General Maintenance Mechanics Job Description: Tasks, Required Skills, Education, Career Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: General maintenance mechanics are people who work by repairing and maintaining various types of machines and mechanical equipment situated at buildings. They do the necessary repair and maintenance techniques on plumbing and electrical wirings and systems, as well as conduct minor construction or carpentry work to keep the structures of buildings, schools, factories, apartments and other forms of infrastructure in good and functional conditions. They also help in repairing and maintaining specialized machinery and equipment found in kitchens, cafeterias, laundries, offices, hospitals and factories.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: There is no formal education required in order to be hired as a general maintenance mechanic, however, some employers require applicants to have the background in plumbing and electrical systems. Some applicants can prepare by taking up certificate courses at technical or vocational schools, where they can concentrate on electronics or plumbing, or enter as apprentices in a workshop, where they can hone their skills for several months to a few years.
Skills and Abilities: In order to become a successful general maintenance mechanic, one should have good manual and hand-finger dexterity, as well as the mechanical aptitude. They should have the passion in building and repairing broken fixtures, including troubleshooting for problems and wrong functions. Some mechanics are exposed to hard work and labor, thus they must have the physical strength to carry items and materials from one place to another for further building and repair. They should as well be capable of working on a team, as there are times when broken fixtures and systems would have to be repaired by more than one mechanic.
Tasks: The duties and responsibilities of general maintenance mechanics vary depending on the area or department in which they are assigned. Their tasks include performing the necessary maintenance routines for the plumbing and electrical systems, such as replacing faulty outlets, fixing and cleaning air-conditioning motors, installing lights and water lines, building partitions, patching walls, dismantle, clean and refresh machinery, paint doors, windows and woodwork, as well as repair commercial equipment such as large-scale dishwashers and laundry machines, pipelines and waterworks.
It is their job to perform routine maintenance on a regular basis, as well as doing the necessary repairs and inspection to ensure that the fixtures in the buildings or structures they handle are functioning properly. It is also their task to report to their superiors about the problems in the fixtures they take care of, as well as work with specialized technicians in repairing the systems which are either broken or currently malfunctioning.
Earnings and Job Outlook: The earnings of general maintenance mechanics vary depending on their skill and experience, industry requirements and geographical location. At present, general maintenance mechanics earn an average annual salary of $31,210, as well as benefits such as health insurance, sick leaves, paid vacation and retirement. They are also entitled to overtime pay in case they go beyond 40 hours of work per week.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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