Field Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Golden Bear Equipment keeps the iron running for The Hays Group, one of California's leading heavy civil and utility contractors. Our fleet is Caterpillar-dominated, backed by John Deere and other top OEM brands, and runs the full range: from mini excavators up to machines like a Cat D6 dozer, a 330 excavator, motor graders, wheel loaders, and large paving machines.

We are looking for a top-tier field mechanic who can stand on their own in the field. When a machine goes down 200 miles from the shop, we need someone who can diagnose it fast, make the right call, and pull the correct parts the first time. The best mechanics on our crew do not waste days, miles, or money guessing. If that is you, keep reading.

This role is based out of our Yucaipa yard. Most of your work is in the Inland Empire and across Southern California, with occasional multi-day trips to Northern California, the Central Valley, Arizona, and wherever the work takes us.

General Job Description: We’re Looking for a Real Mechanic — Not a Parts Changer. You'll be part of a friendly and fast paced working environment, both in the construction yard and at various job sites when required, repairing and maintaining our yellow iron.

Pay: $38 to $52 per hour, depending on experience and skills. This is a good faith range for what we expect to pay at hire. We will not lowball a strong mechanic, and proven, top-tier talent earns the top of the range.

Why Guys Stay Here

• Steady, year-round work (not seasonal layoffs)
• Good equipment — not all beat to hell
• Straightforward management — no BS

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

What you'll be working on:

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair Caterpillar, John Deere, and mixed-fleet equipment in the field and at our Yucaipa shop
• Service everything from mini excavators up to dozers, motor graders, wheel loaders, excavators, and paving machines (think Cat D6, 330, and similar size classes)
• Make smart, independent decisions at the job site: identify the failure, determine whether it can be fixed on-site, and source the right parts the first time
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections to keep the fleet running and downtime to a minimum
• Handle diesel engine, hydraulic, electrical, power train, and undercarriage repairs
• Weld and fabricate as needed for field repairs
• Keep clean, accurate records of repairs, parts, and service performed
• Mix of yard work field/service truck work

What the Job Looks Like

• Work out of our Yucaipa yard with a solid crew
• Handle repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics
• Run a service truck to job sites when needed
• Keep equipment running so crews aren’t sitting
• Will be using service manuals and schematics to set up and perform repairs
• Run diagnostics on equipment
• Follow direction of the Yard Manager with regards to daily production schedule and activities
• Operate a service truck to various locations to repair and maintain heavy equipment.
• Bottom line: You keep the jobs moving

Skills & Qualifications:

• Journeyman-level experience repairing heavy construction equipment (yellow iron); Caterpillar experience strongly preferred
• Strong diesel engine knowledge: fuel systems (common rail and mechanical injection), turbocharging, cooling, and DPF/DEF aftertreatment
• Hydraulic systems expertise: pump and valve diagnosis, cylinders, hoses, and load-sensing and control circuits
• Electrical and electronic troubleshooting using wiring schematics and diagnostic software (CAT ET and similar)
• Power train work: transmissions, differentials, final drives, clutches, and brakes
• Undercarriage diagnosis and repair
• Welding and fabrication skills for field repairs
• Proven ability to problem-solve independently in the field, far from the shop, and get equipment running without wasted trips
• Comfortable reading and interpreting service manuals, schematics, and OEM repair procedures
• Own set of hand tools
• Willing to work overtime, weekends, and a few days on the road when the job calls for it
• Required to have a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
• Required to pass pre-employment drug test/physical/background check

Pluses

• Class B CDL desirable; Class A a plus (neither required)
• Experience across multiple OEM brands (John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo, and others)
• Paving equipment experience, and experience on larger machines like dozers, graders, and excavators
• AC system service experience (EPA 609)

Physical Demands - A qualified individual must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Sitting and/or standing/walking for long periods on uneven ground
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally
• Twisting, reaching overhead, pulling, pushing
• Ability to work at heights (e.g., on ladders, scaffolding) and in confined spaces (such as trenches or manholes) as required by the project
• Use hands to handle tools and heavy equipment, and reach with arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision (for reading plans/computer screens), distance vision, and depth perception.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities

Work Environment

• This role is outdoors on active construction sites. The employee could be exposed to weather conditions such as heat, cold, and rain, and will work near heavy machinery and moving vehicles
• The noise level on site is often loud, and the environment may involve dust and fumes. Appropriate PPE (hard hat, safety vest, hearing protection, etc.) is required at all times.
• Work may occasionally be at heights or in confined spaces
• The employee is required to follow all safety policies and procedures and to actively participate in safety trainings and meetings. This position is classified as safety-sensitive
• Must be willing to work overtime or weekends when project deadlines require

Disclaimer: The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive of every job duty, responsibility, or qualification required by an employee assigned to this job. While employed in this position, an employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed on this job description. Nothing in this job posting constitutes a promise or contract of employment. Employment with Hal Hays Construction is at-will, meaning it may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Hal Hays Construction, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer- The Company does not discriminate against employees or applicants on race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, religion, marital status, military service/veteran status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, including genetic characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38.00 - $52.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Based off experience, what rate of pay are you looking for?
• What type of heavy equipment have you worked on?

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $38 - $52