Small Engine Mechanic

Position Overview

We are looking for a skilled and dependable Small Engine Mechanic to join our lawn equipment service department. This position is responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining residential and commercial outdoor power equipment, including walk-behind mowers, zero-turn mowers, trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, generators, and other small-engine equipment.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to quality workmanship. Previous small-engine experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate who has strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.

This position reports to the Shop Manager.

Essential Responsibilities

Equipment Diagnosis and Repair

• Diagnose and repair two-stroke and four-stroke engines.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, ignition, charging, fuel, hydraulic, and drive-system problems.
• Repair and service residential and commercial lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, handheld equipment, generators, and other outdoor power equipment.
• Identify the root cause of equipment failures and recommend appropriate repairs.
• Use service manuals, wiring diagrams, diagnostic equipment, and manufacturer resources to complete repairs accurately.
• Request technical assistance from the Shop Manager when additional diagnostic support is needed.
• Perform welding or light fabrication work when qualified and necessary.

Preventive Maintenance

• Perform oil changes, tune-ups, filter replacements, blade sharpening, belt replacement, lubrication, and other routine maintenance.
• Inspect equipment for worn, damaged, or unsafe components.
• Recommend additional maintenance or repairs when they are necessary for safe and reliable operation.
• Complete seasonal maintenance and equipment-preparation services.

Work Orders and Documentation

• Review assigned work orders before beginning repairs.
• Document diagnoses, repairs performed, parts used, labor hours, and additional recommendations accurately.
• Notify the Shop Manager or service advisor when additional repairs or parts are needed.
• Do not complete work beyond the customer’s approved repair authorization without proper approval.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and record billable labor promptly.
• Keep assigned work orders updated so customers can receive accurate repair-status information.

Quality Control and Productivity

• Complete assigned repairs accurately and within established labor-time expectations.
• Test equipment after repairs to confirm proper operation, performance, and safety.
• Inspect completed work before submitting equipment for final quality review.
• Minimize comeback repairs through careful diagnosis and quality workmanship.
• Take responsibility for correcting workmanship-related issues when they occur.
• Maintain an appropriate balance between productivity, efficiency, and repair quality.
• Help the shop meet established goals for billed labor hours, turnaround time, and customer satisfaction.

Shop Safety and Organization

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Properly use and care for shop tools, lifts, diagnostic equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Follow safe procedures when handling fuel, oil, batteries, chemicals, blades, compressed air, and operating equipment.
• Properly store customer equipment, removed parts, tools, and shop supplies.
• Report damaged tools, unsafe conditions, injuries, and equipment concerns promptly.
• Follow manufacturer procedures and all company safety policies.

Teamwork and Customer Service

• Work cooperatively with the Shop Manager, service advisors, parts employees, and other technicians.
• Communicate repair findings, parts needs, delays, and completion status promptly.
• Treat customer equipment carefully and professionally.
• Explain technical issues to service advisors or customers in clear, understandable language when requested.
• Support new-equipment setup, pre-delivery inspections, and other service-department needs when assigned.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, urgency, and a positive attitude.

Performance Expectations

Performance in this position may be evaluated using:

• Repair quality and accuracy
• Billed labor hours
• Technician productivity and efficiency
• Repair turnaround time
• Comeback and rework rate
• Work-order documentation
• Attendance and dependability
• Shop cleanliness and organization
• Compliance with safety procedures
• Completion of manufacturer training and certifications
• Teamwork and customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• Two or more years of small-engine, outdoor power equipment, automotive, powersports, agricultural equipment, or similar repair experience is preferred.
• Candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and related hands-on experience may be considered for training.
• Understanding of two-cycle and four-cycle engines.
• Basic knowledge of electrical, fuel, ignition, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop equipment safely.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, parts diagrams, service manuals, and other technical documents.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow repair procedures and document completed work accurately.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team environment.
• Dependable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Skills

The following experience is helpful but not required:

• Previous employment in an outdoor power equipment dealership or repair shop
• Experience servicing Hustler, Exmark, Grasshopper, STIHL, ECHO, Kawasaki, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, or similar brands
• Manufacturer training or technical certifications
• Commercial mower and zero-turn repair experience
• Hydraulic-system diagnosis and repair
• Electrical-system diagnosis
• Welding or fabrication skills
• Warranty-repair experience

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Work primarily in an active repair-shop environment.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, kneel, squat, climb, reach, and work in different positions around equipment.
• Regularly lift or move parts and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more, with assistance used when appropriate.
• Push, pull, maneuver, and operate lawn equipment.
• Work around gasoline, oil, batteries, chemicals, noise, dust, exhaust, outdoor temperatures, and moving equipment.
• Safely operate lawn equipment, shop tools, lifts, and company vehicles as authorized.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with hours generally scheduled Monday through Friday. During peak season, occasional Saturday coverage may be required based on repair volume and business needs.

Compensation

Compensation is hourly plus commission and will be based on experience, technical ability, certifications, productivity, and demonstrated performance.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• IRA matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and paid time off
• Bonus paid holidays
• Employee discounts on parts and equipment
• Opportunities for manufacturer training and brand certifications

Eligibility requirements and benefit terms are governed by the applicable company policies and benefit plans.

Why Work With Us?

• Family-owned and supportive work environment
• Consistent year-round employment
• Hourly pay plus the opportunity to earn commission
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Access to manufacturer and brand-certified technical training
• Employee discounts on parts and equipment
• The satisfaction of diagnosing problems and seeing the direct results of quality workmanship

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal-opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.