Lead Mechanic

Reports To: Store Manager
Pay Structure: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Hourly Pay Range: $38.00-$50.00 Hourly
Starting pay will depend on knowledge, skills, ability and the city that this open position is located
The Lead Mechanic leads daily service operations within the rental shop, assigning and coordinating equipment repairs, ensuring regulatory compliant inspections, and maintaining accurate work orders, parts usage, and inventory. This role is responsible for upholding quality, safety, customer support, and overall organization of the shop.

Job Description
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign the functions to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Job functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Prioritize and assign equipment service and repairs to Mechanics.
Follow up with Mechanics to ensure repairs and maintenance inspections are performed in compliance with manufacturers and company and manufacturer standards and completed in a timely manner.
Communicate with store office staff to ensure that equipment is serviced and repaired efficiently and within a timely manner.
Ensure that all equipment maintenance and inspections are in compliance with manufactures, ANSI, OSHA, and other government regulation standards.
Report real or potential problems with equipment to the Store Manager.
Assign wash-rack and steam cleaning duties for equipment maintenance as needed, and to maintain rental ready line.
Organize and define three (3) distinct lines of equipment. The lines should include “available” equipment, “wash rack” equipment and “inside shop” equipment.
Ensure that all equipment is tagged with any necessary descriptions of problems and in a visible area for inspection.
Ensure all work orders are accurate and complete.
Approve all parts orders from shop personnel.
Assist Store Manager with maintaining accurate parts and tools inventory
Send parts for warranty consideration to Parts Warehouse.
Train new hires and transfers in rental shop procedures & quality standards within their first week on the job.
Monitor performance of Mechanics; communicate with Field Mechanics to assist in troubleshooting / diagnosing equipment in the field.
Provide input and feedback on performance reviews and job interviews.
Conduct damage assessments and complete reports of equipment damage per rental procedures.
Perform safety inspections of equipment.
Perform equipment check-ins/outs per manufacturer, ANSI, OSHA standards.
Assist others in the performance of other roles to include: washing and cleaning equipment, moving equipment around rental yard, answering customer questions, explaining/demonstrating equipment operation to customers, assist in loading / unloading equipment, etc.
Perform assigned tasks in a timely, accurate, safe and efficient manner.
Follow manufacturer and company installation and service guidelines and procedures to ensure quality work.
Keep shop area clean throughout day to ensure and maintain safe work environment.
Oversight and promotion of Peterson safety program included but not limited to tailgate meetings and monthly safety meeting.
Communicate with internal and external customers in a manner that promotes a positive relationship and demonstrates Peterson’s core values.
Work overtime as needed and within labor law guidelines.
Operate company vehicle regularly to perform essential job functions.
Attend scheduled service courses improve technical knowledge and skills on rental and heavy equipment.
Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

May occasionally travel to and from customer sites to assist Field Mechanics in the maintenance and repairs to service equipment in the field.

JOB SCOPE

This position serves in the capacity of the Lead Mechanic. General discretion and judgement is exercised routinely in the execution of job duties. If errors in judgment or professional execution of responsibilities are made, the consequences to the Department can be severe.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Internal contacts consist of levels of positions in the company from business unit leaders to entry level positions. This position regularly deals with employees and customers in exchange of information in person, writing, via telephone or by electronic transfer. Sensitivity is required in dealing with such information and decisions concerning the release or sharing of that information. External contacts consist of customers, visitors, and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, safely and in alignment with Peterson’s core values. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must possess strong knowledge of diesel and/or gas engines, heavy equipment components, and use of related tools and techniques.
Must demonstrate skills in maintaining and repairing hydraulics, electronics, gas machinery, and diesel machinery.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED); and a minimum of six (6) years of mechanical service experience in the heavy equipment, construction, and/or related industries; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Previous experience coaching/mentoring Mechanics for work productivity and development preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Ability to obtain CDL-B and DOT medical card required.
Ability to obtain lift truck certificate required.

COMPETENCIES

Safety – Actively demonstrates vigilance in protecting self, customers, co-workers, contractors, suppliers and community from risky actions or unsafe conditions. Promotes and follows Peterson’s safety policies and guidelines.

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others.

Peterson’s Communication Principles – Able to demonstrate the following communication skills and principles when working with customers, co-workers, and other stakeholders:

Showing up and choosing to be present- to honor others and give my best self.
Paying attention to what has heart and meaning- to understand and acknowledge the true intent.
Tells the truth without blame or judgement- to motivate and build confidence.
Open to outcome, not attached to outcome- to learn from what happened and never stop improving.

Peterson Values – Behavior and work product aligns with Peterson’s Core values – Customer First, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Fun!

Accountability – Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Focuses on performance, manages execution.

Curious – Continuously pursues opportunities to learn and grow professionally and personally. Solicits feedback to improve self, service, performance and the organization. Applies feedback to improve performance.

Leadership –Refrains from activities that would negatively impact organizational health and reputation, compromise trust or working relationships, or create unnecessary bureaucracy.

Ethics – Works ethically and with integrity; avoids any action that could be interpreted to be for personal gain, in violation of Peterson’s Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, or as an abuse of positional power. Maintains confidentiality; Protects Customer, Manufacturer and Company proprietary information; promptly reports conduct that could is or could be considered unethical; Honest and forthcoming with information.

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics; Meets commitments.

Technical Skills – Has the skills needed to successfully perform job responsibilities and be viewed as competent. Shares expertise with others; Understands implications of decisions; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with organization’s goals.

Communication – Speaks clearly, respectfully and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Gives and welcomes feedback; Has personal awareness of body language and tone being used to maximize quality of communications.

Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests. Provides recognition for results; Offers to help others before being asked; Supports co-workers and provides them with grace.

Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Manages difficult or emotional customer and/or employee situations; Responds promptly to customer and employee needs; Facilitates a work environment where individuals are treated with respect and are not subject to hostile or other harassing behaviors.

Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; Flexible; Open to new ideas.

Initiative – Undertakes self-development activities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed; Looks for ways to improve performance and the organization as a whole; Pursues training and development opportunities.

Dependability – Consistently reports to work on time as scheduled; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret work orders, inspection criteria, maintenance standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer guidelines. Strong verbal communication skills to coordinate with mechanics, field staff, managers, and customers. Clear written communication to document damage assessments, complete reports, tag equipment, and maintain accurate records. Ability to train employees and convey procedures effectively.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to perform basic arithmetic to verify parts quantities, track inventory levels, review service timelines, and confirm accuracy of work orders. Skill in comparing inspection data, evaluating equipment conditions, and estimating time or resource needs for repairs. Capability to reconcile discrepancies in parts usage, maintenance records, or equipment status classifications.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficiency with maintenance‑management or shop‑management systems to review work orders, track equipment status, approve parts requests, and update inspection records. Ability to use spreadsheets or databases for inventory tracking, performance monitoring, and reporting. Competence with email and digital communication tools to coordinate with staff, document issues, and support shop operations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to assess repair priorities, diagnose equipment issues, and determine appropriate actions for safe and timely maintenance. Skill in evaluating mechanic performance, identifying training needs, and assisting with troubleshooting in the field. Capacity to organize equipment lines, ensure regulatory compliance, and make sound decisions during damage assessments, safety inspections, and customer interactions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working conditions, physical demands, and environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a full-time position. Days and hours worked will mirror the business operations which typically runs Monday -Friday. May work more than eight consecutive hours at a time or more than 40 hours in a 7-day work period depending on work demands. Occasional evening and weekend work will be necessary. Travel will be required to customer locations, branch locations, company events, professional development and industry conferences. Must have access to reliable transportation and must be able to travel via most efficient mode for work related travel.

With Peterson’s Customer First focus, the individual may encounter pressure in meeting customer needs, balancing competing deadlines and resource constraints. Situations must be handled in a manner that meets customer needs and does not negatively impact customer satisfaction. Customers are both internal and external.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to use hands or fingers to handle/feel objects, reach with hands/arms, and talk or hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. Occasionally required to sit. The employee must continuously lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is typically of a shop atmosphere with occasional work in an office or warehouse environment. The employee will be continuously exposed to working around moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and/or vibration. Frequently exposed to working in high and/or precarious places and outdoor weather conditions. Occasionally exposed to non-weather wet or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employee is expected to wear appropriate PPE in all work areas where it is required.

This description describes only the general nature and level of work encompassed by this job. This description is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of employees at this level. Peterson is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.