How to Hire a Diesel Mechanic

Why hire a diesel mechanic?

A capable diesel mechanic helps in safeguarding diesel equipment and increasing their efficiency and productivity. Choosing the right person is essential to maintaining and extending the life of diesel equipment. A diesel mechanic should:

• Perform major and minor repairs for trailers and trucks
• Do regular preventive maintenance for vehicles, such as tire rotations, inspections and oil changes
• Manage inventory of parts and spares and maintain shop cleanliness

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance diesel mechanic

When hiring a diesel mechanic, it’s important to look at the type of help you need. When you have consistent diesel engine maintenance and repairs needed for your fleet of vehicles or a repair shop with a steady stream of customers, a full-time diesel mechanic makes sense. You can reliably schedule the work with a diesel mechanic on hand.

For a business with minimal diesel mechanic needs, a freelance or contract mechanic could be a cost-effective option. This works well if you only have occasional repair needs. It’s also an option for seasonal businesses with diesel equipment. You can hire a contractor during your busy season to keep up with the workload without hiring a full-time mechanic year-round.

What are the types of diesel mechanics?

Diesel mechanics can work on a wide range of equipment in various industries that use diesel as the fuel source. A mechanic often focuses on a particular type of field to specialize in. Some types of diesel mechanics include:

• Commercial vehicle diesel mechanics: This type of mechanic works on large vehicles, usually commercial vehicles. This can include semis, buses and other large, heavy construction equipment. These diesel mechanics often work for trucking companies, construction companies or cities and municipalities.
• Railroad and marine diesel mechanics: Some diesel mechanics focus on the special needs of marine vessels and rail transport engines. These mechanics often stay with the vehicle as it carries out its duties to repair and maintain the engine as needed.
• Small engine diesel mechanics: These mechanics work on smaller equipment that uses diesel, such as small personal vehicles and construction equipment and some generators. This type of mechanic often works in a repair shop, completing work for individual customers rather than maintaining company vehicles.

Where to find diesel mechanics

To find the right diesel mechanic for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Partner with trade schools. Volunteer time at a local trade school to mentor students or speak in classes. Other options include attending career fairs and posting advertisements on campus.
• Promote internally. Many diesel mechanics learn on the job, so looking within your current staff might reveal a suitable candidate.
• Check related industries. Hiring from the construction industry and other laborer fields can be an option for finding diesel mechanics. Military veterans with any type of mechanical experience can also be strong candidates.
• Network in the industry. Spread the word throughout your network about your need for a diesel mechanic.
• Post your job online. Try posting your diesel mechanic job on Indeed to find and attract quality diesel mechanic candidates.

What are the types of diesel mechanics?

Diesel mechanics can work on a wide range of equipment in various industries that use diesel as the fuel source. A mechanic often focuses on a particular type of field to specialize in. Some types of diesel mechanics include:

• Commercial vehicle diesel mechanics: This type of mechanic works on large vehicles, usually commercial vehicles. This can include semis, buses and other large, heavy construction equipment. These diesel mechanics often work for trucking companies, construction companies or cities and municipalities.
• Railroad and marine diesel mechanics: Some diesel mechanics focus on the special needs of marine vessels and rail transport engines. These mechanics often stay with the vehicle as it carries out its duties to repair and maintain the engine as needed.
• Small engine diesel mechanics: These mechanics work on smaller equipment that uses diesel, such as small personal vehicles and construction equipment and some generators. This type of mechanic often works in a repair shop, completing work for individual customers rather than maintaining company vehicles.

Writing a diesel mechanic job description

Write a detailed job description with a list of the duties, responsibilities and required skill set to find suitable diesel mechanic candidates.

When writing your diesel mechanic job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on diesel mechanic jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Diesel mechanic
• Mechanic
• Diesel technician
• Diesel
• Heavy equipment mechanic
• Automotive
• Fleet mechanic
• Welding
• Trailer mechanic
• Apprentice

Interviewing diesel mechanic candidates

In the interview process for suitable diesel mechanics, comparing the skills and qualifications of all potential candidates is essential.

• Proficiency in performing all kinds of repairs and preventive maintenance of diesel equipment
• Knowledge and experience in preventive maintenance
• How they’ve excelled at maintaining diesel equipment and increasing business efficiency

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of diesel mechanic interview questions for examples (with sample answers).