Heavy-duty Equipment Technicians
(NOC 7312)
in All Trades and TransportationHeavy-duty equipment technicians repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. Agricultural equipment technicians repair and service machines typically used in the farming industry. Heavy duty equipment technicians repair and maintain heavy-duty equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and graders. They are employed by companies which own and operate heavy equipment, and by heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments, and railway transport companies and urban transit systems. Heavy-duty mechanics may specialize in specific types of machinery such as combines or tracked vehicles, or in engine overhaul, power shift transmissions, fuel injection, hydraulics or electronics.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 70% of Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $59,172. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$17.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$36.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$18,034
Minimum$58,259
Median$114,867
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Heavy-duty equipment technicians repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. Agricultural equipment technicians repair and service machines typically used in the farming industry. Heavy duty equipment technicians repair and maintain heavy-duty equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and graders. They are employed by companies which own and operate heavy equipment, and by heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments, and railway transport companies and urban transit systems. Heavy-duty mechanics may specialize in specific types of machinery such as combines or tracked vehicles, or in engine overhaul, power shift transmissions, fuel injection, hydraulics or electronics.
Job duties
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
- Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions.
- Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required.
- Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools.
- Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications.
- Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment.
- Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches, and side booms.
- May perform repair work on heavy trucks.
- May attach components and adjust new farm equipment.
Sample job titles
- agricultural equipment technician
- construction equipment mechanic
- crane service technician
- farm equipment mechanic
- farm machinery mechanic
- heavy diesel engine mechanic
- heavy equipment inspector-repairer
- heavy-duty equipment mechanic
- heavy-duty equipment technician
Skills
To work in this occupation, you should have an interest in electronics and mechanical operations. A strong background in mathematics and the sciences is important. You must be able to cooperate with others and perform routine tasks. Agility, physical strength, and hand-eye coordination are needed. You must also have good vision and hearing, and an inclination to work with tools.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in heavy equipment repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Heavy-duty equipment technician trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Agricultural equipment technician trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified heavy duty equipment technicians and agricultural equipment technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. The skills learned in this trade are transferable to other motive power trades. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Wholesale Trade
Other Services
Construction
Public Administration
Transportation and Warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$64,986 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$68,809 median annual incomeHigh school
$54,970 median annual incomeLess than high school
$39,000 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$68,599 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Agricultural mechanics and equipment/machine technology
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to maintain and repair specialized farm, ranch, and agribusiness power equipment and vehicles. These programs include courses in the principles of diesel, combustion, electrical, steam, hydraulic, and mechanical systems and their application to the maintenance of terrestrial and airborne crop spraying equipment; tractors and hauling equipment; planting and harvesting equipment; cutting equipment; power sources and systems for silos; irrigation and pumping equipment; dairy, feeding and shearing operations; and processing systems.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Construction/heavy equipment/earthmoving equipment operation
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, such as crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks. These programs include courses in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, and backfilling, clearing and excavating.
Institutions providing this program
74 Townsend Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5C8
(902) 562-8549
301 Alexandra Street
Sydney, NS B1S 2E8
(902) 539-9766
Highway #2, Masstown PO Box 848
Truro, NS B2N 5G6
(902) 662-2190
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
296 Grey Mountain Road, PO Box 103
Falmouth, NS B0P 1L0
(902) 798-5070
320 Logan Road
Bridgewater, NS B4V 5J8
(902) 521-2443
Diesel mechanics technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
Institutions providing this program
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the field maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, and in the general maintenance and overhaul of such equipment. These programs include courses in inspection, maintenance, and repair of tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, engines and in techniques of welding and brazing.
Institutions providing this program
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Medium/heavy vehicle and truck technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles. These programs include courses in diesel engine mechanics, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, preventive maintenance inspections, drive trains, gasoline engine mechanics, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment installation and repair.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.