Shop Hand Position Summary We are seeking a motivated, entry-level Shop Hand to join our team. Reporting directly to the Lead Mechanic and General Manager, this role is the perfect launching pad for someone looking to build a career in heavy equipment and diesel maintenance. Pridefully, you will clean, maintain, and perform light-duty services for our fleet of heavy equipment and machines, as well as assist the Service Team with the intake and delivery of Customer Repair Orders. This position allows you to work side-by-side with experienced professionals and gain practical, valuable, hands-on training with a very diverse lineup of equipment, including:
Service Trucks, Pickups, Dump Trucks, Fork Lifts, Chainsaws, Polesaws, Blowers, Brush Cutters, Lawn Mowers, Flame Throwers. Who We Are With well over two decades of experience, Central Tree provides professional Land Clearing and Tree Removal services for federal, municipal, commercial, agricultural, and residential clients throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Our other expert services include Right of Way Clearing, Brush Mowing, Tree & Stump Removal, Mobile Tub Grinding, Hazardous/Specialty Removals, and Certified Arborist required services. We also manufacture and produce our own Premium Landscape Mulch onsite, provide Heavy Equipment & Diesel Service Repair, Custom Hydraulic Hoses, and are Authorized Dealers of Ryan's Equipment and Denis Cimaf attachments. As our community's one-stop-shop, we are highly versatile and experienced Forestry & Mulch Manufacturing professionals, committed to safety, environmental stewardship, quality workmanship - that is all stamped with our signature "red-carpet" customer service.
Key Responsibilities Equipment Detailing & Care:
Pridefully keep our equipment clean and operating efficiently by power washing machinery, cleaning tracks, cabs, and attachments, and preparing equipment so that it's ready for transport to its next job site.
Perform Routine Maintenance:
Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance, grease pivot points, and check fluid levels on heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, and forestry attachments. Assist with
Intake, Diagnostics, & Repairs:
Help the Service Team properly intake and deliver equipment needing, and finished with, repair service. Assist Lead Mechanic working on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, drivetrains, brakes, cooling, and fuel systems.
Learn Hydraulics:
Learn to identify leaks, inspect hoses, and assist in assembling custom hydraulic hoses.
Document & Communicate:
Learn to use our apps and paper documentation to record maintenance performed, parts used, and capture job photos - providing communication with leadership regarding updates on tasks/job statuses.
Shop Organization:
Help keep shop work zones, tools, parts, and service bays tidy, safe, and functional.
Teamwork & Growth:
Ability to take and follow directions from the Lead Mechanic and Management, with a strong desire to learn our trade and collaborate with the team, consistently expanding your role as you grow. Required Qualifications and Skills A high school diploma/GED combined with mechanical aptitude; a technical diploma, certificate, or current enrollment/recent graduation from a heavy equipment/diesel tech program is a major plus. Valid driver's license. Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening. Ability to read, write, and professionally communicate in English, with attention to detail. Basic understanding of mechanical systems and a strong willingness to be trained on diesel engines, hydraulics, diagnostic tools, and overall service and repair processes. Ability to perform heavy lifting safely, and work comfortably in physically demanding shop and outdoor environments. Reliable attendance, a positive/team oriented attitude, and a safety-first mindset.
Bonus:
Any exposure to forestry/construction equipment, welding, or fabrication. Tools A combination of company-owned shop tools and advanced diagnostic equipment will be provided for your use. Candidates should provide their own basic, standard hand-tool set (a list of recommended basic tools can be provided).
Job Type & Schedule Type:
Full-time Hours:
Monday-Friday (typically 7:00 AM-4:30 PM) Ability to work flexible hours: Occasional overtime or weekend hours may be required during peak seasons.
Compensation and Benefits Pay:
$20.00-$25.00 per hour, with an official review and opportunity for wage negotiation after 6 months.
Benefits:
Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off (PTO): Earn 2 hours per 40 worked (approximately 13 days per year) Paid holidays Required Application Questions Are you willing to consent to a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and provide references? Please tell us about your experience or training with basic mechanical repairs, hand tools, or equipment cleaning/detailing. Central Tree is an
