What are the responsibilities and job description for the Small Engine Tech position at Townsend Tree Service?
Job Title:
Small Engine Tech
Division:
Townsend Tree Service
Function:
AZU – Manual/Unskilled Labor
Reports To:
Manager
Discipline:
AZU000 – Manual/Unskilled Labor Generalist
Pay Type:
Hourly
Career Band:
(W) – Production/Manual Labor
Job Type:
Non-Exempt
EEO Group:
Laborers and Helpers
Effective:
11/12/2025
Position Summary
The Small Engine Technician is responsible for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing a variety of small gas- and diesel-powered equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, mowers, and compact construction tools. This position ensures that all equipment is properly serviced, safe to operate, and available to support field operations. The technician also assists with preventive maintenance, parts management, and recordkeeping for the company’s equipment fleet.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Maintenance and Repair
- Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair small engines and power equipment.
- Perform tune-ups, oil changes, fuel system cleaning, and carburetor adjustments.
- Replace or repair worn and damaged parts such as belts, blades, cables, and filters.
- Test and verify repairs to ensure safe and proper operation.
Preventive Maintenance
- Conduct regular maintenance checks according to company schedules.
- Document all services performed in maintenance records or software systems.
- Identify and communicate recurring equipment issues or trends.
- Ensure all tools and diagnostic equipment are properly maintained and calibrated.
Inventory and Parts Control
- Maintain appropriate inventory of replacement parts and consumables.
- Order and track parts as needed through approved vendors.
- Organize and label tools, parts, and equipment within the shop area.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
- Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or equipment hazards promptly.
- Participate in ongoing safety meetings and technical training.
Communication and Teamwork
- Coordinate repairs and service schedules with supervisors and field crews.
- Communicate effectively about equipment status, costs, and timeframes.
- Provide support for special projects or emergency storm response operations.
- Duties may or may not be subject to change
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Skills and Competencies
- One (1) year of experience in small engine repair or equivalent mechanical trade
- Knowledge of two- and four-cycle engines, electrical systems, and hydraulic components
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and diagrams
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Meet all physical requirements of the position.
- Pass all drug and alcohol screens as required by Company policy and, if applicable, required by DOT regulations.
- 18 years of age or older, or 21 if CDL is required.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred
- Certification in small engine repair (e.g., Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Honda)
- Experience with fleet or shop management systems
- Basic welding and fabrication experience
This role is based in an office environment with occasional remote work flexibility. The position may require
limited travel.
This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. The Townsend Company and its family of companies reserve the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or schedules as needed to meet business or operational requirements. Accommodation requests will be made as necessary to support individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, this position is subject to pre-employment screening, which may include drug testing and a background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Townsend Company and its family of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Reporting Relationships and Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervision Received:
X
The position is assigned duties according to specified procedures and receives detailed instructions; work is checked frequently
This position performs a wide variety of routine work within established policies and procedures and receives detailed instructions on new projects and assignments
This position typically receives little instruction on day-to-day work and receives general guidance on new assignments
The position establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals; only the final results of work reviewed
This position exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments
Supervision Exercised:
Makes hiring and promotion decisions
Outlines method
Instructs and trains employees
Directs work in progress
Schedules work
Checks or inspects completed work
Assigns duties
Approves work
Plans and sets work priorities
Prepares performance appraisal
Balances work among employees
Takes disciplinary action
X
No Supervision Exercised
Competencies
- N/A:
Competency is not required for the position.
- Basic:
Applies competency in simple to somewhat difficult situations; requires close, extensive, and frequent guidance.
- Intermediate:
Applies competency in difficult situations; requires occasional guidance.
- Advanced:
Applies competency in considerably difficult situations; generally requiring little or no guidance.
- Expert:
Applies competency in exceptionally difficult situations; serves as a critical resource and advises others.
Core Competencies:
- 1 -
N/A
- 2 -
Basic
- 3 -
Intermediate
- 4 -
Advanced
- 5 -
Expert
Business Fundamentals
- Financial Analysis
- Budgeting
- Business and Strategic Planning
X
Communication
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
X
Computer Literacy and
Workplace Technology
- Outlook; Word; Excel
- Other (PowerPoint, Publisher, One Note, Project)
- Townsend Applications (e.g., Penta, Teletrac, CSOD)
X
Customer Focus
X
Leadership
- Strategic Thinking/Vision
- Influencing/Negotiating
- External Awareness
- Risk-Taking
X
- 1 -
N/A
- 2 -
Basic
- 3 -
Intermediate
- 4 -
Advanced
- 5 -
Expert
Managing and Developing People
- Employee Management
- Employee Development
- Team Building
- Conflict Management
- Managing Change
X
Personal Effectiveness
- Accountability
- Initiative
- Critical Judgment
- Resilience
- Time Management
- Teamwork
X
Project Management
- Planning and Organizing
- Analytical Thinking
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
- Quality Improvement
X
Resource Management
- Expense Control
- Profitability
X
Safety Culture and Management
X
Educational Competencies:
- 1 -
N/A
- 2 -
Basic
- 3 -
Intermediate
- 4 -
Advanced
- 5 -
Expert
Reasoning
X
Mathematical Skills
X
English Language
X
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
The working conditions here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Additional or different conditions may be added based on business needs or assignments by management. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Never
0%
Occas.
0-33%
Freq.
45-66%
Cont.
67-100%
Never
0%
Occas.
0-33%
Freq.
45-66%
Cont.
67-100%
LIFT/CARRY
PUSH/PULL
1 to 10 lbs.
X
1 to 10 lbs.
X
11 to 20 lbs.
X
11 to 20 lbs.
X
21 to 50 lbs.
X
21 to 50 lbs.
X
51 to 75 lbs.
X
51 to 75 lbs.
X
76 to 100 lbs.
X
76 to 100 lbs.
X
MOVEMENT
ENDURANCE
Bend/Stoop/
Twist
X
Task
# of Hours at
One Time
Total Hours in an
8-Hour Day
Crouch/Squat
X
Sit
2
4
Kneel/Crawl
X
Stand
1
2
Reach Above
Shoulders
X
Walk
1
2
Reach Below
Shoulders
X
Repetitive
Arm Use
X
EQUIPMENT USE AND OPERATION
Repetitive
Wrist Use
X
Motor
Vehicle
X
Repetitive
Hand Use
X
Operate
Foot Pedals
X
Grasping
X
Squeezing
X
VISION REQUIREMENTS
YES
NO
Climb Stairs/Ladder
X
Speaking to Accomplish Task
X
Climb
Trees
X
Depth Perception
X
Uneven
Walking Surface
X
Less than Twenty Inches
X
Even
Walking Surface
X
Color Vision
X
Peripheral Vision
X
Never
0%
Occas.
0-33%
Freq.
45-66%
Cont.
67-100%
Never
0%
Occas.
0-33%
Freq.
45-66%
Cont.
67-100%
COMMUNICATION
TRAVEL
Speaking
in Near Range
X
Overnight
X
Speaking
Over Device
X
Weekends
X
Hearing
Spoken Word
X
By Motor
Vehicle
X
Hearing w/ Background Noise
X
By Aircraft
X
Hearing
Over Device
X
ENVIRONMENT
WORK WITH/NEAR
Indoors
X
Machinery
X
Outdoors
X
Electricity
X
Extreme Heat
X
Chemicals
X
Extreme Cold
X
Fumes
X
Dusty
X
Heights
X
Excessive Noise
X
Power
Tools
X
Other (Explain)
Impact
Tools
X
Storm Response and Recovery – extreme weather conditions
Confined Spaces
X
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
(Include clarifications of any requirements listed)
- Requires flexible working hours, including nights and weekends.
- Some overtime work such as early morning and late-night hours.
- Emergency response work may be necessary with extended out-of-town stays
Salary : $44,909 - $63,508