What Does a Preventative Maintenance Technician Do?

A preventative maintenance technician performs routine maintenance on equipment and systems to keep them in working order. This includes the completion of scheduled maintenance within recommended time frames as well as regular inspections of systems to identify issues that may need to be addressed. This work may require certification and licensure, depending on the types of systems the technician works on. There are a number of paths to pursue to become a preventative maintenance technician.

Transit companies like airlines, city bus systems, and trucking companies use such technicians to keep their equipment running, as do factories and large buildings with extensive systems like heating and cooling. Scheduled maintenance needs to be performed on time, and these technicians can also regularly evaluate engines and other components for signs of wear and other concerns. If more maintenance is necessary, they can perform it before it necessitates emergency repairs. Part of the goal of a preventative maintenance technician is to prevent an emergency that might damage equipment, cause injuries, or create time delays.

This work also requires keeping detailed logs on equipment. The technician must record all maintenance activity, including the date and specifics. This information can be useful for reference and may be necessary in the event of a legal problem. Technicians can also record serial numbers for parts they install along with other data to verify their activities and create a clear paper trail through the maintenance department. These logs are usually kept in a secure area to make sure they will be available when needed.

The scope of duties for a preventative maintenance technician can vary. More qualified personnel may have more responsibilities, while trainees and less qualified technicians may have fewer activities on the job. Employers may set policies to determine which kinds of tasks are appropriate with various levels of training. Technicians are typically supervised by someone with a high degree of training, who is capable of monitoring maintenance activities and performing them, if necessary.

Training to become a preventative maintenance technician can involve attending a technical or trade school, or learning on the job. Some technicians belong to professional organizations that may set standards for admittance. These organizations administer tests and may also require proof of a set number of years of training and experience. Certification can increase employability in some sectors and may also allow a technician to negotiate better wages and benefits. It can be especially important for technicians who want to rise to supervisory positions.