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Maintenance and Repair Technicians ensure machines, equipment, and buildings remain in good condition and proper working order. As a part of Maintenance and Repair, you will:
- Inspect things like motors and belts, fluid levels, and filters, similar to parts you might find under the hood of your car.
- Take apart machines, then repair and replace parts using hand or power tools. Use large equipment such as hoists and cranes.
- Use repair manuals to determine problems, and then fix them.
- Keep track of the work you’ve done.
- Do preventative maintenance "check ups" on machines, mechanical equipment and on buildings. This would include doing an inspection and testing.
- You may also install new wiring, electrical components, piping and plumbing, machinery and equipment.
Average salary*: $30,048
Education: High School Diploma
Testing: Pre-employment testing is typically required. Many companies require a passing score on the industry exams before being considered for employment. Topics focus on spatial ability, math concepts, mechanical reasoning and reading comprehension.
Special certificates/licenses: Some positions require an apprenticeship once employed. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Average salary*: $69,975
Required years of experience : Three to five year apprenticeship may be required.
Things you’ll do: There are several types of maintenance and repair work. For a mid- to senior-level position, one can become an expert in one of these specialty areas.
Mechanical Technician
Things you’ll do: Repair and maintain equipment and machinery in the power plant. Perform welding repairs. Discover problems with rotating machinery.
Substation Mechanic
Things you’ll do: Read diagrams of electric circuits. Serve as an expert on how a substation works and its equipment. Perform routine operations at the substation.
Relay Technician
Things you’ll do: Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, then perform adjustments or repairs. Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify problems using special diagrams that show wiring as well as testing devices. Disconnect and replace equipment that manages voltage on high voltage power lines.
Instrumentation & Control (I&C) OR Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician
Things you’ll do: Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems at the power plant and determine how to correct them. Repair or replace defective equipment parts using hand tools and power tools, and then reassemble equipment. Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure it functions properly.
Average salary*: $70,731
Education: While companies may provide some training in supervisory and leadership skills, an Associate�s degree may be beneficial.
Required years of experience: Typically ten years
Things you’ll do: Determine schedules and work activities of team members. Discuss with team members how well they are doing on the job and provide feedback, as necessary. Check work areas and examine tools and equipment to see if there are any unsafe conditions. Communicate effectively with others including team members, bosses, and management. Deal calmly with potentially stressful situations.
Overview
Annual Salary Range*: $30k�70k
High School to Associate�s Degree
If you like: fixing things, problem solving, keeping equipment in top condition
You�ll also need to:
- Be a good listener.
- Be curious about how things work.
- Be able to solve problems.
- Concentrate on doing one thing for a long period of time without being distracted.
- Know how to manage your time.
- Be able to stand and kneel in small places.
EPCE, CAEL, CEWD, Metro Denver WIRED.
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* Based on national average from payscale.com. Will vary depending upon geographic location.