Introduction

They might not be among the most glamorous professionals. Nonetheless, living comfortably without Field Service Technicians is nearly impossible. A corporation sends a Field Service Technician to handle all customer support tickets. It typically entails assisting clients with the installation, maintenance, and upkeep of equipment.

Similar Job Titles

• Field Technician
• Service Technician
• Installation Technician

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Field Service Technicians do?

A Field Service Technician would typically need to:

• On-site customer support and assistance with the installation, configuration, fitting, repair, maintenance, servicing, and testing of technical equipment
• Follow the company’s policies and protocols, schedule and conduct field trips on time, and align workflow with the schedule.
• Let them communicate their requirements and expectations so that you can comprehend the issue and make recommendations.
• Identify technical faults and find optimal solutions
• Maintain, update, and operate field automation systems while driving a car in a safe manner.
• Establish strong client relationships by answering their questions during site visits, employing enhanced protocols, and explaining how to use the equipment.
• Cooperate with and support the team, disseminate information across the organization, and offer assistance as needed.
• Document equipment use; deliver detailed service reports for the field visit
• Communicate with the technical personnel, examine technical protocols and operations, and make suggestions for changes.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in the field

Standard Work Environment

Field Service Technicians spend a portion of their day in workshops outfitted with benches, specialty machinery, and tools.

As a Field Service Technician, you may be required to travel to customer homes or business locations on a regular basis. You would also have to bring your tools, equipment, and materials.

Work Schedule

The majority of Field Service Technicians work full-time, and many work more than 40 hours per week, meeting deadlines on a consistent basis. While you may be required to work shift hours, there may not be a defined shift, resulting in significant overtime. You may also be required to remain on call and answer calls for extended periods of time in the event of an emergency. Depending on your location, you may experience extreme weather conditions.

Employers

Seeking a new job may seem difficult. Field Service Technicians can improve their job search by contacting firms directly, using job search sites, leveraging social media, and contacting staffing agencies. You may also consider attending career fairs to meet recruiters in person, get to know them, and make an impact.

Field Service Technicians are generally employed by: 

• Construction Companies
• Wireless Telecommunications Carriers
• The Electric Power Industry
• Utilities
• Government Services
• Educational Services

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organizations are essential for Field Service Technicians interested in seeking professional development or interacting with like-minded professionals in their industry or trade. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Meeting the expectations of your organization and abiding by assigned schedules
• Working at hazardous locations, such as on top of radio towers, and at odd hours to address emergencies quickly
• The need for the central office to maintain constant contact with the crew and have an established emergency protocol
• The need to communicate with customers to keep them informed of delays, cancellations, or rescheduling of appointments

Suggested Work Experience

Any academic degree pursued by a potential Field Service Technician often involves supervised experience, such as an internship. Postsecondary education programs frequently expose you to cutting-edge technology and improve your employability.

Sign up for internships during the summer under the guidance of an experienced senior Field Service Technician. An internship may help you meet prospective future colleagues.

Conducting engineering technician advanced apprenticeships with construction businesses is another way to get experience to become a Field Service Technician, providing you meet the age criteria. You may be required to work a certain amount of hours per week as an employee, depending on the employer. Often, you will learn on the job and through a college or training provider.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview or job shadow specialists working in field service technology.

Recommended Qualifications

A high school diploma is the minimal academic need for aspiring Field Service Technicians, while certain employers may be more interested in your experience and skills.

The majority of businesses prefer candidates with customer-centric abilities and the ability to analyze and solve problems from non-technical explanations. Competence with several technologies and operating systems will provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Depending on the industry in which you want to work, certain employers may prefer people with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electronics, computer science, IT, network technology, or a similar discipline. For example, Field Service Technicians who want to specialize in electronic repairs may take programming, networking, and routing courses. Those interested in the computer industry might enroll in courses such as microcomputer systems, electronic circuits, and computer analysis.

Projected Career Map

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications drive career advancement. Every two to three years, employees who regularly demonstrate high levels of performance may be considered for promotion. The size of the organization often determines advancement.

Field Service Technicians may advance to Maintenance Management positions with experience. Your talents are likely transferable to a position as a technical Sales Manager or Contract Manager. You can seek Senior Technician, Supervisor, or Service Manager roles inside the company or pursue a master’s degree. Progression will most certainly result in additional difficulties and responsibilities, as well as increased prestige and larger paychecks.

Job Prospects

Applicants with the required abilities, experience, and education, especially those with an associate degree or certification in electronics, have the highest job possibilities.

Beneficial Professional Development

Continued Professional Development (CPD) will assist an active Field Service Technician in developing personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. Regardless of your age, profession, or degree of expertise, it enables you to always improve your skills.

Obtaining an associate degree or certifications in your relevant industry, or expanding your portfolio of capabilities through proper training, will allow you to accomplish your work more efficiently and skillfully, and will promote your professional advancement.

You may even pursue a degree in mechanical, electrical, or electronics engineering to boost your employment possibilities.

Conclusion

If you have remarkable problem-solving skills and enjoy dealing with hardware and software, a career as a Field Service Technician may be an excellent alternative. You can also advance to work in field service management and other fields.

Advice from the Wise

Don’t be scared to seize possibilities that may appear stressful at first. Even though you lack professional experience, you may still be an excellent fit for a given job since you have the necessary knowledge. In this situation, you should still apply for the post.