Field service technicians generally work in a mobile capacity at sites away from a company maintenance shop. They are troubleshooters who specialize in repairing and maintaining equipment such as farm and railway equipment, earth movers, cranes and trucks. Because they work in remote locations, with no access to shop equipment other than that carried on their repair vehicles, field service technicians must be well-rounded and capable of performing multiple duties rather than specializing in a single skill such as transmission repair, brake systems or suspensions.
Field service technician positions are usually held by individuals who have undergone training in numerous specializations and have a few years of work experience. However, there are some heavy vehicle repair organizations that employ individuals who have little or no experience with this type of work.
Information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that only a small percentage of service technicians work for the government. The rest are self-employed or work in industries such as machinery rental and repair, equipment wholesale, construction, mining operations or transportation. Employment was expected to have little or no change in the period from 2019-2029, (www.bls.gov).
Training Requirements
In order to reach and service the vehicles being repaired, field service technicians are required to hold a commercial diver's license. Because of the nature of the job and technological advances, field service technicians go through an almost continual process of on-the-job training. However, most employers prefer a certain amount of formal training. Community colleges and technical schools offer programs that lead to certificates or associate's degrees. Programs typically include courses that deal with subjects such as technical mathematics, gear theory, transmissions, hydraulics, welding, engine theory, pneumatics and electrical systems.
As a rule, technicians avail themselves of training and instructional sessions offered by manufacturers. These sessions address the maintenance and repair of new components, technology or upgrades. Although there is no industry-wide certification, in order to advance in the field, technicians must become certified on individual pieces of equipment. For instance, they should familiarize themselves with the operation of computers and electronic devices that are both onboard vehicles and well as those used as diagnostic tools.
Field service technicians need a wide variety of mechanical expertise and need be resourceful. As such, their training regimen usually reflects this need.
