rollers, idlers, and track chains.
Calibrate and adjust equipment systems, including harvester heads and control systems, to optimize performance and product quality.
Use manufacturer-specific diagnostic software (e.g., John Deere Service Advisor, CAT ET) to interface with machine computers for diagnostics and programming.

Secondary Functions

Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the maintenance shop and personal service vehicle.
Assist in mentoring and training apprentice mechanics, sharing knowledge and best practices for forestry equipment repair.
Provide technical feedback and recommendations to management regarding equipment performance, recurring issues, and potential upgrades or replacements.
Participate in daily safety meetings and contribute to a proactive safety culture within the maintenance and operations teams.
Manage inventory of common parts and supplies on the service truck to ensure readiness for field repairs.
Support equipment mobilization and demobilization efforts when moving between job sites.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Hydraulic System Expertise: Deep understanding and hands-on ability to diagnose and repair complex open and closed-loop hydraulic and hydrostatic systems.
Diesel Engine Proficiency: Strong knowledge of diesel engine theory, diagnostics, and repair, with experience on brands like Cummins, CAT, and John Deere.
Electrical & Electronic Diagnostics: Ability to read schematics and troubleshoot complex 12/24V electrical systems, including CAN bus networks and electronic control modules.
Welding and Fabrication: Proficiency in Stick (SMAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding for structural repairs on heavy steel components.
Diagnostic Software Proficiency: Experience using computer-based diagnostic tools and software to interface with modern heavy equipment.
Drivetrain and Powertrain Repair: Competency in repairing transmissions, differentials, final drives, and other powertrain components.
Preventative Maintenance Strategy: Ability to execute and improve PM schedules to maximize equipment uptime.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Exceptional ability to logically troubleshoot complex, often intermittent, issues under pressure.
Self-Motivation & Independence: Capable of working effectively with minimal supervision, especially during field service calls in remote locations.
Resilience & Adaptability: Thrives in a physically demanding environment with exposure to adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain.
Safety-First Mindset: A deeply ingrained commitment to personal and team safety in all tasks.
Clear Communication: Ability to clearly explain technical issues and repair plans to operators and management.
Time Management: Skilled at prioritizing urgent repairs and managing workload to meet operational demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or Associate's Degree from a technical college in Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, or a related field.
Manufacturer-specific training certifications (e.g., John Deere, Tigercat, Caterpillar).
Journeyman Heavy Duty Equipment Technician certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Diesel Mechanics
Heavy Equipment Repair
Welding Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7+ years of hands-on experience as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Preferred: Direct experience working specifically on modern forestry and logging equipment (feller bunchers, skidders, processors, harvesters). Experience in a field service role is highly desirable.