Heavy Equipment Diesel Technician (Sawmill and Forestry)

Imagine starting your shift by walking the mill floor with the Shop Supervisor. You review the maintenance board, prioritize a hydraulic leak on a debarker, then pivot to a planned PM on a loader. Before lunch, you diagnose an intermittent electrical fault on a line conveyor and have it safely back online. That is a typical day in this role—hands-on, safety-first, and essential to production.

What You Will Do

• Install, maintain, and repair sawmill machinery and associated production equipment.
• Diagnose and correct mechanical issues quickly and safely to reduce downtime.
• Execute preventive maintenance programs to extend equipment life.
• Inspect equipment to ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Document accurate service records and parts usage.
• Partner closely with operations to keep assets running at peak performance.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout practices.

Guidance and Structure

You will work under the supervision of the Shop Supervisor and collaborate with operations and other technicians to keep critical equipment in service.

Must-Have Skills

• Must be 18 years or older.
• 1–3 years of heavy equipment mechanical experience.
• Solid working knowledge of hydraulics, diesel and gas engines, and electrical wiring.
• Proven ability to independently diagnose and repair mechanical failures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Personal basic tool set appropriate for the role.
• Strong safety mindset and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background as a heavy equipment mechanic; sawmill or forestry equipment strongly preferred.
• Advanced understanding of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability and independent repair capability.
• Welding and fabrication experience is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL is a bonus.
• Comfort working in outdoor and industrial settings.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role operates in a typical industrial plant environment with frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts. Noise levels range from moderate to high. You will frequently lift and move heavy machinery components, tools, and materials up to 50 pounds. Expect exposure to outdoor temperatures, changing weather, wood waste/dust, oils, and lubricants. Regular activities include standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and working in tight or confined spaces and awkward positions to access machinery. Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Schedule

Swing shift: Monday–Thursday, 1:30 PM–12:00 AM. Shift and hours can be discussed.

Technical Proficiencies

• Electrical Systems Diagnostics & Repair
• Diesel Engine Systems
• Diesel & Heavy Equipment Systems
• Hydraulic Systems & Components
• Electrical Systems & Diagnostics (Heavy Equipment)