Service Technician

Cal-Line Equipment•Livermore, CA

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The Shop Service Technician diagnoses, repairs, reconditions, and maintains tree care and forestry equipment in the shop, completing work safely, accurately, and to Cal-Line and manufacturer standards. The role involves hands-on mechanical, engine, hydraulic, and electrical work on chippers, stump grinders, grinders, tracked aerial lifts, and related equipment under the direction of the Service Manager. The technician is responsible for the quality and timeliness of assigned repairs, accurate work-order documentation, required inspections and function tests, and confirming equipment is safe and ready before returning it to the customer. The technician works closely with the Service Manager, other technicians, Parts, and Sales to provide timely, accurate repairs. Work is performed in a shop and equipment yard. The position follows a standard Monday–Friday schedule, with flexibility during peak seasons; occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required. Occasional travel may be required for factory training, other Cal-Line branches, or field service support.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two to five years of equipment service, repair, or maintenance experience.
Working knowledge of gas and diesel engines and mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, including reading schematics and using diagnostic tools.
Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with commitment to repair quality, productivity, and timely equipment turnaround.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb onto equipment, and perform physical repair work for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required.
Follow safe work practices and applicable safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Technical or vocational training in diesel, heavy equipment, or small engine repair.
Experience with tree care, forestry, landscape, or aerial lift equipment.
Manufacturer certifications such as Bandit or CMC, ASE certification, or aerial lift (MEWP) certifications.
Class B CDL for road testing chip trucks.

Responsibilities

Diagnose and repair hand-fed chippers, whole tree chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, tracked aerial lifts, remote-operated mowers, and chip truck bodies.
Service gas and diesel engines, including fuel, cooling, and Tier 4 emissions/aftertreatment systems, as well as hydraulic systems, electrical and electronic controls, clutches, belts, drives, bearings, and track undercarriages.
Perform cutting-system service, including chipper knife and anvil replacement and adjustment, stump grinder tooth and pocket replacement, and drum, disc, and cutter-wheel inspection.
Perform new equipment pre-delivery inspections, setup, and delivery preparation, and prepare demo units for customer demonstrations.
Perform aerial lift inspections, repairs, and testing according to manufacturer requirements and applicable ANSI A92 standards.
Complete assigned repairs in the priority order set by the Service Manager and communicate delays or additional repair needs.
Manage workload to maintain productivity, repair quality, and timely work-order completion; perform work correctly the first time to reduce rework and support shop efficiency.
Verify safety systems before equipment release, including chipper feed controls and emergency stops, stump grinder guards and controls, and aerial lift interlocks, alarms, and emergency lowering.
Run and test repaired equipment under operating conditions, confirm repairs, and identify remaining issues.
Confirm required repairs, inspections, and testing are complete before submitting equipment to the Service Manager for release.
Accurately document parts, labor, materials, repair notes, hour-meter readings, and serial numbers on work orders.
Document repairs to meet company, manufacturer, customer, billing, and warranty requirements, including photos and failed-part retention when required.
Represent Cal-Line professionally in customer and vendor interactions, including explaining completed repairs to customers when requested.
Communicate repair status, findings, and additional repair needs to the Service Manager; escalate equipment issues, warranty concerns, recurring failures, or unexpected findings.
Coordinate with Parts on part identification, ordering, and returns.
Develop technical and diagnostic skills and participate in Owen Companies and manufacturer factory training, including Bandit and CMC training.
Follow lockout/tagout and safe handling procedures for cutting systems, stored hydraulic and mechanical energy, and elevated components.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and shop yard; follow company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Use personal protective equipment, tools, and safe work practices properly, and contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.