Shop Service Technician - Heavy Equipment Diagnostics

Cal-Line Equipment; Ulmar (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

PTO accrual

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Job summary

Cal-Line Equipment in California is seeking a Shop Service Technician to diagnose, repair, recondition, and maintain forestry equipment in the shop. You will perform hands-on mechanical, engine, hydraulic, and electrical work on chippers, stump grinders, grinders, tracked aerial lifts, and related equipment under the Service Manager's direction.

The role emphasizes high-quality repairs, accurate documentation, safety, and timely turnaround, with opportunities for factory training and teamwork

Qualifications

• Two to five years of equipment service, repair, or maintenance experience; experience with tree care, forestry, landscape, or aerial lift equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of gas and diesel engines and mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, including reading schematics and using diagnostic tools.
• Manufacturer certifications (Bandit, CMC, or similar), ASE, or aerial lift (MEWP) certifications preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with a commitment to repair quality, productivity, and fast equipment turnaround.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required; Class B CDL a plus for road testing chip trucks.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair hand-fed chippers (drum and disc), whole tree chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, tracked aerial lifts, remote-operated mowers, and chip truck bodies.
• Service gas and diesel engines, including fuel, cooling, and Tier 4 emissions/aftertreatment systems, as well as hydraulic systems, electrical and electronic controls, clutches, belts, drives, bearings, and track undercarriages.
• Perform cutting-system service: chipper knife and anvil replacement and adjustment, stump grinder tooth and pocket replacement, and drum, disc, and cutter-wheel inspection.
• Perform new equipment pre-delivery inspection (PDI), setup, and delivery preparation, and prepare demo units for customer demonstrations.
• Perform aerial lift inspections, repairs, and testing in accordance with manufacturer requirements and applicable ANSI A92 standards.
• Complete assigned repairs in the priority order set by the Service Manager, based on customer needs, workload, and parts availability.
• Manage assigned workload to maintain productivity, repair quality, and timely work order completion, and communicate delays or additional repair needs to the Service Manager.
• Perform quality work the first time to reduce rework, control costs, and support overall shop efficiency.
• Verify the function of all safety systems before release, including chipper feed-control and emergency stop systems, stump grinder guards and controls, and aerial lift interlocks, alarms, and emergency lowering.
• Run and test repaired equipment under operating conditions to confirm the repair and identify any remaining issues.
• Confirm that required repairs, inspections, and testing are complete before submitting equipment to the Service Manager for release.
• Work Order Documentation: Complete work orders accurately and thoroughly, documenting parts, labor, materials, repair notes, hour-meter readings, and serial numbers.
• Document repairs to meet Cal-Line, manufacturer (including Bandit and CMC), customer, billing, and warranty requirements, including photos and failed-part retention when required.
• Communication & Teamwork: Represent Cal-Line professionally in any customer or vendor interactions, including walking customers through completed repairs when requested.
• Communicate repair status, findings, and additional repair needs clearly to the Service Manager.
• Escalate equipment issues, warranty concerns, recurring failures, or unexpected repair findings to the Service Manager.
• Coordinate with Parts on part identification, ordering, and returns.
• Training & Skill Development: Continuously develop technical and diagnostic skills on Cal-Line equipment lines.
• Participate in Owen Companies and manufacturer factory training, including Bandit and CMC product and service training.
• Safety, Organization & Policy Compliance: Follow lockout/tagout and safe handling procedures when working on cutting systems, stored hydraulic and mechanical energy, and elevated components.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and shop yard.
• Follow company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Properly use personal protective equipment, tools, and safe work practices at all times.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Organizational

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or vocational training in diesel/heavy equipment/small engine repair preferred

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Bandit/CMC service tooling

Job description

Cal-Line Equipment in California is seeking a Shop Service Technician to diagnose, repair, recondition, and maintain forestry equipment in the shop. You will perform hands-on mechanical, engine, hydraulic, and electrical work on chippers, stump grinders, grinders, tracked aerial lifts, and related equipment under the Service Manager's direction.

The role emphasizes high-quality repairs, accurate documentation, safety, and timely turnaround, with opportunities for factory training and teamwork