What Does a Field Technician Do?
Find out what a field technician does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a field technician.
Field technicians are highly trained professionals who work in a variety of industries. They commonly specialize in one area, such as engineering or geology, but may also be called on to perform tasks related to other fields.
Field technicians use their expertise and specialized training to solve problems and improve processes within their organization. They often work independently and with minimal supervision, traveling to various locations to gather data or complete projects.
Field Technician Job Duties
Field technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Installing and maintaining electrical power lines, including climbing utility poles and using cranes to position equipment
- Installing and repairing fiber optic cables in underground trenches and aboveground on telephone poles
- Installing, repairing, and maintaining water distribution systems and plumbing components such as faucets, pipes, valves, and pumps
- Measuring and recording meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure in order to predict weather patterns
- Diagnosing problems with equipment in order to determine the required repair or replacement of parts
- Installing streetlights along roadways or in parking lots, using cranes or cherry pickers to reach high spots
- Installing and repairing electrical wiring and equipment in homes and businesses, including devices that control lighting and air conditioning systems
- Installing and repairing electrical power distribution lines, such as those used to transmit electricity from power plants to consumers
- Conducting environmental surveys to identify potential hazards such as asbestos contamination or radon levels in homes
Field Technician Salary & Outlook
Field technician salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.
- Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)
The employment of field technicians is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
Demand for field technicians is expected to increase as more companies hire technicians to install and maintain new types of technology, such as computer networks and smart-grid systems. In addition, demand will likely increase as more companies hire technicians to maintain existing equipment and infrastructure.
Field Technician Job Requirements
Field technicians typically need to have the following qualifications:
Education: Field technicians are typically required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry or agriculture. Some of the coursework that these programs include is biology, chemistry, agriculture, microbiology, genetics and soil science.
Training & Experience: Field technicians receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced field technicians. This training helps the technician learn the specific methods and procedures for the company they work for. It also helps them learn the specific software and equipment they will use in the field.
Certifications & Licenses: Field technicians do not need certifications to earn their licenses, but many earn them to increase their earning potential or to meet the requirements of certain jobs.
Field Technician Skills
Field technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:
Technical skills: Field technicians use technical skills to troubleshoot and repair equipment. They may need to identify and replace faulty parts or repair electrical or mechanical systems. They may also need to identify and repair faulty wiring or other issues with equipment.
Communication skills: Field technicians communicate with many people during their workday, including their supervisors, other technicians, clients and suppliers. They also need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely in written form, such as in emails, reports and other documents.
Problem-solving skills: Field technicians solve problems throughout their workday. They may troubleshoot equipment, find solutions to environmental issues or find ways to overcome obstacles that prevent them from collecting data. They may also solve problems that arise when they’re analyzing data, such as identifying the source of an error or finding the correct data points to include in a report.
Organizational skills: Field technicians often have to carry a variety of tools and equipment with them as they work. Having strong organizational skills can help them keep track of their tools and ensure they have everything they need to complete their work. It can also help them keep track of their paperwork and samples.
Teamwork skills: Field technicians often work in teams with other technicians, engineers and other professionals. They may also work with other technicians who have different skill sets than them. This is because companies often hire multiple technicians to ensure that all aspects of a project are covered. Working in teams requires each member to have a distinct set of skills that they can contribute to the group.
Field Technician Work Environment
Field technicians work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, factories, and homes. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and fumes, and they may work in cramped or awkward positions. They may work outdoors in all types of weather and may be required to climb ladders or work in other high places. They may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be on call 24 hours a day.
Field Technician Trends
Here are three trends influencing how field technicians work. Field technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
More Focus on Preventative Maintenance
As businesses become more aware of the importance of preventive maintenance, field technicians will need to adapt and focus more on this area.
Preventative maintenance is a critical part of any business’s operations, as it can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. By focusing on this area, field technicians can help to ensure that their company is running at peak performance.
More Use of Technology in the Field
As technology advances, field technicians are using it more often in the field. This trend is due to the fact that technology allows them to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
For example, many field technicians now use mobile devices to access data and information while they are out in the field. This allows them to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and make informed decisions about how to proceed with their work.
Greater Attention to Safety
As safety becomes a greater concern for businesses, field technicians will need to pay closer attention to safety precautions.
This means that field technicians will need to be familiar with all of the safety procedures in place at their company, as well as the proper way to handle dangerous materials and equipment. In addition, they will need to be able to identify potential hazards and take steps to prevent accidents from happening.
How to Become a Field Technician
A career as a field technician can be very rewarding. It offers the opportunity to work in a variety of industries and with many different types of equipment. You’ll also have the chance to learn new skills and technologies, which will help you stay current in your field.
To be successful in this career, it’s important to have a strong work ethic, be able to think creatively, and be willing to take on challenges. You should also be comfortable working outdoors and traveling to job sites.
Related: How to Write a Field Technician Resume
Advancement Prospects
Field technicians typically start out in entry-level positions, working under the supervision of more experienced technicians. As they gain experience and knowledge, they can move up to higher-level positions, such as lead technician or supervisor. In some cases, field technicians with strong technical skills and experience may be promoted to engineering positions.
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