Diesel Mechanic (Shop Foreman)

Position Overview

Valley Steel Recycling is seeking a hands-on Lead Diesel Mechanic to oversee and manage maintenance operations for our fleet and heavy equipment. This role is responsible for leading a team of 2 diesel mechanics, ensuring equipment uptime, and maintaining a high standard of safety, organization, and accountability in the shop.

This is not a passive role—you will be expected to diagnose, repair, and lead from the front while holding your team accountable for performance.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and coordinate daily work of 2 diesel mechanics
• Assign jobs based on priority, skill level, and production needs
• Enforce accountability, productivity, and quality of work
• Train and develop mechanics to improve efficiency and skillset
• Maintain discipline, structure, and clear communication in the shop

Maintenance & Repairs

• Diagnose and repair diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and drivetrains
• Perform advanced troubleshooting on heavy equipment and fleet vehicles
• Oversee preventative maintenance program and ensure it is followed
• Minimize downtime by prioritizing critical equipment

Equipment Focus

• Material handlers (e.g., Sennebogen)
• Loaders (e.g., CAT 950 series)
• Excavators
• Trucks, trailers, and support equipment
• Scrap processing equipment (shears, shredders, conveyors – preferred)

Shop Operations

• Maintain organized shop and parts inventory
• Ensure proper use of tools and equipment
• Coordinate with operations team on equipment needs and downtime
• Track repairs, maintenance logs, and recurring issues
• Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce safety procedures and best practices
• Ensure all repairs meet operational and safety standards
• Maintain clean and safe working environment

QualificationsRequired

• 10+ years of diesel mechanic experience
• 10+ years in a leadership or senior mechanic role
• Strong diagnostic skills
• Experience with hydraulics, electrical systems, and heavy equipment
• Ability to manage and hold a team accountable
• Self-starter with strong work ethic and urgency

Preferred

• Experience in scrap, recycling, construction, or industrial environments
• Familiarity with Sennebogen, CAT, or similar heavy equipment
• Welding and fabrication experience
• Experience setting up or improving maintenance systems

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person