Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics Go Back to List Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment and related equipment.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Data base user interface and query software

Tasks
	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.
	Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
	Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
	Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
	Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
	Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
	Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
	Sell parts and equipment.
	Show customers how to maintain equipment.

Skills
	Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $64,844.00 $31.18  $19.65  $20.01 - $30.50  Bridgeport/Stamford $68,561.00 $32.96  $19.76  $20.01 - $31.18  Danbury $75,213.00 $36.16  $20.83  $22.45 - $35.34  Hartford $66,666.00 $32.05  $20.08  $22.08 - $29.74  New Haven $69,644.00 $33.48  $20.31  $22.52 - $36.54  New London/Norwich $54,341.00 $26.13  $20.78  $23.42 - $26.56  Waterbury $47,689.00 $22.92  $19.64  $21.51 - $24.02  Torrington $56,891.00 $27.35  $20.14  $22.04 - $30.37

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   70   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.