Searching

Career Exploration

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Also called: 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.
On the job, you'll need:

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

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

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

Realistic

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

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

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Data base user interface and query software

  • RepairTRAX
  • Smart Equipment Repair

Analytical or scientific software

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

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $40,030

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.