Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

Nature of work

Electronic service technicians service and repair household and business electronic equipment like audio and video systems, computers, servers, photocopiers, printers, and other office equipment. Alarm and security technicians install and maintain electronic security alarm systems of 50V or less for homes and businesses, but this does not include fire alarm systems. They work for electronic service and retail companies, wholesale distributors, and within service departments of electronic manufacturing companies.

Job duties

Electronic service technicians:

• Install, maintain, and repair household and business electronic equipment like televisions, radios, video cassette recorders, stereo equipment, photocopiers, computers, and related equipment.
• Inspect and test electronic equipment, components and assemblies using multimeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, logic probes and other electronic test instruments, tools, and equipment.
• Diagnose and locate circuit, component, and equipment faults.
• Adjust, align, replace, or repair electronic equipment, assemblies and components following equipment manuals and schematics, and using soldering tools and other hand and power tools.
• Complete work orders, test, and maintenance reports.
• May supervise other electronic equipment service technicians.

Sample job titles

• alarm and security technician
• audio-video service technician
• computer service technician
• electronic equipment installer and repairer
• electronic service technician supervisor
• household and business equipment technician
• office equipment service technician
• technical service representative - household and business equipment

Skills

• Mechanical and problem-solving skills
• Spatial perception
• Attention to detail
• Patience
• Manual dexterity and motor coordination
• Good vision to see small, delicate parts
• Good colour perception to detect small changes in colour
• Good hearing to trace malfunctions back to the source
• Communication and customer service skills
• An interest in technology and discovering how things work
• Ability to work under pressure
• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Multitasking skills
• Ability to work alone and with others
• Enjoy using tools and equipment for precise tasks
• Ability to work with little direction or supervision

Job requirements

• A two-to-three-year college program in electronics or completion of high school or college courses in electronics and on-the-job training is required.
• Trade Qualifier option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
• Certification for alarm and security technicians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Nova Scotia Provincial Certification Exam for alarm and security technicians as a trade qualifier.

Other considerations

• Office equipment technicians work in office settings and are expected to wear business clothes. They may need to travel from one service call to another and do some heavy lifting. Few hazards, but work can be stressful if customers are impatient.
• Office equipment technicians work standard office hours. Some technicians must be on call for after-hours emergency repairs. Some jobs require out-of-town travel.
• Experienced office equipment technicians may advance to supervisory, management, or training positions. Some open independent repair shops of their own.
• Computer service technicians work in a variety of settings. Some can be clean and airy, while others might be cold and dusty. They may need to lift and carry computer components.
• Computer service technicians usually work a standard workweek. Some may be on 24-hour call for certain periods. Overtime may be required if systems fail. The work can be stressful when systems fail.
• Experienced computer service technicians may become supervisors or managers. Those with further training can become technical specialists – helping engineers design equipment.
• Security alarm installers work in both indoor and outdoor settings. These may vary from clean, comfortable homes and businesses to cold, dusty buildings under construction. Travel between job sites is required.
• Security alarm installers usually work a 40-hour workweek. Overtime may be required during busy periods. For customer convenience, installers may work some evenings and weekends.
• Risks for security alarm installers include risks associated with working with power tools and electricity. They may need to work on ladders, scaffolding, and man lifts. The work involves handling heavier items. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working on construction sites.
• A growing number of security alarm installers work on a contract basis.
• Security alarm installers do not install fire alarm systems.
• Experienced security alarm installers may advance to lead installer and supervisor positions. They move to other areas like sales or customer service or open their own business.

Regulations

Contacts

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