what is a maintenance technician?
As a maintenance technician, you solve mechanical or electrical problems in building systems. You check problems in various systems and find solutions to repair the damage. You inspect buildings, equipment and systems. If you find issues, you perform general maintenance and schedule repairs for damaged structures and faulty equipment.
Maintenance technicians work in many industries, keeping machines and equipment in good order. You perform routine maintenance procedures and troubleshoot any problems that arise. The job also involves fixing mechanical or electrical issues in manufacturing processes and support systems. You are in charge of a facility, such as an apartment or office, and manage or inspect the systems within the building.
the importance of a maintenance technician's role
Every business is racing against the clock to maximize profits. As a maintenance technician, you keep manufacturing processes running smoothly. Minimizing downtime is important, as your duty is to prevent product quality and output from suffering. Apart from preventing revenue loss, you are essential in enhancing a company's reputation for reliability.
Working as a maintenance technician requires technical knowledge of the machines and equipment. For instance, to complete your duties, it is important to have a solid understanding of hydraulics, plumbing and various electrical systems.
Would working as a maintenance technician suit your multitasking skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance technician role.
view jobsaverage maintenance technician salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a maintenance technician is $55,779 per year — or $28.60 an hour. In an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of $42,919 yearly. The most experienced maintenance technicians make up to $68,890 annually.
how to increase your salary as a maintenance technician
As a maintenance technician, you start with a lower salary. This is because you have minimal experience and expertise. After gaining additional skills and experience, you are likely to earn more. Your specialization could also influence your earnings, particularly since some areas in Canada require additional training or trade certifications.
types of maintenance technicians
Some common types of maintenance technicians include:
- industrial maintenance technicians: as an industrial maintenance technician, you work in industrial settings. In production or manufacturing facilities, you perform routine maintenance tasks and complete repairs on various machines. Your job includes solving mechanical and electrical issues.
- property maintenance technicians: as a building maintenance technician, you handle repairs and maintenance tasks in residential and commercial buildings. Repairs include plumbing, electrical, air conditioning system maintenance and carpentry. You also maintain the fire and safety systems within the building. Your job involves evaluating building systems, like fire alarms and sprinkler systems. You also respond to tenant reports or on-premise maintenance issues.
- fleet maintenance technicians: as a maintenance technician in the transport and logistics industries, you are responsible for servicing and repairing a fleet of vehicles. You also perform preventive maintenance and general repairs on the transit facility.
working as a maintenance technician
Working as a maintenance technician entails performing scheduled checks on equipment and machinery. Here are the specific duties, work environments and job outlook for the role of a maintenance technician.
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what does a maintenance technician do?
Some of the duties of maintenance technicians include:
- installing machines and equipment: you set up new appliances or equipment if the company needs to move. When repositioning a machine, you ensure no damage occurs. You also test the machine or equipment to make sure it works correctly.
- managing maintenance and repairs: your primary responsibility is dealing with breakdowns. You inspect equipment regularly to identify problems and ensure that the machines produce high-quality products. It is your responsibility to plan and schedule maintenance. When dealing with repairs, you strive to minimize downtime before returning the equipment to operation. If you cannot repair the equipment, you notify the management. You also provide detailed information on the causes of a breakdown and the parts that should be replaced.
- meeting the company's targets: companies in the production industry are under constant pressure to meet their daily goals. In most cases, your job includes machine maintenance. As a result, you ensure the company meets its production goals while producing high-quality goods.
- helping with budgets: you understand the machines well and know what is needed to run operations successfully. As a result, you help the maintenance department develop and implement its budget.
- training workers: your job involves training production staff in routine maintenance procedures. This role keeps you updated on current and emerging maintenance manufacturing and engineering trends.
- attending meetings: companies often hold internal or external meetings to plan production or handle construction projects. Attending meetings and contributing to plans is part of your job as a maintenance technician.
- inspecting systems: if you work for a construction company, you are responsible for inspecting buildings, machines and systems to identify any problems. Some systems, such as plumbing and heating, require regular inspection to ensure proper operation.
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work environment of a maintenance technician
Whether you work as a maintenance technician in a manufacturing company, a large office building or a small residential setting, many aspects of your work environment are the same. Most maintenance technicians work indoors, repairing and maintaining equipment. In manufacturing industries, you work in climate-controlled production facilities or laboratories. In residential buildings, your work environment depends on the type of repairs. For example, your job could include outdoor work when there are plumbing issues, or you may find yourself fixing a fire alarm system indoors. As a maintenance technician, you wear protective equipment and occasionally use specialized tools.
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who are your colleagues?
As a maintenance technician, you work alongside production supervisors, millwrights, welders and mechanical engineers. You consult with maintenance engineers and maintenance workers. You also work with construction project managers, warehouse associates, plumbers and factory managers.
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maintenance technician work schedule
As a maintenance technician, you typically work during the day on a regular schedule of 40 hours a week. However, this varies depending on the role and company. Sometimes, you work weekends or odd hours throughout the workweek. In some companies, you work nights or early morning shifts, and many employers provide incentives to work extra hours. If you manage multiple buildings, the job may involve travelling to various work sites.
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career opportunities as a maintenance technician
You have an array of career growth opportunities and specialization options as a maintenance technician. If you want to progress upward, become a maintenance engineer, facilities manager or maintenance manager. Some maintenance technicians specialize in specific duties, with the goal of becoming an electrician, plumber or certified air-conditioning expert.
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advantages of finding a job as a maintenance technician through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
maintenance technician skills and education
If you want to be a maintenance technician in Canada, the requirements include the following:
- apprenticeship program: upon completion of secondary school, find a training course or vocational program to start your career in maintenance. An industrial machinery or millwrighting apprenticeship program prepares you for the role. When you complete the training, you earn a trade certificate. You can also complete the interprovincial Red Seal examination to earn an endorsement.
- work experience: the apprenticeship program teaches you many skills and provides you with on-the-job training hours. Improve your experience through an entry-level maintenance worker role. In some regions, you may require additional trade certification from a regulatory authority to work as a maintenance technician. For instance, in Alberta, the role is regulated by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industrial Training.
competencies and characteristics of maintenance technicians
Some of the qualities of a maintenance technician include:
- technical skills: to qualify as a maintenance technician, you need working knowledge of the equipment, systems and facilities you maintain and repair. Your hydraulic and electrical systems knowledge is important since most repairs rely on mechanical and electrical skills.
- time-management skills: as a maintenance technician, you need time-management skills to minimize downtime as much as possible. Time management also helps you schedule co-workers and tasks appropriately.
- diagnostic skills: the primary role of a maintenance technician is to identify problems and solve them as quickly as possible. Your diagnostic skills help you identify system irregularities in the buildings you manage.
- communication skills: as a maintenance technician, you communicate with other team members and give them explicit instructions on what they should be doing. Your communication skills improve work efficiency.
- attention to detail: it is important to avoid damage when conducting repairs, troubleshooting or performing routine tests. Attentiveness to detail ensures you don't miss any routine maintenance responsibilities.
- multitasking skills: as a maintenance technician, you are called to various equipment and machine breakdowns and juggle various tasks. Your multitasking skills help you prioritize and complete tasks on time.
FAQs about maintenance technician jobs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a maintenance technician.
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what tasks do maintenance technicians handle?
As a maintenance technician, you check equipment and systems for potential issues. You inspect buildings to identify faulty equipment or damaged structures. You also perform general repairs and schedule routine maintenance on machines or equipment. You deal with equipment breakdowns and promptly resolve them to reduce downtimes in the facility.
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how much do maintenance technicians make in Canada?
As a maintenance technician, your salary depends on the complexity of your duties and expertise. The average maintenance technician salary is $55,779 per year, but you'll likely earn a lower salary if you have minimal skills and expertise. Entry-level maintenance technician workers attract an annual salary of $42,919, while the most experienced maintenance technicians demand over $68,890 annually.
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what is the job description of an equipment maintenance technician?
As an equipment maintenance technician, you inspect equipment and machines used in production and manufacturing industries. The job requires you to verify the proper installation of machines. You regularly review quality control and organize preventive maintenance to reduce breakdowns that can lead to downtime. You ensure that spare parts and instruments are readily available, enabling you to repair or replace equipment without delay.
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do maintenance technicians need a degree?
A degree is not required to become a maintenance technician in Canada, but you should complete an apprenticeship or vocational training. Maintenance technician apprenticeships take three to five years, and upon completion, you are eligible for skilled trade certification.
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is a maintenance worker the same as a maintenance technician?
A maintenance worker is more of a handyman with fewer technical duties. As a maintenance technician, you perform technical duties and complex maintenance procedures. For instance, you schedule maintenance jobs and replace or repair parts. Maintenance workers, on the other hand, are there to assist you with simple tasks.
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how do I find a job as a maintenance technician?
Finding a job near you as a maintenance technician is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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