When you search up the phrase "jack of all trades" in the dictionary, you could discover an image of someone who works in maintenance instead. These professionals are expected to exhibit technical skills and competencies in a variety of different domains, which demonstrates their versatility and multitalented nature. They are required to hone their skills in a wide variety of areas, ranging from general building surveys to plumbing and even electrical installation, rather than specializing in just one area of maintenance technology. This includes the repair of HVAC systems and the installation of ventilation systems.
A professional facilities maintenance technician should constantly be looking for opportunities to extend their skill set by participating in ongoing training and education, regardless of whether they are just starting out in the field or are seasoned veterans. In addition to that, individuals need to have these four fundamental abilities.
1. Problem Solving
The typical day in the life of a maintenance engineer consists of being confronted with issue after problem. They are responsible for not only figuring out what the problem is, but also determining what caused it, coming up with a solution to the problem, and putting that solution into action, sometimes within an exceedingly short amount of time.
The ability to maintain composure in high-stress situations is a must-have trait for anybody seeking employment as a facilities maintenance specialist. They need to keep a level head in the face of what seems like an endless litany of electrical, mechanical, and structural problems, and instead go on with confidence. A highly qualified maintenance expert will be able to prioritize the most vital jobs while at the same time ensuring that minor or problems that seem to be of "lesser" importance are not neglected.
The following is an example of a productive approach to problem-solving that a genuinely great maintenance technician may use:
When they are given the task of diagnosing and fixing a malfunctioning electrical system, they begin by examining typical failure sites, such as circuit breakers and surge protectors.
After the root problem has been resolved and the source of the problem has been determined, they examine the whole of the system to check and make sure that the solution they implemented has not revealed any further issues.
2. Capabilities of the body
The task of maintaining facilities is one that requires a lot of physical effort. Technicians are expected to conduct their responsibilities in a variety of environments, ranging from the most elevated rooftops and ladders to the most cramped crawl areas. The routine work involves carrying, lifting, and dragging very large machinery and appliances. Maintenance engineers often have to work long hours that are usually unpredictable, and their professions regularly require them to perform their duties outdoors in situations that are either excruciatingly hot or excruciatingly cold.
There is not a single job listing for a maintenance technician that does not provide a set of physical qualifications at this time. Employers looking to hire maintenance professionals around the country, from an electrician in Illinois to a library inspector in Connecticut, are searching for applicants who are at the top of their game physically. Therefore, the greatest technicians are the ones who keep their bodies strong and well-trained and who maintain the best possible physical condition, putting an emphasis on balance, endurance, and stamina.
3. Paying Attention to the Specifics
A significant portion of a facilities maintenance engineer's workday is dedicated to conducting in-depth analyses of complex systems. They are required to comprehend the inner workings of an electrical circuit and be able to recognize each minute component that contributes to the successful operation of an HVAC system. To spot relatively little problems inside a much more comprehensive whole requires a sharp eye.
If a maintenance specialist is not attentive to detail, there is a good chance that they may miss flaws in the systems that they are tasked to examine and fix. Ignoring minor faults may lead to their escalation into much more significant ones, which in turn makes the work of a maintenance engineer far more difficult and unpleasant.
How critical is it for facility maintenance specialists to hone their ability to focus on the smallest of details? Indeed.com, a well-known website for searching for employment opportunities, has a separate category labeled "Detail Oriented Jobs." Positions that are linked to maintenance are typically found at the top of the list.
4. Versatility
Take a moment to go through this whole essay again, and while you're doing so, make a mental note of all the many factors that have been discussed. Installation of electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as the building's exterior support structure... ...and this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the regions that are referred to be a "maintenance technician's jurisdiction."
It should come as no surprise that adaptability is the fourth essential quality that a qualified facilities maintenance engineer has to possess. During the course of a single workday, a technician who is responsible for building maintenance may be requested to repair a problem with the wiring of a building, ensure that the structure's windows are adequately protected from the elements, and verify that the toilets flush correctly. The technician has to be able to switch tasks rapidly and competently, never allowing oneself to get stuck on a particular problem or becoming too obsessed on it. It is standard practice to follow the term "jack of all crafts" with the phrase "master of none." However, in the instance of the maintenance technician, it would be more correct to describe them as "master of all," in addition to "jack of all trades."