HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

Cohen Brothers Inc; Kentucky; On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K and 401K matching

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Life Insurance

Job summary

Cohen Recycling in Kentucky is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Mechanic to perform inspections, diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance on hydraulic and mechanical equipment across multiple scrapyard locations. This traveling maintenance role minimizes downtime and keeps equipment safe and productive.

You will work with a team of technicians, read schematics, and maintain accurate logs while following safety policies and OSHA regulations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in heavy equipment repair.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, diesel engines, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to travel between multiple yard locations.
• Experience reading schematics/diagrams and using maintenance manuals.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance on heavy equipment.
• Inspect hydraulic systems, excavators, backhoes, loaders, material handlers and related machinery.
• Respond to breakdowns and perform on-site repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, work orders, and service reports.
• Follow safety policies and OSHA regulations in industrial environments.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Manager and technicians across locations.

Skills

Heavy equipment repair

Hydraulic systems

Diesel engines

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Job Description

Join a Century of Innovation and Impact.

At Cohen, we don’t just process metal; we empower people to co-create a "bluer" world. Founded in 1924 with nothing more than a horse-drawn cart, we have grown into one of the nation’s leading recyclers by staying true to a simple belief: People Powered Recycling. Our work is the backbone of a sustainable future, but our heart is in our community. When you join the Cohen family, you aren't just another employee—you are a vital part of a four-generation legacy, built on safety, integrity, and local impact. We pride ourselves on an energetic, collaborative environment where your hard work is recognized, your growth is supported, and your safety is our absolute priority. Come help us lead the next century of recycling.

We are looking for a skilled and dependable Heavy Equipment Mechanic to perform inspections, diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance on hydraulic and mechanical equipment at multiple scrapyard locations. This role is part of a traveling maintenance team and plays a critical role in minimizing downtime and ensuring equipment is running safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform hands‑on maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on a variety of heavy equipment, including:
  • Hydraulic systems and components
  • Excavators, backhoes, loaders, and material handlers
  • Shears, balers, shredders, and other scrap processing equipment
  • Air systems, motors, and basic electrical components
  • Skid steers, forklifts, and related machinery
• Conduct routine inspections to identify potential issues and perform preventive maintenance tasks to extend equipment life.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and perform on‑site repairs to minimize equipment downtime.
• Accurately complete maintenance logs, work orders, and service reports.
• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA regulations while working in industrial environments.
• Work closely with the Maintenance Manager and other technicians to plan work, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts across locations.
• Assist with managing parts inventory, sourcing repair components, and working with vendors or service providers as needed.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in heavy equipment repair and maintenance; scrap, recycling, or construction industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, diesel engines, mechanical troubleshooting, and equipment diagnostics.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Experience with basic welding and fabrication is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to travel regularly to multiple yard locations.
• Self‑motivated, safety‑conscious, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience using a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and industrial environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand, bend, crouch, and climb ladders or equipment as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical certification in hydraulics, welding, or heavy equipment repair.
• Previous experience working in scrapyards, recycling facilities, or similar industrial settings.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K and 401K matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Life Insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Day Shift
• Weekends as needed

EEO Statement

Cohen Recycling is a drug‑free workplace and conducts pre‑employment testing as a condition of employment. Cohen is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, lactation/breastfeeding, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Cohen reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and teammates. Cohen