Job Description - Service Technician

The work of a Service Technician has evolved from simply mechanical to a high end technology based field. A Service Technician must be familiar with the integrated electronic systems and complex computers that run today's vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. They work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials. Use high-tech skills to inspect, maintain and repair automobiles and light trucks while maintaining skills with traditional hand tools. Test drive vehicles and use a variety of testing equipment such as on-board and hand-held diagnostic computers and compression gauges to identify the source of the problem at hand. Test and lubricate engines and other major components and repair or replace worn parts before they cause breakdowns that could damage critical components of the vehicle.

  • Test drive vehicles, and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  • Examine vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions.
  • Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  • Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
  • Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems, and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  • Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
  • Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine-cooling, and electrical systems.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  • Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • 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.


Skills

  • 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.
  • Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Abilities


  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Multi-limb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Hearing Sensitivity - The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
  • Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, and twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.



Tools & Technology


Tools used in this occupation:
  • Organic light emitting displays - Anti-lock braking system ABS/air bag scan tools; Auto scanners; Graphing scanners; Modular diagnostic information systems
  • Pressure indicators - Fuel pressure testers; Manifold gauge sets; Oil pressure gauges; Tire pressure gauges
  • Pullers - Ball joint separators; Bearing pullers; Gear puller tools; Slide hammers
  • Specialty wrenches - Alignment wrenches; Chain wrenches; Locking wrenches; Lug wrenches
  • Trim or molding tools - Carbon scrapers; Gasket scrapers; Scrapers; Spoons
  • Analytical or scientific software - Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic; Nexiq Tech HDS Suite for Palm; Personal digital assistants PDA diagnostic software; SPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PC
  • Data base user interface and query software - AutoZone ALLDATA; Recordkeeping software; Vehicle management software
  • Facilities management software - Alliance Automotive Shop Controller; Snap-On ShoKey
  • Information retrieval or search software - Online service manual database software; Technical manual database software
  • Project management software - Estimating software

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • 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.
  • Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  • Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  • Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
  • Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
  • Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.