Job Description

Take your mechanical skills on the road — and be the person customers rely on.
Also searching: diesel mechanic, heavy equipment mechanic, field service technician, used equipment mechanic

$26 – $34/hour + Up to $8,000 Sign-On Bonus
Hourly pay — you’re paid for every hour worked (not flat rate)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (with overtime opportunities as needed)

At Thompson & Johnson Equipment, our mechanics don’t sit in a shop all day — they’re out in the field solving problems, helping customers, and making a real impact.

We’re looking for an experienced Forklift Mechanic / Technician to join our team in the Horseheads/Elmira area. This is a road position, meaning you’ll work independently, travel locally, and take ownership of your day.

What You’ll Do

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair forklifts and material handling equipment (electric, gas, and diesel)
• Perform planned maintenance and safety inspections
• Use computer-based diagnostics and OEM resources to identify and resolve issues
• Manage and maintain your service van inventory
• Communicate directly with customers to explain repairs and recommend solutions
• Complete work orders accurately and on time
• Deliver quality work — fix it right the first time
• BE A HERO

What Makes This Role Different

• Road-based work – no shop environment
• Variety – different customers and challenges every day
• Local travel – serving the Syracuse and surrounding region
• Consistent weekday schedule — home most nights
• Hourly pay structure — no flat rate pressure

What You Bring

• Minimum of 2 years of mechanical training and or experience (forklifts, heavy equipment, automotive, diesel, etc.)
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnosing skills across hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Solid communication and customer service skills
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Willingness to work overtime as reasonably needed

 What We Offer

• $26 – $34/hour based on experience (hourly — no flat rate)
• Up to $8,000 sign-on bonus
• Company-provided service van, tablet, phone, uniforms
• Paid training + OEM certifications

Benefits that actually make a difference:

• Medical insurance as low as $5/week + FREE vision
• Dental, life, and supplemental coverage such as LTD, STD, Specified Disease like Cancer, Heart, Stroke and Kidney insurance
• 401(k) with 50% company match (up to 5%)
• Generous PTO + holidays (extra for Veterans)

Additional perks:

• $500 annual tool allowance
• $600 annual well-being reimbursement
• $200 annual gym membership
• $100 annual boot allowance
• $100 annual company clothing allowance

Why Thompson & Johnson?

We’re a third-generation, family-owned company serving Upstate NY with a reputation for taking care of both our customers and our employees.

• Average employee tenure: 10+ years
• Voted a Best Places to Work company by our employees (8 years running)
• A culture built on teamwork, respect, and doing things the right way

This is a place where mechanics build long-term careers and get promoted into service writers, lead techs, mentors, coaches, trainers, managers — not just punch a clock.

Work Environment

This is a hands-on, physical role requiring lifting, climbing, and working indoors and outdoors in all seasons.

Prerequisites

Profile assessment, physical (including eye, hearing and lead test) and drug testing for illegal substances.

Apply Today

If you’re an experienced mechanic who takes pride in your work and enjoys solving problems independently — we’d love to talk!

Thompson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, (M/F/D/V) 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.