How to Become a Maintenance Technician

One of the main responsibilities of a maintenance technician is to perform regularly scheduled maintenance tasks. These tasks include checking fluids levels, inspecting equipment for wear and tear, and replacing parts as necessary. Maintenance technicians also respond to emergency maintenance calls. For instance, if a machine breaks down, you are the one to fix it. Thirdly, as a maintenance technician, you keep records of all the maintenance tasks that you perform. These records help businesses keep track of their equipment and budget for future repairs. 

Ultimately, maintenance technicians have to ensure that all machines and equipment are running smoothly and that they are up to safety standards. Lastly, some maintenance technicians draft maintenance reports that detail the work that they performed.

One of the most important tools that a maintenance technician has is a computer. Maintenance technicians use computers to keep track of all the maintenance tasks they perform. They also use computers to draft maintenance reports. In addition to computers, you also use hand tools, power tools, and test equipment. You'll be using them to do everything from checking fluid levels to replacing parts. When you become a maintenance tech, you'll also be using other types of equipment depending on your job description. 

For instance, if you're working in a hospital, you'll use medical equipment. If you're working in a factory, you will use industrial equipment. You will employ ladders to inspect the top of machines, power washers to clean a piece of equipment, and jacks to lift a machine in order to perform repairs.

When you become a maintenance technician, you should expect to work in a variety of environments. You will likely be working indoors in a climate-controlled room or outdoors in the heat or cold. If you're working in a factory, you should expect to be around loud machinery that gets very hot. You will likely also get exposed to hazardous materials, such as chemicals or oil. As a result, it's important that you follow all safety protocols when performing your job duties. 

On the other hand, if you're working in a hospital, you should expect to work around sick people. You'll also need to follow strict safety protocols to avoid spreading infection. For instance, you'll need to wear gloves and a mask when you're working around patients. No matter where you work, you should expect to be on your feet for most of the day. Fixing machines also becomes physically taxing after a while.

Usually, as a maintenance technician, you'll be working with other maintenance technicians. However, depending on where you work, you will also be working with engineers, electricians, and plumbers. For instance, if you're working in a factory, you will find yourself working with industrial engineers to help maintain the machinery. If you're employed in a hospital, you will be working with medical staff, such as medical assistants, to maintain the medical equipment. Besides working with other professionals, you will also interact with customers or clients. For instance, if you're working in a hotel, you will likely need to have contact with guests to help them with any maintenance issues they're having in their room.

Maintenance technicians usually work full-time hours because most businesses require maintenance during regular business hours. However, some maintenance technicians work on-call hours or night shifts. For instance, if you're working in a hospital, you will likely need to be available to respond to any maintenance issues that arise after business hours. In addition, some maintenance technicians will often need to travel to different job sites. 

For instance, if you're working for a company that has multiple locations, you will need to travel to different sites to perform maintenance. You will also need to work during the weekends and part-time hours if your job requires it. Depending on the season, you will also find yourself working overtime. For instance, if you're working in a factory, you will need to work extra hours during the busy season.

You need to have a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement. However, some employers prefer that you have postsecondary education. In addition, if you want to advance in your career, consider pursuing an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in maintenance technology. This will assist you in getting promoted to a higher position.

Some employers require that you have certification in order to work as a maintenance technician. In addition, if you want to advance in your career, having certification will make you more marketable. The type of certification you will need will depend on the state you work in as well as the type of business you work for. For instance, if you work in the healthcare industry, you will likely need to have certification from the American Hospital Association. Alternatively, if you work in the construction industry, you will need to have a license from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

A crucial skill you need as a maintenance technician is problem-solving ability since some of your main tasks involve diagnosing and repairing problems with equipment. In addition, you need to have good mechanical skills as you will be working with tools and machinery on a daily basis. Another important skill you need is interpersonal skills; you will interact as part of a team of other maintenance technicians as well as customers. Since you will be working in a customer-facing role, it is important that you have good communication skills. Lastly, you need to be able to follow instructions because you will work with manuals and other documentation. 

Simply put, a maintenance technician is responsible for the hands-on tasks associated with maintaining equipment. A maintenance engineer is responsible for the planning and coordination of those activities. For instance, a maintenance technician is responsible for changing the oil in a piece of machinery. A maintenance engineer develops the schedule for when that oil needs changing.

Yes, there is a difference between a maintenance technician and a custodian. A custodian is tasked with cleaning and upkeep of buildings and grounds. A maintenance technician is responsible for the upkeep of machinery and equipment.

Applying for a job as a maintenance technician is easy with Spherion. You can search for maintenance technician jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your resume through Spherion’s open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential case manager roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.