Shop Technician/Welder

Job Summary and Purpose: 
The Shop Technician / Welder is responsible for performing high-quality service, maintenance, repair, welding, and fabrication on heavy construction equipment, attachments, and components represented or supported by VCES.

This is a dual-function position, with responsibilities generally divided between welding/fabrication (approximately 50%) and heavy equipment service and repair (approximately 50%), based on business and operational needs.

The position requires demonstrated competency in heavy equipment diagnostics and mechanical repair as well as welding, cutting, fabrication, and attachment repair. Welding and fabrication responsibilities include light fabrication, torch cutting, air arc gouging, excavator thumb mounting and welding, and hydraulic shear attachment buildup and repair.
•    This position will champion a “Safety First”, “Customer Focused” and a “Continuous improvement” culture.  
•    Enforce and adhere to all company policies, procedures, standards, and values.
•    Maintain excellent customer and employee relations.
•    Work safely at all times. Adhere to all VCES safety guidelines, policies, and practices.

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities: 
•    Perform welding and fabrication repairs on heavy construction equipment, attachments, and components, with work performed in the shop or field based on operational needs.
•    Perform light fabrication work in support of equipment and attachment repair.
•    Perform torch cutting and air arc gouging for removal, repair, preparation, and fabrication of components.
•    Perform excavator thumb mounting, fit-up, positioning, and welding.
•    Perform buildup, welding, and repair of hydraulic shear attachments.
•    Repair and rebuild buckets, thumbs, shears, and other heavy equipment attachments and components as assigned.
•    Prepare materials and components for welding, including measuring, cutting, grinding, fitting, beveling, cleaning, and surface preparation.
•    Read and work from measurements, drawings, specifications, and verbal or written instructions as applicable.
•    Inspect completed welds, fabricated components, and repairs for quality, proper fit, structural integrity, and safe operation.
•    Safely operate welding machines, cutting equipment, air arc equipment, grinders, and other tools required for fabrication and repair.
•    Follow all applicable hot-work procedures and properly use required welding, cutting, grinding, and fabrication PPE.
•    Diagnose, troubleshoot, service, maintain, and repair the full line of heavy construction equipment, attachments, and components represented or supported by VCES.
•    Diagnose mechanical and equipment system concerns and determine appropriate repairs.
•    Perform general mechanical repairs and component replacement in accordance with manufacturer and VCES procedures.
•    Maintain working knowledge of heavy equipment systems, including hydraulic, air, electrical, mechanical, lubrication, and diesel engine systems.
•    Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, adjustments, and repairs as assigned.
•    Properly use hand, pneumatic, and electric tools when performing equipment service and repairs.
•    Perform tasks from verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers regarding diagnosis, repairs, parts requirements, and job status.
•    Verify proper operation of equipment and components following repairs.
•    Perform work primarily in the shop environment, with occasional field service or repair work as business needs require.

Education/Professional Qualifications required for the position:
•    High school diploma or GED.
•    Technical school certificate in welding, diesel technology, heavy equipment repair, or a related field preferred; equivalent applicable work experience may be considered.
•    Minimum of five years of relevant experience in heavy construction equipment repair, welding/fabrication, or a combination of related experience.
•    Demonstrated experience diagnosing, troubleshooting, servicing, and repairing heavy construction equipment.
•    Demonstrated welding and fabrication experience involving heavy equipment, attachments, or structural/heavy steel components.
•    Experience with torch cutting and air arc gouging preferred.
•    Experience mounting, repairing, rebuilding, and/or welding excavator attachments, hydraulic shears, buckets, thumbs, or similar heavy equipment components preferred.
•    Working knowledge of hydraulic systems and diesel engines preferred.

•    Ability to read and understand measurements, repair instructions, technical information, and fabrication drawings as applicable.
•    Ability to safely and properly use welding equipment, cutting equipment, hand tools, pneumatic tools, electric tools, grinders, and other shop equipment.
•    Understanding of OSHA requirements and applicable workplace safety regulations.
•    Knowledge of federal, state, and local safety regulations applicable to shop and jobsite operations.
•    Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Additional Important Requirements:
•    Ability to safely work on, under, and around heavy construction equipment.
•    Requires prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing and frequent stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, and overhead reaching.
•    Requires occasional climbing on and off equipment and climbing stairs, steps, and stepladders.
•    Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift, pull, carry, or push heavier objects or materials with appropriate assistance or lifting equipment.
•    Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and physical ability required for welding, fabrication, mechanical repair, machinery operation, and computer use.
•    Must be able to safely operate and handle welding equipment, cutting equipment, air arc equipment, grinders, hand tools, pneumatic tools, electric tools, and other shop equipment.
•    Must be able to work around welding fumes, sparks, hot materials, loud or noisy equipment, dust, grease, and other conditions commonly associated with heavy equipment repair and fabrication.
•    Must be able to wear required PPE and follow established hot-work, welding, cutting, grinding, and equipment safety procedures.
•    Must be willing and able to work overtime as business needs require.