what is a destruction technician?

As a destruction technician, you operate shredders and destruction equipment to destroy confidential documents. The job involves transporting confidential documents to the onsite shredding facility for destruction. You also support the operations of shredding or bailing machines by feeding documents into the shredder and ensuring the proper destruction of the materials. You not only shred paper materials but also handle the disposal and recycling of plastic materials.

The responsibilities of a destruction technician depend on the type of materials to shred. Your job is to retrieve the materials to be shredded and choose the ideal equipment for shredding. For instance, office paper shredders cannot be used to shred micrographic media. Picking the right equipment ensures secure destruction and that the general principles for handling sensitive waste are adhered to. Aside from shredding, you also collect the shredded waste. You dispose of the waste by recycling it or following other waste management protocols, depending on the waste.

Working as a destruction technician requires knowledge of the Personal Information Protection and Electronics Documents Act (PIPEDA) to handle sensitive and confidential information from companies. You also need physical fitness to lift items and feed the shredders.

Would working as a destruction technician suit your knowledge of operating mechanical equipment? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a destruction technician role.

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average destruction technician salary

According to Job Bank, the average salary of a destruction technician in Canada is $31,200 per year. Your earnings fluctuate based on various factors, including experience and skills. When you are starting out in the role, you start with a salary of $29,250 per year. The most experienced destruction technicians make up to $40,300 per year.

how to increase your salary as the destruction technician

As a destruction technician, you start with a lower salary due to minimal experience and qualifications. When you have extensive experience, you earn a higher salary due to your level of expertise. With your extensive experience, you handle complex duties. That means you can negotiate a higher salary that matches your skillset.

Your location also influences your earnings. When you work in a large city with numerous companies that need shredding services, you are likely to earn more due to the demand for destruction technicians. Working in smaller towns lowers your earning prospects due to the low demand for destruction technicians.

The materials you shred and the equipment used also determine your earnings. For instance, destruction technicians who shred documents are likely to earn less than shredder operators who destroy micrographic media.

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types of destruction technicians

Destruction technicians shred diverse materials, ranging from paper to plastics and wood. Some of the types of destruction technicians include:

  • office shredder operators: as a shredder operator in an office, you use office shredders to shred paper documents. You handle confidential information, and it is important to use the right equipment to prevent data breaches. You also handle the destruction of micrographic media to ensure they don't get into the wrong hands.
  • plastic shredder operators: as a destruction technician, you can work in recycling plants to break down plastics collected as waste and prepare them for recycling. You are likely to operate extruding and moulding processing machines, which are used to manufacture plastic products.
people stepping off the bus
people stepping off the bus
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working as a destruction technician

If you want to become a destruction technician, check out the following duties and responsibilities.

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destruction technician skills and education

You don’t need educational qualifications to become a destruction technician. However, some of the requirements for becoming a destruction technician include:

  • apprenticeship: find an apprenticeship program that will improve your knowledge of operating electronic systems or mechanics. When you work in recycling, you may require courses for using moulding process operators. You should also consider completing a statistical process control (SPC) course to improve your knowledge.
  • work experience: to work as a destruction technician, you require on-the-job training. Working as a plastic moulding operator in recycling operations in Quebec requires trade certification from Emploi Quebec.

competencies and characteristics of destruction technicians

Some of the skills and qualities of destruction technicians include:

  • communication skills: as a destruction technician, you work alongside a team of technicians and machine operators. It is important to have communication skills to excel in the role. Good communication skills help you establish strong relationships with your team members. As a destruction technician, you sometimes handle clients directly when picking up materials for shredding. Having customer service skills and good communication skills helps you excel.
  • mechanical knowledge: as a destruction technician, you require mechanical aptitude to dismantle and reassemble machinery. Your mechanical knowledge comes in handy when you are adjusting equipment operations and calibrating the machines.
  • attention to detail: as a destruction technician, you handle repair and maintenance tasks on paper shredders and other equipment used in recycling. During maintenance, missing the slightest details can cause serious problems. Attentiveness to detail helps you make sure tasks are carried out accurately to ensure a safe work environment.
  • problem-solving skills: as a destruction technician, you are expected to address issues that arise during shredding. Any equipment malfunctions or problems with machines should be resolved immediately. Your troubleshooting skills help you identify problems and find solutions swiftly.
  • technical aptitude: as a destruction technician, you rely on your technical knowledge to keep the systems functional. When you understand how the machine operates or how to use computers to automate the systems, your work is easier.
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FAQs

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a destruction technician.

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meet a recruiter

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.

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