Mechanic's Helper

Oasis IAM

Gainesville, FL

Pay: $18/hr

Shift: Full time

The Mechanic's Helper / Apprentice assists the Head Mechanic with inspecting, servicing, and repairing the trucks, trailers, small engines, and heavy equipment that keep OASIS roadway, roadside, and landscape maintenance crews working. Equipment includes pickup and dump trucks, tractors, commercial mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, excavators, mini excavators, skid steers, trailers, arrow boards, and other equipment across a wide variety of makes and models.

Work ranges from oil changes and blade replacement to assisting with mower deck clutches, engine repairs, and hydraulic and electrical troubleshooting. Tasks are assigned according to the employee's training and demonstrated ability, with guidance and oversight from the Head Mechanic. This position may be based at any OASIS working site and reports to the Head Mechanic. Occasional travel to other OASIS projects is required to provide equipment support and repair work. Work is primarily in the shop and outdoors in all weather conditions and may include early departures, later returns, and overtime as business needs require.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

• Maintain a strong safety-first mindset. Follow company procedures and wear required PPE to protect yourself, coworkers, and the traveling public.
• Assist the Head Mechanic with diagnosing mechanical problems and completing routine maintenance and repairs on company trucks, trailers, tractors, small engines, landscape equipment, and heavy equipment.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance, including oil and filter changes, lubrication, fluid checks, battery service, and inspections of belts, hoses, tires, brakes, and lights, following manufacturer service intervals.
• Remove, sharpen, balance, and replace mower blades. Replace trimmer line, chainsaw chains, belts, pulleys, bearings, and other wear parts as trained and directed.
• Assist with servicing and repairing mowing decks, deck clutches, spindles, drive systems, and related components on commercial mowing equipment.
• Assist with repairs to gasoline and diesel engines, fuel and cooling systems, electrical systems, brakes, steering, drivetrain components, and hydraulic systems under the Head Mechanic's direction.
• Assist with hydraulic hose, fitting, and cylinder repairs on excavators, skid steers, and attachments. Relieve stored pressure before work begins.
• Assist with servicing roadway support equipment such as arrow boards and towed trailers, including lights, wiring, brakes, tires, hitches, and safety chains.
• Support DOT compliance readiness by correcting defects reported on pre-trip and post-trip inspections, documenting repairs, and helping prepare vehicles for scheduled inspections.
• Clean, disassemble, inspect, and reassemble components. Identify worn or damaged parts and report findings to the Head Mechanic.
• Use hand tools, power tools, meters, and shop equipment safely and correctly. Learn to follow service manuals, parts diagrams, and maintenance procedures.
• Assist with checking completed repairs and testing equipment only as trained and authorized. Report unresolved concerns before equipment returns to service.
• Follow procedures for safely lifting and supporting vehicles and equipment, isolating energy, relieving stored pressure, and handling fuels, oils, coolants, batteries, and other shop materials.
• Dispose of used oil, filters, batteries, tires, and other shop waste according to company and environmental requirements. Report spills immediately.
• Keep accurate service records, including work performed, parts used, equipment hours or mileage, and maintenance needs, in the company's work-order or fleet maintenance system.
• Assist with identifying, organizing, receiving, and obtaining repair parts, supplies, and tools. Keep the shop, service vehicles, and work areas clean and orderly.
• Travel occasionally to other OASIS projects and designated work locations to provide equipment support and repairs. Drive company vehicles as authorized.
• Communicate equipment issues, repair progress, and additional service needs to the Head Mechanic. Work cooperatively with field crews to reduce downtime.
• Complete assigned safety training and take part in on-the-job instruction to build skills toward mechanic-level work and, where offered by the company, technical certification.
• Report hazards, near misses, injuries, and incidents immediately and take part in corrective actions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Head Mechanic or company leadership.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**

• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with common hand and power tools. Willingness to learn vehicle, small-engine, and heavy-equipment repair.
• Basic understanding of how engines, brakes, hydraulics, and electrical systems work, or the willingness to learn quickly on the job.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, ask questions when unsure, and recognize when a task requires additional training or superv