diesel mechanic job description

While the specific duties depend on the area of specialisation, some typical tasks of diesel mechanics include: diagnosing problems in diesel engines: as a diesel mechanic, you identify and diagnose issues in diesel engines and other related systems. You rely on diagnostic tools and computer software to identify problems in engines. Your knowledge of diesel engines helps you determine the cause of problems and develop solutions. performing repairs and maintenance: once you diagnose problems in diesel engines, you rely on your knowledge of mechanics to repair and replace faulty components. You remove faulty fuel injectors, belts, pistons, valves and other engine components. As a diesel mechanic, you also repair other systems connected to engines, such as cooling, vehicle exhaust and electrical systems. Aside from repairs, you also perform routine maintenance tasks like filter replacements, system inspections and oil changes. carrying out inspections and testing: as a diesel mechanic, you inspect diesel engines and other connected systems to ensure everything functions properly. During the inspection, you evaluate the condition of engine parts and test electrical systems to ensure they are in good shape. Inspection and testing help you identify potential issues in the engines and ensure they meet the safety and regulatory standards. rebuilding and performing engine overhauls: when a diesel engine is damaged, you may be tasked with rebuilding or removing it. This involves disassembling engine parts and removing damaged components. You also reassemble the engine after replacing parts and test it to ensure optimal working conditions. maintaining repair and inspection records: as a diesel mechanic, you document all engine maintenance and repair work. You record the work completed, parts used, and components replaced to ensure compliance with warranty requirements. Keeping accurate records is useful for future servicing.

Diesel mechanics typically work in repair or servicing companies. However, you may visit the client's location to perform maintenance or repair tasks. As a diesel mechanic, you work indoors and outdoors, depending on the company. In repair or assembling shops, you mostly work indoors in climate-controlled environments. When working at the client's location, the work environment differs. For instance, if you are repairing agricultural machines, you may service the vehicle on farmland. If a vehicle breaks down on the road, you perform roadside repairs.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include mechanical engineers, mechanics and civil engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical fitters and field engineers , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, project engineers , handymen and truck drivers.

The work schedule of a diesel mechanic depends on the industry. While you are likely to work traditional office hours, you occasionally work early mornings or late evenings. Sometimes, you are called to resolve problems or repair heavy machinery at night. In a full-time position, you work over 40 hours a week, but you can also find part-time roles and contract positions.

As a diesel mechanic, your knowledge of engines is useful in various industries. You can work as a general mechanic, repairing various types of vehicles and machinery. To progress in your career, become a maintenance manager or service manager. Your specialisation in diesel engines makes you an expert in the field, and you can become a consultant after gaining valuable experience.

advantages of finding a diesel mechanic job through randstad

Finding your diesel mechanic job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a diesel mechanic is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

are diesel mechanics in demand in Australia?

Australia's economy heavily depends on the transportation of goods and services using trucks and commercial vehicles. Hence, diesel mechanics are in demand across the country. Your area of specialisation can boost your opportunities.

how much do diesel mechanics make in Australia?

As a diesel mechanic, you earn an average salary of $95,000 per year. At an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $85,000 annually. With experience and educational qualifications, your earnings increase gradually, and you are likely to earn over $105,000 yearly.

what are the requirements to be a diesel mechanic?

You require educational qualifications like a diploma in automotive technology to become a diesel mechanic. You can start with an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training and Certificate III in automotive diesel engine technology.

how long does it take to become a diesel mechanic?

If you undertake an apprenticeship to become a diesel mechanic, you can complete the training within 48 months. Some apprenticeship programmes take 42 months and provide on-the-job training while you pursue vocational educational training.

what skills does a diesel mechanic need?

To work as a diesel mechanic, you require technical knowledge of diesel engines and mechanics. You also need good problem-solving skills to diagnose issues and resolve them.

how do I apply for a diesel mechanic vacancy?

Applying for a diesel mechanic job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

diesel mechanic

what is a diesel mechanic?

As a diesel mechanic, you specialise in working on diesel-powered vehicles and machines. You are tasked with maintaining and repairing trucks or machinery that use diesel engines. That means you perform regular inspections to identify issues in the engines. You also conduct preventive maintenance to improve efficiency. For instance, you change the oil and rotate the truck tyres to make sure they are in tip-top shape. As a diesel mechanic, you require knowledge of electrical systems to repair vehicles and heavy machinery.

From trucking and transportation to agriculture, mining and construction, most of the largest industries in the world rely on diesel mechanics. Much of the machinery and equipment used in the construction or mining industry run on diesel engines, and you ensure efficiency by minimising downtimes and carrying out repairs. As a diesel mechanic, you have a specialised skill set for creating safe roadways, repairing agricultural equipment, maintaining the power grid, and ensuring materials are transported.

As a diesel mechanic, you work with your hands, which involves physical exertion. You spend long hours on your feet since the role involves a lot of walking, standing and bending. Hence, you require physical strength and flexibility to perform your tasks. Having knowledge of mechanics and experience using hand and power tools is also necessary for the role.

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average diesel mechanic salary

As a diesel mechanic, your remuneration package depends on qualifications and skills. When you undertake additional training, you improve your skills and are likely to earn more. Diesel mechanics with extensive experience can negotiate higher salaries due to their expertise.

Your employer also influences your earnings. When you work for a small mechanic shop, you likely handle simple repair tasks. Small companies have limited resources and usually pay lower salaries. However, working for large companies improves your salary prospects. A large company handles complex projects and has more resources, enabling them to pay a higher salary for your skills.

The location may also affect your remuneration package. Working in metro areas increases your earning potential, resulting from the higher cost of living. When you work in smaller cities, the low demand for diesel mechanics reduces your earning prospects.

Want to know what you will earn as a diesel mechanic? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of diesel mechanics

As a diesel mechanic, you can specialise in various engine repair and maintenance areas. Some of the areas of specialisation include automotive, heavy equipment, marine or power generation diesel engine repairs. As an automotive diesel mechanic, you repair and maintain diesel engines in light vehicles and trucks. You diagnose and repair issues in pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Most automotive diesel mechanics work in repair shops or dealerships.

Heavy equipment diesel mechanics focus on repairing and maintaining heavy machinery engines, like excavators, loaders and cranes. You require additional specialisation to work on heavy equipment used in the mining and construction industries. Most heavy equipment diesel mechanics work for equipment rental companies or service centres.

Marine diesel mechanics work in marinas, boatyards and marine service centres. They repair cooling and exhaust systems and ensure the equipment works as expected. On the other hand, a power generation diesel mechanic specialises in maintaining power plants and generators.

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working as a diesel mechanic

Working as a diesel mechanic involves performing repair and maintenance tasks on engines. Discover the duties, responsibilities and work environments of diesel mechanics.

diesel mechanic job description
While the specific duties depend on the area of specialisation, some typical tasks of diesel mechanics include:
- diagnosing problems in diesel engines: as a diesel mechanic, you identify and diagnose issues in diesel engines and other related systems. You rely on diagnostic tools and computer software to identify problems in engines. Your knowledge of diesel engines helps you determine the cause of problems and develop solutions.
- performing repairs and maintenance: once you diagnose problems in diesel engines, you rely on your knowledge of mechanics to repair and replace faulty components. You remove faulty fuel injectors, belts, pistons, valves and other engine components. As a diesel mechanic, you also repair other systems connected to engines, such as cooling, vehicle exhaust and electrical systems. Aside from repairs, you also perform routine maintenance tasks like filter replacements, system inspections and oil changes.
- carrying out inspections and testing: as a diesel mechanic, you inspect diesel engines and other connected systems to ensure everything functions properly. During the inspection, you evaluate the condition of engine parts and test electrical systems to ensure they are in good shape. Inspection and testing help you identify potential issues in the engines and ensure they meet the safety and regulatory standards.
- rebuilding and performing engine overhauls: when a diesel engine is damaged, you may be tasked with rebuilding or removing it. This involves disassembling engine parts and removing damaged components. You also reassemble the engine after replacing parts and test it to ensure optimal working conditions.
- maintaining repair and inspection records: as a diesel mechanic, you document all engine maintenance and repair work. You record the work completed, parts used, and components replaced to ensure compliance with warranty requirements. Keeping accurate records is useful for future servicing.
work environment

Diesel mechanics typically work in repair or servicing companies. However, you may visit the client's location to perform maintenance or repair tasks. As a diesel mechanic, you work indoors and outdoors, depending on the company. In repair or assembling shops, you mostly work indoors in climate-controlled environments. When working at the client's location, the work environment differs. For instance, if you are repairing agricultural machines, you may service the vehicle on farmland. If a vehicle breaks down on the road, you perform roadside repairs.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include mechanical engineers, mechanics and civil engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical fitters and field engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, project engineers, handymen and truck drivers.
work schedule

The work schedule of a diesel mechanic depends on the industry. While you are likely to work traditional office hours, you occasionally work early mornings or late evenings. Sometimes, you are called to resolve problems or repair heavy machinery at night. In a full-time position, you work over 40 hours a week, but you can also find part-time roles and contract positions.
job outlook

As a diesel mechanic, your knowledge of engines is useful in various industries. You can work as a general mechanic, repairing various types of vehicles and machinery. To progress in your career, become a maintenance manager or service manager. Your specialisation in diesel engines makes you an expert in the field, and you can become a consultant after gaining valuable experience.
advantages of finding a diesel mechanic job through randstad
Finding your diesel mechanic job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a diesel mechanic is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

To work as a diesel mechanic, you require extensive knowledge of machines and diesel engines. You learn the skills through formal training and apprenticeships. If you want to become a diesel mechanic, consider enrolling for a pre-apprenticeship course like Certificate II in automotive servicing technology. Look for an apprenticeship in your state from the Apprenticeship Network Provider.

Supplement your on-the-job training and apprenticeship with a Certificate III in automotive diesel engine technology or a Certificate III in heavy commercial trailer technology. Some employers require a diploma in automotive technology since they use advanced diagnostic tools.

diesel mechanic skills and competencies

You require the following skills to excel as a diesel mechanic:

knowledge of mechanics: as a diesel mechanic, you require extensive knowledge of diesel engines, equipment and vehicles. Your knowledge of diesel engines is necessary for performing repairs and changing vehicle components.
problem-solving skills: as a diesel mechanic, you diagnose and resolve problems in diesel engines. You require critical thinking skills to diagnose the machines or equipment and develop solutions to improve performance.
technical skills: you use computer software to diagnose problems in vehicles and machines. Besides, heavy machinery has become computer-based and electronically controlled. You should be comfortable working with technology to make an accurate diagnosis.
communication skills: as a diesel mechanic, you require written and verbal communication skills. You communicate with clients and fellow technicians, and the skills help you explain concepts clearly.

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FAQs about working as a diesel mechanic

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a diesel mechanic.

are diesel mechanics in demand in Australia?

Australia's economy heavily depends on the transportation of goods and services using trucks and commercial vehicles. Hence, diesel mechanics are in demand across the country. Your area of specialisation can boost your opportunities.
how much do diesel mechanics make in Australia?

As a diesel mechanic, you earn an average salary of $95,000 per year. At an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $85,000 annually. With experience and educational qualifications, your earnings increase gradually, and you are likely to earn over $105,000 yearly.
what are the requirements to be a diesel mechanic?

You require educational qualifications like a diploma in automotive technology to become a diesel mechanic. You can start with an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training and Certificate III in automotive diesel engine technology.
how long does it take to become a diesel mechanic?

If you undertake an apprenticeship to become a diesel mechanic, you can complete the training within 48 months. Some apprenticeship programmes take 42 months and provide on-the-job training while you pursue vocational educational training.
what skills does a diesel mechanic need?

To work as a diesel mechanic, you require technical knowledge of diesel engines and mechanics. You also need good problem-solving skills to diagnose issues and resolve them.
how do I apply for a diesel mechanic vacancy?

Applying for a diesel mechanic job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

diesel mechanic.