what is a field service technician?
As a field service technician, you maintain different types of machines to keep them in top condition. In this field, you typically go to clients' homes and business premises to repair or install appliances. As a new field service technician, you work under an experienced technician or engineer.
The most common types of technicians are vehicle mechanics, home appliance technicians, air conditioning technicians, as well as computer and office machinery repair technicians. Although they sound completely different, the duties in each of these roles are largely similar. Field service technicians also work in different environments, installing and repairing air conditioners, heating systems and even manufacturing systems.
Field service technicians work in diverse industries. For instance, in the banking industry, service technicians install and maintain automated teller machines (ATMs). You also assist with repairing technical equipment in offices, like computers and air conditioning systems. In medical environments, you repair and maintain biomedical equipment to ensure they function properly.
While you work in diverse industries, you rely on the same knowledge and skills to excel in the role. For instance, you require knowledge of safety procedures and possess the ability to interpret technical documents. Having technical skills is crucial for repairing software and hardware components.
Would working as a field service technician suit your technical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a field service technician role.
field service tech jobsaverage field service technician salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a field service technician in Canada is $71,535 per year. The earnings fluctuate based on various factors, including experience, qualification and the industry. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $54,133 per year. With experience and educational qualifications, your earnings increase gradually, and you can earn over $80,771 per year.
what factors affect the salary of a field service technician?
The main determinant of your earnings as a field service technician is the industry you work in. For instance, when servicing biomedical equipment in the medical field, you are likely to earn a higher salary since you handle complex duties. You may require additional training to maintain and repair medical equipment. Working on simple home repairs requires minimal skills, attracting a lower salary.
Your location can also influence your earnings. Working in large cities boosts your earnings prospects due to the demand for service technicians in diverse industries. In smaller towns, you are likely to earn less due to the low demand for the role.
types of field service technicians
As a field service technician, you can specialize in diverse fields, including:
- information technology (IT) field technician: as a field service technician, you support clients by servicing IT products. You provide support for computer software and hardware issues. You are also responsible for maintaining computer services and devices, including resolving issues within the systems.
- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician: as an HVAC field technician, you work in building maintenance. You specialize in maintaining and repairing refrigeration units, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- automotive field service technician: as a field service technician working in the automotive industry, you repair and maintain vehicles. You receive calls from drivers with vehicle breakdowns to repair mechanical components, diagnostic systems and electrical systems.
- telecommunications field service technician: when you work in telecommunications, you handle maintenance and repair issues on telecom infrastructure. You work on fibre optic lines, communications systems and cell towers.
working as a field service technician
Working as a field service technician is an interesting career choice with job opportunities in many industries. Let's dive into the duties, responsibilities and work environments of field service technicians.
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what does a field service technician do?
Regardless of where you work and the type of service technician you are, you will have similar responsibilities. Some of the common tasks include:
- carrying out inspections: as a service technician, it is your responsibility to carry out frequent inspections of equipment and machines. Through these inspections, you can determine machine performance and maintenance needs.
- performing system maintenance: after troubleshooting engine systems, field service technicians either repair damaged components or replace them altogether. Apart from restoring damaged machines and equipment, you also optimize their performance. You carry out basic maintenance work, such as changing filters or oil, to keep the machines in good working condition.
- maintaining safety and tools: as a field service technician, you not only use specialized tools but are also responsible for their maintenance. These tools often include computerized diagnostic equipment. When working in potentially hazardous environments, you wear protective gear, including heavy-duty gloves, hard hats and specialized clothing.
- interacting with clients: as a field service technician, you have periodic contact with your clients during the working day. You advise clients on equipment handling and post-installation work with a service desk analyst. After carrying out routine checks, it's important to update your clients and explain the identified problems in a way they can understand.
- assisting in sales: some field service technicians work for electronics wholesalers and appliance stores. In such environments, you assist the marketing department with product and service promotion. Your knowledge of the equipment makes you a valuable member of the sales department. Some service technicians even help clients find and purchase the best products to meet their needs.
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work environment of a field service technician
Most field service technicians work in repair shops, garages, homes, labs, and institutions and other organizations operating different types of machinery. Your work is highly interactive in these environments because you communicate with clients, fellow employees and supervisors.
As a field service technician, you are often exposed to different types of dirt and grime during your workday, especially in auto repair shops. You may also be expected to work in tight spaces or stand for extended periods. Field service technicians have the most dynamic work environment. In this role, you will frequently be on the road, installing, repairing and maintaining stationary machines on-site.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you are likely to interact with mechanical engineers, customer service reps and automotive mechanics. You also collaborate with lab assistants and lab technologists in hospitals. In building maintenance roles, you work alongside electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians.
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field service technician work schedule
Most field service technicians enjoy full-time employment and have fairly regular working hours. However, due to the uniqueness of each installation and repair, you work overtime. You will integrate travelling time into your schedule because you move a lot to worksites. Field service technicians can also work part-time, with some holding two or more jobs. In most cases, such service technicians are required to work weekends or overtime, depending on the agreement with their employer. Others, especially those who work on contracts, have completely irregular work schedules. On the other hand, as a licensed master service technician, you have more control over your schedule.
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career opportunities as a field service technician
As a field service technician, you are trained in carrying out on-site diagnostics and maintenance tasks. Field service technicians can improve their skills and specialize in building maintenance to become HVAC technicians, plumbers and electricians. Alternatively, you can progress to a higher maintenance position, such as a maintenance technician or maintenance supervisor.
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advantages of finding a job as a field service 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
field service technician skills and education
Some of the educational requirements of becoming a field service technician in Canada include:
- apprenticeship programs: to become a field service technician, pursue a two- or three-year college program in electronics or servicing. You can also join an apprenticeship program in electronic servicing and repair to gain relevant skills in equipment maintenance. Apprenticeship programs take four years and combine on-the-job training with work experience.
- professional certifications: working as a field service technician in some sectors requires trade certification from the relevant Canadian regulatory authority. For instance, you require certification from the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals (ASET) to work as an electronic service technician in Alberta. In British Columbia, security systems service technicians are regulated by SkilledTradesBC. If you want to work in Manitoba, electronic field service technicians are regulated by the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CCTAM).
competencies and characteristics of field service technicians
To be successful as a service technician, you need professional and personal skills to prove your competence. These include:
- communication skills: as a field service technician, you have regular contact with your clients. Expect to educate them on service costs, how to use the equipment, what damaged the system, what damaged the system, and the extent of those damages. Having good communication skills helps you remain respectful and professional during your interactions, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
- technical knowledge: to succeed as a service technician working for a manufacturer, you should be highly knowledgeable about your company's products. You need a lot of experience with mechanical tools and must understand common problems that arise from certain machines. Service technicians use various tools when installing and repairing equipment, including screwdrivers, power tools and computer-guided tools. It is important to be well-informed and have experience in using and maintaining these tools.
- organizational skills: to carry out successful installations, inspections and repairs, organization is essential. You properly plan all the steps for each task and utilize the limited time you have to service machines. You also ensure your tools are always accessible. All these measures ensure you're effective and efficient in the field.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a field service technician.
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what are the roles and responsibilities of field service technicians?
As a field service technician, you provide support to customers off-site. Your duties involve on-site equipment installations, diagnosing vehicle issues, and performing routine maintenance on heating or air conditioning systems.
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how much do field service technicians make in Canada?
As a field service technician in Canada, you earn an average salary of $71,535 per year. When you are in an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of $54,133 annually. As you improve your experience, your earnings gradually increase to $80,771 per year.
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what makes you a good field service technician?
As a field service technician, you require good communication skills to explain customer issues. You also rely on your customer service skills to provide the best services.
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how do you become a field service technician?
You should complete a degree course or college diploma to become a field service technician. Alternatively, pursue a four-year apprenticeship program in electronic repair and servicing.
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is field service technician a good career?
Working as a field service technician is a promising career with exciting opportunities for career advancement. You earn a lucrative salary and gain valuable skills, which you can apply toward roles in other fields.
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how do I find a job as a field service technician?
Finding a job near you as a field service 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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