Occupation Details
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$34,640.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$48,940.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$61,460.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
120,430
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
149,670
+2,924 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
15,561
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable slip lock nut wrenches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Air compressors
- Allen wrenches
- Augers
- Ball peen hammers
- Basin wrenches
- Bearing pullers
- Biscuit joiners
- Block and tackle equipment
- Brazing equipment
- Bubble levels
- Caulking guns
- Center punches
- Chain pullers
- Channel lock pliers
- Chipping hammers
- Circle cutters
- Circular saws
- Claw hammers
- Closet augers
- Combination squares
- Compression sleeve pullers
- Concrete saws
- Concrete trowels
- Conduit benders
- Conduit cutters
- Copper cutting machines
- Cordless power drills
- Crowbars
Technology
- Apple macOS
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Computerized time management systems
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Database software
- Digital direct control DDC energy management software
- Dropbox
- Eko
- FaceTime
- Google Docs
- GroupMe
- Handheld computer device software
- IBM Notes
- Linux
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
- coordinate production maintenance activities
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- maintain repair records
- apply cleaning solvents
- paint walls or other structural surfaces
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- erect scaffold
- install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
- lay or install brick, block, stone, tile, or related masonry material
- move or fit heavy objects
- prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives
- install doors, wood floors, window frames, trim, or stairs
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
- install locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
- install or replace glass in windows, skylights, or other structural surfaces
- repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
- install shingles, tile, slate, asphalt, or related roofing materials
- install insulating materials
- install industrial machinery or related heavy equipment
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- replace electronic components
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- install electrical fixtures or components
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use knowledge of ventilation systems
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use combination welding procedures
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- fabricate sheet metal parts or items
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- control HVAC equipment
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use control or regulating devices to adjust or maintain industrial machinery
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use precision tools in electronics repair
- use pressure gauges
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use high voltage apparatus
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- use tube bending equipment
- burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
- use soldering equipment
- use arc welding equipment
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- plan or organize work
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- use building materials for routine building maintenance
- bend tubing or conduit
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- operate crane in construction, manufacturing or repair setting
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- maintain specialized manufacturing or commercial equipment or machinery
- repair or adjust measuring or control devices
- repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
- maintain or repair work tools or equipment
- repair or replace locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Perform routine maintenance, such as inspecting drives, motors, or belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, or doing other preventive maintenance actions.
- Inspect, operate, or test machinery or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions.
- Adjust functional parts of devices or control instruments, using hand tools, levels, plumb bobs, or straightedges.
- Repair machines, equipment, or structures, using tools such as hammers, hoists, saws, drills, wrenches, or equipment such as precision measuring instruments or electrical or electronic testing devices.
- Order parts, supplies, or equipment from catalogs or suppliers.
- Perform routine maintenance on boilers, such as replacing burners or hoses, installing replacement parts, or reinforcing structural weaknesses to ensure optimal boiler efficiency.
- Diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalogs, as necessary.
- Test and treat water supply.
- Design new equipment to aid in the repair or maintenance of machines, mechanical equipment, or building structures.
- Assemble, install, or repair wiring, electrical or electronic components, pipe systems, plumbing, machinery, or equipment.
- Clean or lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, or other parts of machinery.
- Provide groundskeeping services, such as landscaping or snow removal.
- Record type and cost of maintenance or repair work.
- Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts.
- Align and balance new equipment after installation.
- Maintain or repair specialized equipment or machinery located in cafeterias, laundries, hospitals, stores, offices, or factories.
- Estimate costs to repair machinery, equipment, or building structures.
- Dismantle machines, equipment, or devices to access and remove defective parts, using hoists, cranes, hand tools, or power tools.
- Inspect used parts to determine changes in dimensional requirements, using rules, calipers, micrometers, or other measuring instruments.
- Plan and lay out repair work, using diagrams, drawings, blueprints, maintenance manuals, or schematic diagrams.
- Install equipment to improve the energy or operational efficiency of residential or commercial buildings.
- Assemble boilers at installation sites, using tools such as levels, plumb bobs, hammers, torches, or other hand tools.
- Set up and operate machine tools to repair or fabricate machine parts, jigs, fixtures, or tools.
- Perform general cleaning of buildings or properties.
- Train or manage maintenance personnel or subcontractors.
- Lay brick to repair or maintain buildings, walls, arches, or other structures.
- Fabricate or repair counters, benches, partitions, or other wooden structures, such as sheds or outbuildings.
- Paint or repair roofs, windows, doors, floors, woodwork, plaster, drywall, or other parts of building structures.
- Position, attach, or blow insulating materials to prevent energy losses from buildings, pipes, or other structures or objects.
- Grind and reseat valves, using valve-grinding machines.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Industrial machinery, installation, repair, and maintenance workers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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