Small Engine Mechanics

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.81
• Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.78
• Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.77
• Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.76
• Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.76
• Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.76
• Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.74
• Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.73
• Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.73
• Set starter locks and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, or wrenches.72
• Disassemble and inspect motors to locate defective parts, using mechanic's hand tools and gauges.72
• Adjust generators and replace faulty wiring, using hand tools and soldering irons.69

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Repairing75

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Equipment Maintenance72

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Troubleshooting69

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Operation and Control66

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring63

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Critical Thinking60

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Active Listening53

  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.

• Complex Problem Solving53

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Equipment Selection53

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Judgment and Decision Making53

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Quality Control Analysis53

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mechanical95

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Customer and Personal Service73

  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.

• Computers and Electronics63

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• English Language62

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Mathematics59

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Engineering and Technology57

  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.

• Administration and Management52

  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.

• Transportation52

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Physics51

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

• Education and Training49

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Administrative43

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Design43

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Problem Sensitivity72

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness69

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Deductive Reasoning69

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Inductive Reasoning69

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Manual Dexterity69

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Control Precision66

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Finger Dexterity66

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Near Vision63

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Hearing Sensitivity56

  The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Multilimb Coordination56

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Oral Comprehension56

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects78

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment78

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Getting Information76

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment75

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge75

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems73

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities72

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials68

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Controlling Machines and Processes67

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Analyzing Data or Information62

  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates61

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail79

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability78

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness66

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance53

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Stress Tolerance41

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation39

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Integrity38

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Intellectual Curiosity29

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Self-Confidence26

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Initiative25

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Self-Control23

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Adaptability22

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional48

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative31

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising10

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social0

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day86%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day80%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

• In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

  • Every day63%
  • Once a week or more but not every day31%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day71%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day66%
  • Once a week or more but not every day21%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually65%
  • More than half the time24%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day69%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day60%
  • Once a week or more but not every day30%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom59%
  • Some freedom31%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others53%
  • Contact with others most of the time27%
  • Contact with others about half the time15%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually40%
  • More than half the time50%

• Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

  • Every day42%
  • Once a week or more but not every day40%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Post-secondary certificate
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some college, no degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Analytical or scientific software

  CDI Electronics M.E.D.S., Engine diagnostic scanners, Outboard engine diagnostic software, Rinda Technologies DIACOM Marine

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Web page creation and editing software

  Facebook

• Inventory management software

  Inventory tracking software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Boat Builders and Repairers Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
• Sailors and marine oilers, and ship engineers
• Avionics Technicians
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Riggers
• Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Miscellaneous Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
• Electrical and electronics repairers, transportation equipment, and industrial and utility
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.
• Document test results.
• Position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.
• Repair defective engines or engine components.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
• Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
• Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
• Align equipment or machinery.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Motorboat Mechanic
• Outboard-Motor Mechanic