How to hire a field mechanic

How to hire a field mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step field mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a field mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new field mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a field mechanic, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A field mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, field mechanics from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of field mechanics and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Field Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Field Mechanic	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$15-30
   Automotive Service Technician	Automotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment... Show more	$12-35
   Mechanic Helper	The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues... Show more	$11-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Construction Equipment
   • Cranes
   • Hydraulic Systems
   • Hand Tools
   • Asphalt
   • Electrical Systems
   • Parts Inventory
   • Diesel Engines
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Equipment Repair
   • Loaders
   • MIG
   • Dozer

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
   • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
   • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
   • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
   • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
   • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your field mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A field mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, field mechanics' average salary in alabama is 42% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field mechanics 48% less than senior-level field mechanics.
   • Certifications. A field mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a field mechanic's salary.

   Average field mechanic salary

   $46,395yearly

   $22.31 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level field mechanic salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

4. Writing a field mechanic job description

   A job description for a field mechanic role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a field mechanic job description:

   Field mechanic job description example

   This job is Safety-Sensitive. Safety-Sensitive jobs include tasks or duties that could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others.
   
   These tasks and duties include, but are not limited to operating: material handling equipment, motorized vehicles, welding equipment, fabrication machinery, power tools, working at height over four feet and working in confined spaces (or as prescribed by OSHA).
   
   Our core competency is based on safely processing alloyed: structures, weldments, piping systems, pressure vessels and sheet metal components of varying shapes and sizes.
   
   Travels as a team member to jobsites to perform various installation tasks related to industrial mechanical contracting projects. This may include tasks related to welding, rigging, millwright, painting, etc., and frequently requires working from ladders, high reaches and working under other challenging conditions.
   Essential Job Functions: The following list includes a minimum core group of requirements for all field crew personnel. This does not include all skills or requirements that may be needed or added as each employee advances with GSM Industrial. Must be willing to change job sites and crews regularly as needed. Must know and follow all appropriate safety/environmental requirements and ensure your own safety and the safety of others working with and around you by being alert, aware and ready to act at all times. Must be able to perform work in an efficient manner that meets or exceeds expectations, including quality key performance indicators and team collaboration. Must collaborate and demonstrate a positive attitude with fellow employees, supervisors, staff, customers, vendors and other associates Must be willing to work out-of-town jobs, overtime, weekends and holidays as required.
   In addition to the essential functions listed above, the employee is expected to: Be honest, demonstrate integrity and respect with all customers and co-workers. Follow company policies, procedures, maintain a professional demeanor and work ethic. Demonstrate a positive attitude, communicate effectively with co-workers and customers. Work with accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail. Respect the work environment and keep it as safe, neat and clean as possible. Demonstrate initiative to learn new skills and tasks and to help co-workers when possible. Perform such other duties and functions as required.
   Requirements: Qualifications: Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to safety operate any GSM Industrial vehicle up to 16,000 #s GVW & possibly 10,000 #s Trailer weight for total of 26,000 #s combined weight Must be able to safely operate forklift, scissors lift, high reach, etc., in a construction environment Must be skilled and knowledgeable to safely use and operate hand and power tools Must be able to safely and competently perform most field welding operations Must be able to safely work from ladders, scaffolding and other challenging work positions Must be able to read and interpret mechanical schematics, drawings and/or blueprints. Must know or be able to learn general crane safety and signals Must have basic mathematical skills so as to be able to measure and layout field dimensions Must possess mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills Proficient or be able to learn field work, welding and rigging skills Must be prompt and dependable Must be able to work in all industrial and non-industrial environments
   In a normal workday, the employee must be able to stand 7+ hours In a normal workday, the employee must be able to sit 1-4 hours In a normal workday, the employee must be able to walk 4-6 hours In a normal workday, the employee must be able to drive 7+ hours In a normal workday, the employee must be able to lift/carry 75 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 50 lbs. - Heavy Work The employee must be able to use his/her upper extremities for repetitive simple grasping, pushing/pulling and fine manipulation. The employee must be able to continuously (67-100%) throughout the day: Bend at the waist Squat at the knees Climb Reach above shoulders Kneel Crawl Use feet (foot controls)
   
   
   
   PI193795940

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find field mechanics for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any field mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level field mechanics with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your field mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit field mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with field mechanic candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new field mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the field mechanic position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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