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What does a generator mechanic do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

Generator Mechanics are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repair generators for an organization's facility. Their duties include troubleshooting issues relating to the generator's electrical and mechanical systems through diagnostic tests, performing site testings and engine servicings, conduct preventative maintenance, and ensures all work complies with health and safety protocols. They perform housekeeping on company vehicles and customer sites, compile accurate work documentation, assist in supplies procurement, and contribute to cost and material budgeting. Generator Mechanics write a progress report and maintain activity logs.

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Generator mechanic responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real generator mechanic resumes:

  • Trouble-shoot electrical components to include, ignition points, alternators, regulators, and solenoids.
  • General mechanics shop consists of troubleshooting and repairs of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, paint and plastering.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilize measuring and testing instruments.
  • Involve in confine space entry with compliance to OSHA regulations and guidelines.
  • Follow all rules and safety guidelines according to union, plant, and OSHA regulations.
  • Request assistance from plumbers, painters, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and electricians when necessary.
  • Repair small motor generators, troubleshoot equipment by adjusting valves, carburetors ignition points, alternators, regulators, and solenoids.
  • Maintain and repair facility electrical plumbing and hardware equipment.
  • Perform repairs & maintenance accurately by interpreting equipment blueprints and schematics.
  • Perform preventative maintenance on equipment to avoid costly repairs and minimizing man power.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Operate, PMCS all army vehicles including utility truck, aerial man lift, loaders, snow plow.

Generator mechanic skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Generator Mechanics are proficient in Plumbing, Ladders, and Hand Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.

We break down the percentage of Generator Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Plumbing, 8%

    Maintained state run facilities, handled basic plumbing, sheet rocking, repaired and replaced floor and ceiling tiles.

  • Ladders, 6%

    Carry springs to tops of doors, using ladders or scaffolding, and attach springs to tracks to install spring systems.

  • Hand Tools, 6%

    Modified and installed various avionics equipment into aircraft using drawings, blueprints, schematics using various hand tools and soldering irons.

  • General Maintenance, 6%

    Performed general maintenance procedures on diesel engines and power distribution panels to maximize effectiveness.

  • HVAC, 6%

    Conduct troubleshooting, testing, and repair of HVAC units to support mission requirements for IT related facilities and equipment.

  • Routine Maintenance, 5%

    Use computerized maintenance management system to maintain updated reports, record and activity logs and simplify scheduling of routine maintenance activities.

"plumbing," "ladders," and "hand tools" are among the most common skills that generator mechanics use at work. You can find even more generator mechanic responsibilities below, including:

Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a generator mechanic to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." Generator mechanics often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "diagnosed, preformed preventive maintenance, and set up equipment to customers specifications. "

Dexterity. Many generator mechanic duties rely on dexterity. "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.," so a generator mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways generator mechanic responsibilities rely on dexterity: "used hand tools, electrical and electronic testing devices and hoists and lifts. "

Troubleshooting skills. generator mechanics are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to generator mechanic responsibilities, because "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." A generator mechanic resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "repair and troubleshooting engines such as cummins, detroit diesel, john deere, mtu and volvo. "

See the full list of generator mechanic skills

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Compare different generator mechanics

Generator mechanic vs. Utility worker

A utility worker is an entry-level position who is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of company premises and equipment. Utility workers take verbal and written instructions from managers and maintenance officers about the assigned work areas inside and outside of the property. Some employers may require their utility workers to have a commercial driver's license because they will be operating maintenance equipment and vehicles. Although a bachelor's degree is not required, utility workers must be in good physical condition and also be able to read written work orders.

The annual salary of utility workers is $11,241 lower than the average salary of generator mechanics.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between generator mechanics and utility workers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like hand tools, general maintenance, and hvac.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, generator mechanic responsibilities require skills like "plumbing," "ladders," "test equipment," and "osha." Meanwhile a typical utility worker has skills in areas such as "customer service," "safety procedures," "cleanliness," and "rehabilitation." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Utility workers earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $33,182. On the other hand, generator mechanics are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $50,829.On average, utility workers reach similar levels of education than generator mechanics. Utility workers are 0.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Generator mechanic vs. Handyman

A handyman can perform various repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and even appliance installation. Most handymen work independently, but they can also choose to be part of a company. Furthermore, a handyman must also discuss the extent of repairs to clients, even sharing insights on maintaining facilities in good condition. There are instances when a handyman may be required to work in a group setting, which requires an active line of communication and coordination.

Handyman positions earn higher pay than generator mechanic roles. They earn a $2,978 higher salary than generator mechanics per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Generator mechanics and handymen both require similar skills like "plumbing," "general maintenance," and "hvac" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, generator mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ladders," "hand tools," "routine maintenance," and "safety standards." Meanwhile, a handyman has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "drywall repair," "caulking," and "light fixtures." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, handymen earn a higher salary than generator mechanics. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, handymen earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $51,528. Whereas generator mechanics have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $50,829.handymen earn similar levels of education than generator mechanics in general. They're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Generator mechanic vs. Building engineer

The job of building engineers is to provide advice on design, installation, and maintenance of energy-efficient and cost-effective systems for all building services, including lighting, water, and air conditioning. These professionals are responsible for the distribution of water supply and electricity and resolving tenants' maintenance problems such as plumbing and electrical systems. Additional duties of the building engineers include conducting tests on systems, ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, and liaising with construction professionals like surveyors and electricians.

On average, building engineers earn higher salaries than generator mechanics, with a $34,776 difference per year.By looking over several generator mechanics and building engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "plumbing," "ladders," and "general maintenance." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a generator mechanic is likely to be skilled in "hand tools," "routine maintenance," "safety standards," and "test equipment," while a typical building engineer is skilled in "emergency situations," "roofing," "snow removal," and "building operations."

Building engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $98,279. On the other hand, generator mechanics are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $50,829.building engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to generator mechanics. Specifically, they're 3.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Generator mechanic vs. Maintenance engineer

A maintenance engineer is responsible for the maintenance of industrial machinery and inspects equipment defects for immediate troubleshooting or replacement as needed. Maintenance engineers install and upgrade system components to improve system optimization and perform diagnostic systems to locate any adjustments. They also conduct routine checks, assist clients with technical faults, and ensure that the equipment works safely for certain operations. A maintenance engineer must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry to address technical malfunctions immediately.

Maintenance engineers tend to earn a higher pay than generator mechanics by an average of $5,463 per year.While both generator mechanics and maintenance engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like plumbing, ladders, and hand tools, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between generator mechanics and maintenance engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a generator mechanic might have more use for skills like "general maintenance," "routine maintenance," "preventive maintenance," and "test equipment." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of maintenance engineers require skills like "guest rooms," "maintenance tasks," "boilers," and "kitchen equipment. "

Maintenance engineers reach similar levels of education compared to generator mechanics, in general. The difference is that they're 4.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of generator mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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