Job Specification - Mobile Maintenance Worker

🎯 Role Definition

The Mobile Maintenance Worker is a cornerstone of our field operations, serving as the front-line technical expert dedicated to ensuring the peak performance and reliability of our mobile heavy equipment fleet. This is a highly autonomous role for a skilled professional who thrives on solving complex challenges independently. Operating from a fully-equipped service vehicle, you will travel directly to customer job sites, construction areas, and remote locations to perform a wide spectrum of maintenance tasks, from routine preventative servicing to intricate, mission-critical repairs on hydraulic, electrical, and diesel systems. Your work directly impacts project timelines and customer satisfaction, making this a vital and respected position within our organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Heavy Equipment Shop Mechanic
Diesel Technician or Automotive Technician with heavy-line experience
Maintenance Technician Apprentice

Advancement To:

Lead Field Service Technician
Field Service Supervisor or Manager
Maintenance Planner / Scheduler

Lateral Moves:

Shop Foreman
Technical Trainer or OEM Support Specialist
Parts & Service Advisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Travel independently in a company-provided service vehicle to various customer job sites and company locations to perform on-site diagnosis and repair, often navigating challenging terrain and remote environments.
Proactively execute scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) services on a diverse fleet of mobile heavy equipment, including excavators, loaders, dozers, and haul trucks, strictly following manufacturer guidelines to maximize asset longevity and minimize unscheduled downtime.
Independently diagnose complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic/electrical system failures using advanced diagnostic software, multimeters, flow meters, pressure gauges, and technical service manuals to accurately pinpoint root causes.
Perform major repairs and component replacements on diesel engine systems, including fuel systems, after-treatment systems (DPF/SCR), turbochargers, and cooling systems.
Troubleshoot and repair sophisticated open and closed-loop hydraulic systems, involving the replacement of pumps, motors, control valves, and cylinders, as well as fabricating and replacing hydraulic hoses on-site.
Diagnose and resolve intricate 12V and 24V electrical system issues, including troubleshooting CAN bus systems, wiring harnesses, sensors, solenoids, control modules (ECMs), and lighting systems.
Conduct major powertrain component removal and replacement, including transmissions, differentials, final drives, and torque converters, both in the field and in a shop environment when necessary.
Perform skilled cutting, welding (Stick, MIG), and fabrication on equipment frames, buckets, and attachments as required to complete structural repairs and modifications.
Diligently complete detailed digital and paper work orders for every service call, accurately documenting all labor hours, parts and materials used, and a clear narrative of the repairs performed for precise record-keeping and customer billing.
Communicate professionally and effectively with site supervisors, equipment operators, and customers, providing clear, concise updates on repair status, estimated completion times, and expert recommendations for future maintenance.
Interpret complex hydraulic and electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals to effectively guide troubleshooting and ensure repairs are completed to OEM specifications.
Strictly adhere to all company, federal (MSHA/OSHA), and site-specific safety protocols, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and conducting pre-task risk assessments (JSA's).
Safely operate a wide range of heavy equipment to assist in diagnostics, verify repair effectiveness, and move equipment to a safe and suitable location for maintenance activities.
Conduct comprehensive equipment inspections, such as annual safety certifications, pre-delivery inspections (PDIs), and end-of-lease inspections, thoroughly documenting findings and generating detailed repair estimates.
Take full ownership of the assigned service vehicle, ensuring it is kept clean, organized, and fully stocked with necessary parts, tools, and safety equipment, while also performing routine vehicle maintenance checks.

Secondary Functions

Identify, source, and order necessary replacement parts and components through the company's procurement system or directly with vendors, ensuring part accuracy to minimize repair delays.
Mentor and provide on-the-job training to apprentice technicians, sharing knowledge of systems, diagnostic procedures, and safe work practices to foster team development.
Manage and maintain a personal and company-provided tool inventory, ensuring all tools are in safe, calibrated, and working condition.
Properly handle and dispose of used oils, coolants, and other potentially hazardous materials in strict accordance with environmental regulations and company policies.
Provide technical support and guidance over the phone to equipment operators or other technicians to assist in resolving minor issues or gathering diagnostic information.
Assist with equipment setup and tear-down on job sites as needed, ensuring machinery is configured correctly for the specific application.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Diesel Engine Diagnostics & Repair: Deep knowledge of modern diesel engines, including fuel, air intake, exhaust, and after-treatment systems (DEF/SCR/DPF).
Hydraulic System Troubleshooting: Proven ability to read hydraulic schematics and diagnose complex issues in open and closed-loop systems, including pumps, motors, and electro-hydraulic controls.
Electrical & Electronic Systems Repair: Strong competency in troubleshooting 12/24V electrical systems, reading wiring diagrams, and using diagnostic software to interface with machine electronic control modules (ECMs).
Welding and Fabrication: Proficiency in SMAW (Stick) and GMAW (MIG) welding for structural repairs and fabrication tasks.
Powertrain & Drivetrain Knowledge: Experience with the diagnosis and repair of transmissions, differentials, final drives, and undercarriage components.
Diagnostic Software Proficiency: Familiarity with OEM and aftermarket diagnostic software (e.g., CAT ET, John Deere Service Advisor, Cummins Insite).

Soft Skills

Independent Problem-Solving: Ability to work autonomously in the field, analyze complex problems from multiple angles, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills to manage a dynamic workload of service calls, prioritize urgent jobs, and work efficiently to meet deadlines.
Customer-Facing Communication: Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical customers and maintain positive relationships.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to safety, demonstrating a proactive approach to identifying hazards and following all safety procedures without exception.
Adaptability: The flexibility to work in a variety of challenging environments, including adverse weather conditions, and to adapt to changing job priorities and new equipment technologies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Technical Diploma in Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Mechanics, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Diesel Mechanics
Heavy Equipment Technology
Agricultural Equipment Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience as a heavy equipment mechanic or field service technician.

Preferred:

Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or B.
Experience working directly on specific OEM brands (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo).
Current MSHA or OSHA training certifications.
Factory-certified training on specific engine, hydraulic, or electronic systems.