Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricator
Machine Repairer
Maintainer
Maintenance Craftsman
Maintenance Man
Maintenance Mechanic
Maintenance Technician (Maintenance Tech)
Maintenance Worker
Oiler
Overhauler

What is a Maintenance Worker, Machinery?

Maintenance Workers, Machinery are skilled professionals responsible for maintaining and repairing machinery and equipment in various industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Their primary role involves ensuring that machines operate efficiently and safely, minimizing downtime and preventing malfunctions that can disrupt production or services. These workers are trained to diagnose issues with equipment, often using a combination of technical knowledge and practical skills to investigate problems, perform repairs, and conduct regular maintenance checks.

They work on a diverse range of machines, which may include manufacturing equipment, HVAC systems, and various mechanical devices. The job often requires them to use tools, equipment, and diagnostic software to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Maintenance Workers may also be involved in the installation of new machinery, implementing preventive maintenance programs, and keeping detailed records of maintenance activities and repairs.

In addition to technical abilities, Maintenance Workers must be adept at following safety protocols and adhering to industry regulations to protect themselves and others while working on potentially hazardous machinery. Their work plays a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency and reliability, making them vital members of any organization that relies on machinery and equipment.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
  • Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
  • Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
  • Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
  • Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.

Technology Skills

Tools Used

Knowledge

  • Mechanical

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Design

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

  • Equipment Maintenance

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Operations Monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Repairing

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Troubleshooting

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Operation and Control

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Abilities

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Problem Sensitivity

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Manual Dexterity

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Near Vision

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Control Precision

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • Post-secondary certificate
    54 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    41 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Associate's degree
    3 %

Work Activities

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Reassemble equipment after repair.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Install machine or equipment replacement parts.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$37440.0 - $80770.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Assessment

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