How to hire a shovel mechanic

How to hire a shovel mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step shovel 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 shovel mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new shovel mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The shovel mechanic hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A shovel mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, shovel 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.

   This list presents shovel mechanic salaries for various positions.

   Type of Shovel Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Shovel Mechanic	Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, rail transportation, and other industries.	$12-37
   Heavy Equipment Technician	A heavy equipment technician overhauls, repairs, and services equipment. The heavy equipment technicians work from the specifications of the manufacturers... Show more	$14-28
   Construction Equipment Mechanic	Construction equipment mechanics repair and service various construction machines like tractors, paving machines, bulldozers, etc. Most construction machines run on engines using diesel fuel instead of gasoline and require special repair training... Show more	$15-30

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Shovels
   • Cranes
   • MSHA
   • Lube
   • Electrical Systems
   • DML
   • Loaders
   • Electrical Trouble Shooting

   Responsibilities:

   • Begin teardown to determine problems with operation or places showing abnormal wear and tear.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
   • Plan and schedule preventive maintenance for mine equipment.
   • Perform preventive daily maintenance following a schedule maintenance schedule.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your shovel mechanic job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A shovel mechanic salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, shovel mechanics' average salary in south dakota is 50% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level shovel mechanics earn 66% less than senior-level shovel mechanics.
   • Certifications. A shovel mechanic with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a shovel mechanic's salary.

   Average shovel mechanic salary

   $47,081yearly

   $22.64 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level shovel mechanic salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing a shovel mechanic job description

   A good shovel mechanic job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a shovel mechanic job description:

   Shovel mechanic job description example

   **Freeport-McMoRan** is a leading international mining company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. We operate large, long-lived, geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company has a dynamic portfolio of operating, expansion and growth projects in the copper industry. Freeport-McMoRan is one of the world's largest publicly traded copper producers, the world's largest producer of molybdenum and a significant gold producer. We have a long and successful history of conducting our business in a safe, highly efficient and socially-responsible manner.
   
   We have the assets, the talent, the drive and the financial strength to provide attractive and rewarding careers of our employees. We encourage you to take the time to explore the opportunity to advance your career at Freeport-McMoRan.
   **Description**
   
   Highly skilled mechanic performing duties relating to the safe maintenance and repair of shovels and drills, including hydraulic and electric shovels. Proficient in troubleshooting and repair of electrical and hydraulic systems.
   
   + Performs system diagnostic, replacement and repairs on, but not limited to electrical hydraulic systems; and component replacement and repairs on, but not limited to: dippers, handles, swing, propel, crowd and hoist transmissions, hoist cables, GET (ground engaging tools), drill bits, drill pipes, hydraulic pumps and motors, engines, electric motors, gear boxes, compressors, auto lube systems, and hydraulic valves and hoses
   
   + Prioritize and make decisions regarding equipment repair as needed.
   
   + Performs mechanical and lubrication preventative maintenance
   
   + Responsible for the accurate completion of Work Orders
   
   + Train and mentor other employees
   
   + May be required to proficiently perform welding tasks, such as: carbon arc, plasma, Mig, Tig, and stick
   
   + May operate equipment such as: forklifts, cranes, and small mobile equipment
   
   + Perform other duties as required
   
   **Qualifications**
   
   **Minimum Qualifications**
   
   + Two (2) years ofexperience in mechanical/maintenance crafts (including welder, boilermaker, machinist or facility maintenance/construction) **or** a combination of education and experience in industrial mechanical repair and maintenance
   
   + Proficient in layout and design and working from blueprints
   
   + Ability to effectively communicate and work closely with other maintenance team members
   
   **Preferred**
   
   + High School diploma or GED
   
   **Criteria/Conditions**
   
   + Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English
   
   + Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards
   
   + Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment
   
   + Work is performed in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
   
   + While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, and work on elevated platforms
   
   + Occasionally may be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds during the course of the work day
   
   + May be required to work rotating shifts in a 24/7/365 operation
   
   + Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required
   
   + Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable State Laws
   
   Freeport-McMoRan has reviewed the jobs at its various office and operating sites and determined that many of these jobs require employees to perform essential job functions that pose a direct threat to the safety or health of the employees performing these tasks or others. Accordingly, the Company has designated the following positions as safety-sensitive:
   
   + Site-based positions, or positions which require unescorted access to site-based operational areas, which are held by employees who are required to receive MSHA, OSHA, DOT, HAZWOPER and/or Hazard Recognition Training; or
   
   + Positions which are held by employees who operate equipment, machinery or motor vehicles in furtherance of performing the essential functions of their job duties, including operating motor vehicles while on Company business or travel (for this purpose "motor vehicles" includes Company owned or leased motor vehicles and personal motor vehicles used by employees in furtherance of Company business or while on Company travel); or
   
   + Positions which Freeport-McMoRan has designated as safety sensitive positions in the applicable job or position description and which upon further review continue to be designated as safety-sensitive based on an individualized assessment of the actual duties performed by a specifically identified employee.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability
   
   **Nearest Major Market:** Safford
   
   **Job Segment:** Facilities, Hydraulics, Plasma, Electrical, Mechanic, Operations, Engineering, Science

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find shovel 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 shovel mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level shovel 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 shovel mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit shovel mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with shovel 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 shovel mechanic

   Once you've selected the best shovel mechanic candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing 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 shovel mechanic first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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