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Diesel Mechanic Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Diesel Mechanic, or Mechanic, is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining any type of diesel engine. Their duties include adjusting equipment to repair or replace defective parts, diagnosing faults or malfunctions using testing equipment, and cleaning or performing maintenance work.

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Diesel Mechanic duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Diesel Mechanic, it is important to specify the duties and responsibilities to excel in the role, including:

  • Adjusting equipment and repairing or replacing any defective parts
  • Cleaning, lubricating, and performing other maintenance work
  • Diagnosing malfunctions or problems using a computerized system or testing equipment to determine the root cause of any issues
  • Repairing and verifying any emission control systems
  • Meeting with customers to explain problems and possible solutions
  • Carrying out any repairs as needed to replace the transmission or other damaged parts
  • Working with specialized machinery such as combines or tracked vehicles
  • Understanding the inner workings of various machines such as bulldozers, cranes, graders, logging equipment, mining equipment, or farming equipment
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Diesel Mechanic Job Description Examples:

What does a Diesel Mechanic do?

A Diesel Mechanic is responsible for the repair and maintenance of diesel engines, and most of them will work typically in automotive garages or repair shops. A Diesel Mechanic can work on anything from personal vehicles to large transport trucks. It is important for Diesel Mechanics to also perform tasks such as checking the batteries of a vehicle, inspecting other parts, adjusting the wheels of a vehicle, and ensuring any other malfunction is diagnosed.

Diesel Mechanic skills and qualifications

A successful Diesel Mechanic will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties of this job, including:

  • Communication skills to speak with customers by telephone, email, or in-person
  • Strong knowledge of health and safety standards required for the role
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to repeat the same or similar tasks multiple times a day
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Knowledge of basic math and computer skills

Diesel Mechanic experience requirements

Previous experience is generally preferable for Diesel Mechanics. Often, this experience can be as an apprentice or an assistant. For positions where experience is required, one to three years is rhe average. However, for Diesel Mechanic positions in small garages where no additional training is provided, five years of experience is preferred.

Diesel Mechanic education and training requirements

A Diesel Mechanic would generally have at least a high school diploma if they have received on-the-job training from a well-known garage. However, in most cases, job applicants should have a certification from an accredited college or apprenticeship program. In Quebec and Alberta, certification is required to handle any heavy-duty equipment.

For a role that focuses on agricultural equipment, there is a voluntary certification available in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Job applicants can also hold Red Seal endorsement for working on heavy-duty or agricultural equipment.

Diesel Mechanic salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Diesel Mechanic is $30.31 per hour. This can vary depending on experience, location, or company that is hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Diesel Mechanic is not what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:

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Diesel Mechanic job description FAQs

Do Diesel Mechanics have different responsibilities in different industries?

The role of a Diesel Mechanic remains largely the same despite working in different industries. Primary responsibilities such as inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing equipment do not change regardless of the field. However, more certification or training may be required for Diesel Mechanics handling specialized equipment such as agricultural equipment or heavy-duty machinery.

What should you look for in a Diesel Mechanic resume?

When reviewing resumes for job applicants for a Diesel Mechanic position, it is important to look for someone who has the experience in fixing the right type of equipment. If the role is to be in an environment where interacting with customers is important, look for an applicant with previous experience in customer service or customer-facing positions. Also look for additional certification, such as Red Seal, that may also be required for the position as well.

What is the difference between a Diesel Mechanic and an Auto Mechanic?

While Diesel Mechanics and Auto Mechanics share similar responsibilities, there are key differences between them. A Diesel Mechanic will work on the diesel engines of trucks, large vehicles, or other specialized equipment. An Auto Mechanic is responsible for repairing various types of issues within a vehicle. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, Auto Mechanics are responsible for keeping up with these changes and knowing how to fix them.

How can you make your Diesel Mechanic job description stand out?

To make a Diesel Mechanic job description stand out, it is important to include the type of equipment that will need to be repaired. Including the salary and benefits for the position is another great way to make the description stand out.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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