Outdoor Power Equipment & Other Small Engine Mechanics

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Mechanic, Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician, Service Technician (Service Tech), Small Engine Mechanic

What they do:
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
On the job, you would:
  • Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
  • Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
  • Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Business

  • customer service
  • sales and marketing

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Analytical Thinking

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • RepairTRAX
  • Smart Equipment Repair

Analytical or scientific software

  • Land & Sea DYNO-MAX
  • VersaDyne small engine test system

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics.