Mechanical maintenance jobs vary by industry, with tasks ranging from repairing machinery to fixing apartments. Skills needed include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and office work, as well as knowledge of new technologies and specialized vehicles. Experience is preferred, but formal education is not always required. Drug screenings and the ability to work overtime are common.
Mechanical maintenance jobs vary by job site. In the industrial sector, maintenance mechanic jobs can include maintaining machinery and heavy equipment, while jobs in the private sector can be as general as repairing apartments for a single company. Many mechanical maintenance jobs involve repairs to motor vehicles.
A typical maintenance mechanic’s job description might include carpentry skills, depending on the company hire. Some types of maintenance positions, such as in many industrial plants, may require equipment and machinery to be installed. Most mechanic maintenance positions require knowledge of basic machine repair. Depending on the industry, specialist knowledge about specific industry-relevant materials is also required.
Experience in the electrical field is usually a component of a maintenance mechanic job. Mechanics in this field may be required to handle potentially dangerous electrical equipment and must have adequate safety knowledge on the subject. Plumbing knowledge can also be useful or necessary.
In addition to working with a mechanical skill set, people in this career must be knowledgeable about some types of office work. This includes writing purchase orders, ordering correct machines and their parts, processing service request forms and other documents determined by individual fields. These skills are particularly needed when evaluating machines for maintenance and ordering new parts to fix outdated or broken parts.
Knowledge of new technologies may be required in a maintenance mechanic job. Many companies use advanced technological equipment that requires mechanics with specialized training to keep it in good working order. Other specialist skills such as welding or hydraulics experience may also be required based on the needs of the business. It is also expected that many maintenance mechanics will be able to operate specialized vehicles such as forklifts and pass exams to legally do so if and when required by law.
While many companies prefer applicants for maintenance mechanic jobs to have some form of educational background, this is usually not necessary. Experience in previous maintenance work, either in a previous position or as an apprentice, is normally a requirement for working in this career. References are also usually required for advanced mechanical maintenance work. Also required is a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills and the ability to work to deadlines. Small businesses, churches and other local businesses can forego traditional requirements in favor of a skilled handyman they know and trust.
Many mechanical maintenance jobs require a drug screening prior to employment. Some candidates are expected to have their own tools and trucks if needed for the job. Overtime, night shifts and weekends are common in this career.
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