Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic

Shop Service Technician

Portland, OR | Full-Time | $35–$45 per Hour, Depending on Experience

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

About the Role

We are seeking a Shop Service Technician to diagnose, repair, and maintain tree care, forestry, and related equipment. This hands-on position involves mechanical, engine, hydraulic, and electrical repairs on chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, tracked aerial lifts, and remote-operated mowers.

Working closely with the Service Manager and Parts department, you will complete quality repairs, troubleshoot equipment issues, and help customers get their equipment back to work quickly and safely.

Compensation and Shop Environment

• $35–$45 per hour, depending on experience.
• Monday–Friday schedule, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
• Occasional overtime based on workload.
• Company-provided tools and uniforms.
• Dedicated work bay in a comfortable, team-oriented shop.
• Manufacturer training and opportunities to develop specialized equipment knowledge.
• Primarily shop-based work, with occasional field support or training travel.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Diagnostics, Repair and Maintenance

• Diagnose and repair hand-fed and whole-tree chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, tracked aerial lifts, remote-operated mowers, and chip truck bodies.
• Service gas and diesel engines, including fuel, cooling, and Tier 4 emissions and aftertreatment systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic systems, electrical controls, clutches, belts, drives, bearings, and track undercarriages.
• Replace and adjust chipper knives and anvils, stump grinder teeth and pockets, and inspect drums, discs, and cutter wheels.
• Complete new equipment inspections, setup, delivery preparation, and demo-unit preparation.
• Inspect, repair, and test aerial lifts according to manufacturer requirements and applicable standards.
• Communicate additional repair needs, parts requirements, and delays to the Service Manager.

Quality and Safety Checks

• Test repaired equipment under operating conditions to verify repairs.
• Inspect safety systems, including emergency stops, feed controls, guards, interlocks, alarms, and emergency lowering systems.
• Complete required inspections and testing before submitting equipment for release.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and safe practices around cutting systems, stored energy, and elevated components.

Documentation and Teamwork

• Accurately record parts, labor, materials, repair findings, equipment hours, and serial numbers on work orders.
• Provide photos and retain failed parts when required for warranty claims.
• Coordinate with Parts on component identification, ordering, and returns.
• Keep the Service Manager informed of repair progress, recurring failures, and unexpected findings.
• Explain completed repairs to customers when requested.
• Share technical knowledge and support other technicians as appropriate.

Training and Shop Organization

• Participate in company and manufacturer training, including Bandit and CMC product training.
• Maintain a clean, organized work bay and equipment yard.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow company safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two to five years of equipment repair or maintenance experience.
• Working knowledge of gas and diesel engines and mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read schematics and use diagnostic tools.
• Strong troubleshooting, organization, and communication skills.
• Commitment to safe work practices, repair quality, and timely completion.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Experience

• Tree care, forestry, landscaping, or aerial lift equipment experience.
• Technical or vocational training in diesel, heavy equipment, or small engine repair.
• Bandit, CMC, ASE, or mobile elevating work platform certifications.
• Class B CDL for road testing chip trucks.
• Experience mentoring or supporting other technicians.

Physical Requirements and Schedule

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb onto equipment, and perform repairs for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required.
• Comfortable working around noise, wood dust, cutting components, heavy equipment, and changing weather conditions.
• Occasional extended hours or weekend work during peak periods.
• Occasional travel for manufacturer training, branch support, or field service assistance.