What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Mechanic position at Northern Equipment Rental?
Lead Shop Mechanic
Northern Equipment Rentals LLC — Poulsbo, WA
Overview
We are seeking a skilled Lead Shop Mechanic to run day-to-day maintenance and repair for our mixed rental fleet. This role keeps equipment safe, reliable, and ready to leave the yard for contractors and homeowners across Poulsbo and Kitsap.
You will diagnose and repair compact construction equipment and supporting rental gear, set work priorities in the shop, and keep preventative maintenance and inspections on track. The fleet is rental-duty: machines come back dirty, high-hour, and in need of a fast, correct turnaround—not a dealership make-ready.
Equipment you will work on includes mini excavators, skid steers / compact track loaders, compact tractors, telehandlers, forklifts, trenchers, compaction equipment (plates and rollers), aerial lifts, generators and welders, air compressors, pumps, concrete and masonry tools, lawn and garden equipment (mowers, chippers, stump grinders), lighting, towable dump and equipment trailers, and related small engines, hydraulics, and attachments. Core brands in the powered fleet include Kubota, Case, CAT, and Wacker Neuson, plus mowers and a shop/delivery truck.
Responsibilities
- Lead shop workflow: prioritize repairs, inspections, and PMs so rental units are ready when the counter needs them
- Inspect, diagnose, and repair compact earthmoving and industrial equipment using manuals, schematics, and hands-on troubleshooting
- Work hydraulic systems, diesel and gas engines, electrical systems, undercarriage/tracks, attachments, and related components
- Repair and maintain supporting rental equipment: generators, welders, compressors, pumps, compactors, mowers, small engines, and trailers
- Perform welding and fabrication as needed for rental repairs
- Run preventative maintenance and pre-rent / post-rent checks to cut downtime and repeat failures
- Use shop tools safely for mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and tire/undercarriage work
- Keep work orders, parts needs, and equipment status clear for the counter and yard
- Follow safety practices for heavy equipment, hydraulics, lifting, fuels, and welding
- Mentor other shop or yard help when they are involved in maintenance tasks
Skills & experience
- Hands-on experience maintaining compact construction equipment (mini excavators, skid steers / CTLs, compactors, telehandlers or similar). Rental, dealer, or heavy-equipment shop background preferred
- Strong diagnostics on diesel/gas engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems
- Comfortable with tracks, undercarriage, quick couplers, and attachments
- Small-engine repair experience (mowers, pumps, generators, compactors)
- Able to read schematics and service literature
- Welding and basic fabrication a plus
- Able to prioritize in a rental shop, communicate status, and lead by example—not only take work orders
- Valid driver’s license; able to move equipment on the yard
- safety-minded and reliable
This role is for a mechanic who can keep a real mixed rental fleet turning—not a specialist who only sees one product line. If you know compact equipment and can run a shop’s repair list without being chased, we want to talk.
Apply
Northern Equipment Rentals LLC
22195 Viking Ave NW, Bldg A, Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-930-8250
Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $35