Lead Mechanic - St. Thomas

About Us

J. Benton Construction, LLC is more than a construction company—we are a team of builders committed to delivering exceptional project experiences while giving back to the Virgin Islands community where we live and work. Our mission is to be recognized as one of the leading construction companies in the Caribbean through an unwavering focus on customer service, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.   

Since 2019, J. Benton has been in a strategic partnership with Consigli Construction Co., Inc., one of the Northeast’s top general contractors. This collaboration allows us to leverage shared expertise, complementary strengths, and national-level resources to deliver best-in-class projects throughout the region.  

We are proud to call the U.S. Virgin Islands our home and to build projects that make a lasting impact on our community—while offering our employees meaningful careers with opportunities to grow. 

Position Description

The Lead Mechanic keeps our fleet of passenger vehicles and heavy construction equipment running safely and reliably. This is a hands-on, senior technician role responsible for advanced diagnostics and repairs, while also helping organize daily shop priorities and preventive maintenance schedules. The Lead Mechanic provides day-to-day technical guidance to mechanics and helpers and leads mobile service work when repairs are needed on active jobsites. This role is essential to minimizing downtime and supporting safe, efficient field operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead diagnostics, troubleshooting, and complex repairs on fleet vehicles and heavy construction equipment.


• Coordinate daily shop workflow by prioritizing work orders and supporting task assignments across the team.


• Ensure all maintenance and repairs are completed safely and meet quality standards (PPE, safe tool use, properly secure equipment).


• Coach and mentor mechanics and helpers through hands-on training and technical oversight.


• Operate and lead mobile service truck deployments to complete jobsite repairs and keep projects moving.


• Manage shop and mobile inventory (tools, parts, consumables) to maintain readiness and organization.


• Monitor and schedule preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.


• Communicate equipment status, repair needs, and timelines to supervisors and project teams while maintaining accurate service documentation.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Safety-first mindset; consistently follows PPE requirements, safe lifting/material handling, and hazard controls in shop and field settings.


• Strong troubleshooting approach; works logically through mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical issues.


• Ownership and follow-through; closes work orders completely, documents work clearly and communicates next steps.


• Field-ready professionalism represents the company well during on-site/mobile repairs and works respectfully with crews and supervisors.


• Organized and dependable; maintains clean work areas, manages tools/parts responsibly, and supports readiness of the mobile truck.


• Team leadership through service supports others with patience, coaching, and clear direction without cutting corners.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
  
  
  
  • Technical diploma or trade certification in Automotive or Heavy Equipment Technology, preferred.
  
  
  
  


• 5+ years of hands-on experience maintaining and repairing vehicles and/or heavy equipment.


• Strong diagnostic and repair capability across mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.


• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, CDL preferred


• Ability to maintain accurate service records and documentation.


• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively on a team.


• Ability to travel between islands (occasional overnight stay).


• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or holidays when operational needs require it.

Preferred Experience (includes, but is not limited to): 

• Prior experience leading a shop team, mentoring junior techs, or coordinating workflow.


• Preventive maintenance planning and scheduling across mixed fleets (vehicles + heavy equipment).


• Mobile service operations and jobsite repair coordination.


• Inventory management for parts, consumables, and shop/mobile tool control.


• Vendor coordination for parts procurement and repair support.


• Experience with system overhauls and advanced component troubleshooting (hydraulics, electrical, drivetrains)

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work indoors/outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and sun exposure.


• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.


• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, parts, and equipment (including heavy components) using safe methods and assistance as needed.


• Ability to work around moving equipment, active jobsites, noise, fumes/chemicals, and uneven terrain.


• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Compensation & Benefits  

Competitive hourly pay and benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance: 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
  

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match 
  

• Company paid Life Insurance  

• Company paid Short-Term Disability 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

J. Benton Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We do not discriminate or retaliate against applicants or employees for discussing pay and provide reasonable accommodations as required.