Winter Mechanic | Phone Troubleshooting & Repairs | Pressure Washers

Can you diagnose and repair pressure washers and walk someone with limited mechanical skills through a repair over the phone?

We need someone with strong mechanical skills for temporary winter work at our shop in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Seasonal workers laid off for the winter are encouraged to apply.

A major part of this job is troubleshooting equipment problems over the phone. Field technicians call frequently when their pressure washers stop working. You need to ask the right questions, figure out what’s wrong, and walk them through repairs using the tools they have.

Some callers have limited mechanical skills. You must be patient, explain things in plain language, and guide someone through a repair without being there yourself.

THE ENVIRONMENT

We’re an emergency-service business. During busy periods, 30 or more subcontractors come and go needing equipment, repairs, and answers so they can get back to work.

This is a very high-stress environment that moves extremely fast. Calls come one after another, priorities change, and interruptions are constant. We call it organized chaos, and sometimes it’s just plain chaos.

THE WORK

• Diagnose equipment problems over the phone and guide field technicians through repairs.
• Explain each step clearly and check that the caller understands.
• Troubleshoot, repair, test, and prepare pressure washers, steamers, and related equipment for field use.
• Keep track of unresolved problems and communicate what needs attention.

Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills are required. Experience with pressure washers, steamers, pumps, small engines, electrical systems, or heating systems is especially useful.

We need someone who stays calm, thinks clearly, and works well with people who may be frustrated or under pressure. You also need good judgment about what can be repaired safely over the phone.

HOURS AND PAY

This assignment may last only three to ten weeks. Our busy season is usually January and February, depending on major winter storms around the country. The start date, hours, and length of the assignment are not guaranteed.

During busy weeks, shop work and phone support can start as early as 6 a.m. Phone support for technicians working on roofs is typically needed no later than midnight, but occasionally calls come in later.

Our current shop technician handles a heavy volume of equipment calls, and we need help sharing that workload. Long, intense hours are required during certain weeks. Tell us what hours you can cover and any limits on your availability.

Pay varies based on your skills, experience, and other factors.

HOW TO APPLY

Write a few short paragraphs in your reply, including:

• Your name, phone number, AND email address. Put both contact methods in the message itself so we can reach you directly if the Craigslist reply link expires.
• A short introduction about yourself, your work background, your current work situation, and why this position interests you.
• Your mechanical skills, the equipment you’ve repaired, and your experience helping others troubleshoot over the phone.
• A specific example of diagnosing a problem and explaining the repair to someone with limited mechanical knowledge.
• When you’re available this winter, what daytime and late-night hours you can cover, and when you return to your regular job, if applicable.

A résumé is welcome, but it does not replace your written introduction. One-line replies and résumé-only responses will not be considered. We expect many replies and won’t have time to chase down missing information.

We need someone who can solve problems and help other people make repairs. Start by telling us why you’re that person.

We may contact applicants later as winter demand develops. Be sure to include BOTH your phone number and email address.

If you’d like to be put on our list of possible people to help us this winter, we look forward to hearing from you.

IF THIS JOB IS FOR YOU, YOUR ONLY REGRET WILL BE THAT YOU DIDN’T FIND US SOONER!