- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Education High school diploma
- Average salary $64,000 to $111,000
Career profile
Heavy duty equipment mechanics repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment for energy-related construction and operations activities. They inspect and diagnose problems visually as well and by using computers to analyze the electronic control modules of machines such as bulldozers, graders and excavators.
They might be required to have basic welding or soldering skills to make mechanical or electrical repairs. Heavy duty equipment mechanics mostly work on mobile equipment, however, they also work on diesel motors, hydraulics, etc. that are found in plants and rigs.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Performing a full safety review analysis of the vehicle in order to detect potential problems
- Testing mechanical products and equipment after their repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers’ specifications
- Repairing and replacing damaged or worn parts
- Cleaning, lubricating and performing other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles
- Adjusting, maintaining and repairing or replacing subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks and cranes
- Welding or soldering broken parts and structural members using electric or gas welders and soldering tools
Education
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Licensing
- Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program is required to become a certified tradesperson. Another route into apprenticeship training is a pre-apprenticeship foundation program. In some provinces, both of these routes can begin in high school.
- The Red Seal endorsement is the interprovincial standard of excellence, and is available to tradespersons upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Work away from home/in camps
Good communication skills are just as critical as your technical skills.
- Mechanical
- Computers and electronics
- Maintaining equipment
- Repairing machines and systems
- Active listening
- Systems analysis
- Troubleshooting
- Complex problem solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
