Plastic Express is hiring: Heavy Equipment Mechanic in Savannah

Company Overview

Plastic Express has met the bulk trucking, bulk terminal, packaging, and warehousing needs of the plastics industry since 1970. We operate from 22 full-service facilities, more than 40 bulk terminals, and 52 railcar terminals offering more than 8,500 railcar spots across the country. We are located near 9 major ports in the U.S. and rely heavily on our rail infrastructure to handle imports/exports as well as regional distribution. At many sites, we also handle some non-plastic commodities, including paper rolls, steel, building materials and other dry bulk materials. Plastic Express owns and operates roughly 250 trucks and about 250 trailers for full bulk truck distribution. We are headquartered in Houston, TX and have over 600 employees nationwide. Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations, and our can-do attitude differentiates us from the competition. Plastic Express employees have been the key to our success and total customer satisfaction. We are always looking for dependable and talented professionals to help us grow and to continue our Can Do tradition.

Job Summary: The Heavy Equipment Mechanic will possess strong mechanical knowledge and experience in diagnosing and repairing various heavy equipment. This role requires a hands-on approach to maintain and enhance the performance of our machinery, ensuring safety and efficiency on the job site.

Essential Functions/Duties

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment, including but not limited to forklifts, rail kings, yard jockey tucks, aerial lifts, golf carts, and chassis trailers.
• Utilize automotive diagnostics to identify issues and align components for optimal performance.
• Assemble and disassemble machinery parts as needed for repairs or replacements.
• Conduct inspections of equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
• Work with hydraulic systems, including air brake systems, to troubleshoot and repair malfunctions.
• Provide excellent customer service by communicating effectively with clients regarding equipment status and repair needs.
• Execute heavy lifting tasks as required during maintenance procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts used, and service performed.
• Inspect forklifts, rail kings, yard jockey tucks, aerial lifts, and golf carts fleet to ensure all equipment is working properly and safely.
• Identify any forklift trucks that need repairs.
• Remove unsafe equipment from the facility operating area and notify supervisor.
• Troubleshoot, repair and maintain various types of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on equipment including diesel, electric, gas-powered, and propane-powered.
• Test equipment to ensure repairs are completed correctly.
• Ensure batteries for electric equipment are fully charged, and water levels are accurate.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, maintenance, and parts inventory.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Proven experience as a Forklift and Diesel Engine Mechanic (5+ years preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate forklifts and other machinery.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Prior experience on Toyota Lift trucks, Cummins, Rail Kings, Yard Jokey Trucks and Hyster Lift trucks is a plus.
• Experience working in general maintenance.
• Certification or training in diesel mechanics or related field is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Must be physically capable of accessing all parts of the heavy equipment needing repairs or maintenance, either by kneeling or lying on back.
• Must be able to work long hours, weekends and holidays when needed.
• Frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to perform physical labor such as routinely lifting up to 60 lbs., moving up to 250 pounds, climbing ladders, operating control panels and working with hand tools.
• Adequate vision required to include close visual confirmation of printed documents, distance vision to safely identify objects and/or markings, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus on subjects or objects at any safe working distance.

Licenses/Certificates

• ASE Certified

Skills

• Ability to use hand and power tools to repair heavy equipment.
• Ability to read repair manuals for various types of heavy equipment.
• Excellent mechanical repair skills.
• Capability to troubleshoot hydraulic systems.
• Aptitude to troubleshoot and repair DC electrical systems.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to recognize onsite risk factors and take appropriate action with firmness and tact.
• Regularly required to read, understand and speak English to ensure effective performance of the job and operations of the employer’s business.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engine systems, hydraulics, electrical, and mechanical components.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of issues with forklifts and diesel-powered equipment.

Additional Job Details

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Work Environment

Expected to operate in a warehouse setting, with some outdoor exposure during the workday. This role routinely uses standard office equipment as well as standard warehouse equipment such as hand trucks, box cutters and tape dispensers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Must be able to work overtime, long hours, weekends and holidays when needed.

Travel

Little to no travel is expected for this position.

Benefits and Perks

• Family health benefit packages - after 90 days
• Vacation pay - after 90 days
• Holiday pay - after 90 days
• Company matching 401k retirement program - after 90 days

Note: Plastic Express employees have always been our key to success and total customer satisfaction. We are committed to our Can-Do tradition. In line with Plastic Express’ Environmental Promise, the hired individual is expected to support all facets of Operation Clean Sweep and to prevent pellet, flake and powder loss into the environment, ensuring spills are swiftly and effectively cleaned up. If you are interested in working at Plastic Express, please forward your resume including a brief work history.