Mechanical installers and servicers are responsible for conducting routine maintenance in auto and heavy equipment service centres. The job involves changing oil, balancing and repairing air and oil filters, and installing such items as mufflers, shock absorbers, exhaust pipes, radiators, and springs on vehicles ranging from automobiles and trucks to heavy equipment. People in this occupation are employed by auto service repair shops, service departments of industrial and manufacturing companies, and by construction, logging, mining, and similar companies where on-site maintenance work is required.
As a mechanical installer and servicer, you perform jobs that do not require the expertise of a licensed mechanic. You inspect the vehicle, consult with the driver or owner about the problem, provide cost estimates if required, and obtain and install the pats necessary to fix the problem. In some instances, you may work with qualified mechanics to perform the repairs.
Mechanical installers and servicers are an paid hourly wage and tend to work a regular forty-hour week. People in this occupation should expect to work some weekends as well.
You are expected to have a basic knowledge of vehicles and heavy equipment before entering into this position. Typically, you start by performing the simpler tasks such as changing oil and repairing tires, and move along to the more difficult jobs once you have demonstrated you skills.
Training for these positions tends to be informal. As a new employee, you work with experienced mechanics or installers to learn the many facets of the job. Ongoing assessments are made as you move on to a wider range of duties. Once you gain enough experience to tackle more demanding installation work, you may get formalized training through courses.
If you show initiative, your employer will encourage you to obtain mechanic's papers so that you can work on a wider range of jobs. Another way to advance in this occupation is to move into supervisory roles.
If you work for logging, mining, or construction companies, you will have to travel to the work site. In some cases, living at camps may be required.
Though you don't need previous exuberance to get into this line of work, you should have a genuine interest in auto and heavy equipment mechanics. Being able to communicate with customers or vehicle operators, to understand and assess what problems exist, and to diagnose malfunctions quickly are key elements of the job. In some cases, you work in a team to fix vehicles, so communication among workers is important. This is especially true in safety matters, particularly when you work around heavy machinery.