Job Summary
The Mechanic Helper assists Mine Mechanics with the inspection, maintenance, repair, and servicing of heavy equipment used in mining operations. This position assists with preventive maintenance, repairs, parts replacement, housekeeping, and shop organization while learning proper maintenance procedures, MSHA requirements, and safe work practices under the direction of experienced mechanics.
Essential Job Functions
- Assist with inspection, maintenance, and repair of loaders, bulldozers, excavators, haul trucks, and other mining equipment.
- Assist with preventive maintenance, including lubrication, fluid checks, filter changes, cleaning, and inspections.
- Assist with troubleshooting, disassembly, and reassembly of equipment components.
- Transport tools, parts, materials, and equipment throughout the mine.
- Assist with welding, fabrication, cutting, grinding, and other repairs as directed.
- Safely use hand tools, power tools, jacks, hoists, and other maintenance equipment.
- Assist with maintenance records, work orders, and inspection documentation.
- Clean and organize the maintenance shop, work areas, tools, and equipment.
- Report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, and environmental concerns to the Mine Superintendent or Lead Mechanic.
- Follow all company safety policies, MSHA regulations, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and safe work practices.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching.
- Frequent climbing on and off heavy equipment, ladders, platforms, and work areas.
- Ability to work safely on uneven terrain and around moving mining equipment.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for operating hand and power tools.
- Frequent pushing, pulling, gripping, and grasping.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, parts, hoses, equipment, and materials.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally with assistance when necessary.
- Ability to work in awkward positions, including overhead, underneath equipment, and in confined areas.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around dust, mud, noise, vibration, and heavy equipment.
- Ability to use near and distance vision to inspect equipment and identify defects.
- Ability to hear machinery, alarms, radios, and verbal communication.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.
Work Environment
- Industrial mining and manufacturing environment, both indoors and outdoors.
- Exposure to dust, dirt, mud, grease, oils, vibration, noise, changing weather conditions, and moving heavy equipment.
- Work may require climbing ladders, working at heights, working in confined spaces, or working around energized equipment after proper safety procedures have been implemented.
- Required use of PPE and any additional protective equipment required for assigned tasks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn heavy equipment maintenance.
- Basic knowledge of hand tools, power tools, and mechanical repair techniques.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to read and understand maintenance procedures, equipment manuals, and safety policies.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
- Ability to recognize and report equipment problems, safety hazards, and environmental concerns.
- Ability to maintain attention to safety, quality, and workmanship.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Previous mechanical, industrial, agricultural, construction, or manufacturing experience preferred.
- Heavy equipment experience preferred but not required.
- Must successfully complete all required MSHA training.
- Must successfully complete all company-required equipment, maintenance, and machinery-specific training.
Schedule
- Day Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
- Schedule may change based on production needs.
- Must be available to work Saturdays during busy seasons or as required.
- Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required based on operational needs.
Safety Requirements
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Comply with all applicable MSHA regulations.
- Successfully complete and maintain required MSHA training.
- Successfully complete all required maintenance and machinery-specific training.
- Wear required PPE.
- Follow LOTO, hot work, confined space, and other applicable safety procedures.
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, environmental concerns, equipment malfunctions, incidents, or injuries.
- Participate in required safety meetings and training.
Essential Functions and Reasonable Accommodation
Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees who require accommodation should notify Human Resources.
***Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirement: Cherokee Brick & Tile Company & Affiliates is a drug-free workplace. The selected applicant for this position must successfully complete a post-offer drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment. Refusal to test or failure to comply with the testing process may result in withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.***