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Occupation AtlasOutdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

O*NET · 49-3053.00

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.

Also called Chain Saw Mechanic · Chainsaw Technician · Edge Trimmer Mechanic · Electric Golf Cart Repairer · Electric Wheelchair Repairer · Engine Mechanic · Engine Service Repairer · Engine Specialist
46 more

Garden Equipment Mechanic · Garden Implement Mechanic · Garden Machinery Mechanic · Garden Tractor Mechanic · Gas Engine Mechanic · Gas Engine Repairer · Gas Golf Cart Repairer · Generator Tech · Generator Technician (Generator Tech) · Go-Cart Mechanic · Golf Cart Mechanic · Golf Course Mechanic · Jet Ski Mechanic · Lawn Mower Mechanic · Lawn Mower Repairer · Lawnmower Repair Mechanic · Magneto Repairer · Mechanic · Mobile Mechanic · Mobility Scooter Repairer · Model Engine Mechanic · OPE Mechanic · Outdoor Power Equipment Mechanic (OPE Mechanic) · Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician · Power Generation Tech · Power Generation Technician (Power Generation Tech) · Power Saw Mechanic · Power Tech · Power Technician (Power Tech) · Power Wheelchair Mechanic · Production Engine Repairer · Repair Tech · Repair Technician (Repair Tech) · Service Engine Repairer · Service Tech · Service Technician (Service Tech) · Shop Mechanic · Small Engine Mechanic · Small Engine Repair Tech · Small Engine Repair Tech (Small Engine Repair Technician) · Small Engine Specialist · Small Engine Tech · Small Engine Technician (Small Engine Tech) · Snowblower Mechanic · Snowmobile Mechanic · Vehicle Mechanic

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.97
  • I Investigative2.48
  • E Enterprising1.26
  • S Social1.20
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma12%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent48%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate13%
  • Some College Courses27%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (36%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Equipment Maintenance3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Repairing3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Operations Monitoring3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Operation and Control3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Selection3.32.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Active Listeningbasic3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
Show the other 23
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Speakingbasic2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Coordination2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Time Management2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Writingbasic2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Systems Analysis2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Instructing2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Personnel Resources1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Sciencebasic1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Installation1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.80.8
  • Operations Analysis1.50.5
  • Programming1.40.4

Tasks

14 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.4.6
  2. Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.4.6
  3. Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.4.5
  4. Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.4.5
  5. Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.4.5
  6. Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.4.4
  7. Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.4.4
  8. Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.4.3
  9. Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.4.3
  10. Replace motors.4.3
  11. Show customers how to maintain equipment.4.2
  12. Remove engines from equipment, and position and bolt engines to repair stands.4.2
Show the other 2
  1. Sell parts and equipment.4.1
  2. Grind, ream, rebore, and re-tap parts to obtain specified clearances, using grinders, lathes, taps, reamers, boring machines, and micrometers.4.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.45.6
  • Customer and Personal Service3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and Training3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Transportation3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Sales and Marketing3.12.9
  • Computers and Electronics3.02.8
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.92.7
  • Physics2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Design2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Production and Processing2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Mathematics2.72.6
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Law and Government2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Chemistry2.52.8
  • Geography2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Administrative2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Economics and Accounting2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Building and Construction2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Telecommunications2.31.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Therapy and Counseling2.11.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Biology1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.70.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Food Production1.60.4Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • History and Archeology1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Foreign Language1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Fine Arts1.3—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Finger Dexterity3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision3.63.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Control Precision3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Visualization3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Information Ordering3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Auditory Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Expression3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Selective Attention3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Static Strength3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Reaction Time2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speech Clarity2.92.8
  • Depth Perception2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Recognition2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk Strength2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Expression2.82.8
  • Far Vision2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Originality2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Response Orientation2.62.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Time Sharing2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Comprehension2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.8
  • Rate Control2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Memorization2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Speed of Closure2.32.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Sound Localization2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Stamina2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Glare Sensitivity1.80.9
  • Night Vision1.80.9
  • Explosive Strength1.60.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.74.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.44.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.03.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Getting Information3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
Show all 41
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.73.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Working with Computers3.72.9
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.42.9
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.32.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.7
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.92.8
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Thinking Creatively2.92.9
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.81.9Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.72.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.72.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.41.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Developing and Building Teams2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.7
  • Spend Time Standing4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.4
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.3
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.3
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.2
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.2
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.1

Technology

9 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
Other tools (7)
  • Ideal Computer Systems Ideal OPE
  • Land & Sea DYNO-MAX
  • RepairTRAX
  • Sale processing software
  • Smart Equipment Repair
  • VersaDyne small engine test system
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  2. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  3. Motorcycle Mechanics
  4. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
  5. Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
  6. Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  7. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  8. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
  9. Maintenance Workers, Machinery
  10. Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.