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Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

People classed as Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment. On the six-type interest model it reads RCI, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to repairing, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting as the ones to build. You may also need to record repairs made, time spent, and parts used. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.

Main tasks

  • 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.
  • Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
  • Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
  • Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.

Skills

  • Repairing
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Equipment Selection

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on repairing and equipment maintenance.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Chainsaw Technician
  • Golf Cart Mechanic
  • Lawnmower Repair Mechanic
  • Mechanic
  • Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.