What does a maintainer do?
A maintainer serves as a time tracker that oversees and monitors the tasks of employees. They are the one who facilitates and reviews all the work, ensuring it is done according to specifications. Depending on what industry they work in, their function is to troubleshoot, repair, test, document, and review data that is needed.
Maintainer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real maintainer resumes:
- Manage LAN network and provide support for users.
- Manage all contract work including snow removal, mowing, asphalt work, and signage.
- Ignite torches and start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being weld completing electrical circuits.
- Perform preventive maintenance checks and services on radio receivers, transmitters, communications security equipment and other relate technologies.
- Modify components using jigs or templates.
- Rework of SMT components on circuit board.
- Perform FRA guide main lines switch layout inspections.
- Control COMSEC keying material and provide communication worldwide from the battlefield.
- Repair radio receivers, transmitters, COMSEC equipment, and associate equipment.
- Conduct maintenance and training in accordance with DOD safety and OSHA standards.
- Coordinate and perform all major software updates to DoD and civilian equipment.
- Perform preventive maintenance, checks and services on early warning radar equipment.
- Experience with handling COMSEC devices for loading and transferring of COMSEC material.
- General road maintenance, paving, mowing, sanitation, transfer station attendant.
- Learned require equipment for mowing, trimming, brush cutting and hedge trimming.
Maintainer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Maintainers are proficient in Hydraulic Systems, Suspension Systems, and Test Equipment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Maintainers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hydraulic Systems, 13%
Worked on engine fuel systems, electrical systems, transmission assemblies, brake and hydraulic systems.
- Suspension Systems, 10%
Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions, perform organizational maintenance and on-board direct support tasks on the suspension systems and steering systems.
- Test Equipment, 7%
Used external test equipment to troubleshoot problems when fault isolation was not accomplished by built-in or other electronic-aided equipment.
- Electrical Systems, 6%
Repaired track vehicle hull electrical systems, standard/automatic transmission assemblies and cross drive transmission assemblies.
- Windows, 6%
Utilize a combination of Linux and Windows software to run, & troubleshoot any issues that may arise in the suite.
- Weapons Systems, 6%
Supervised operations and organizational maintenance of weapons systems and specialized equipment.
Common skills that a maintainer uses to do their job include "hydraulic systems," "suspension systems," and "test equipment." You can find details on the most important maintainer responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a maintainer to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what maintainers do because "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." Additionally, a maintainer resume shows how maintainers use customer-service skills: "helped perform basic maintenance on hvac systems took customer orders over the phone scheduled hvac maintenance appointments"
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling maintainer duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination." According to a maintainer resume, here's how maintainers can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "conducted classroom and hands-on training on maintenance procedures, parts requests and orders training over 15 personnel. "
Troubleshooting skills. maintainers are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to maintainer responsibilities, because "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." A maintainer resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "performed troubleshooting, diagnostic testing and maintenance procedures of all patriot missile system equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most maintainers are:
- Army National Guard231 maintainers jobs
- National Guard125 maintainers jobs
- University of Massachusetts Amherst17 maintainers jobs
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Maintainer vs. Repair specialist
The duties of a repair specialist depend on their line of work or place of employment. In industries such as automotive and manufacturing, a repair specialist is typically a member of a maintenance team who repairs and maintains machinery and equipment. Among their responsibilities include performing inspections and examinations, troubleshooting problems, fixing and replacing components, modifying and upgrading parts, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure quality and efficiency. Moreover, a repair specialist typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a maintainer are more likely to require skills like "hydraulic systems," "suspension systems," "weapons systems," and "technical guidance." On the other hand, a job as a repair specialist requires skills like "customer service," "cleanliness," "dexterity," and "bars." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Repair specialists earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $51,386. On the other hand, maintainers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $70,079.repair specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than maintainers. In fact, repair specialists are 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Maintainer vs. Facilities technician
Facilities Technicians are employees who manage the upkeep of the company's facilities. They are in charge of maintaining the different equipment, fixtures, and furniture in the office. They conduct routine maintenance and regular check-ups to ensure that everything is working properly at all times. In case of malfunctioning items, facilities technicians try to repair these items if they know how or schedule the item for repair. They also ensure that the facility's occupational safety and health standards are met, and the employees follow safety protocols.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that maintainer responsibilities requires skills like "hydraulic systems," "suspension systems," "windows," and "weapons systems." But a facilities technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "preventative maintenance," "customer service," "osha," and "facilities maintenance."
On average, facilities technicians earn a lower salary than maintainers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, facilities technicians earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $48,629. Whereas maintainers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $70,079.In general, facilities technicians achieve similar levels of education than maintainers. They're 1.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Maintainer vs. Utility worker
A utility worker is an entry-level position who is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of company premises and equipment. Utility workers take verbal and written instructions from managers and maintenance officers about the assigned work areas inside and outside of the property. Some employers may require their utility workers to have a commercial driver's license because they will be operating maintenance equipment and vehicles. Although a bachelor's degree is not required, utility workers must be in good physical condition and also be able to read written work orders.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, maintainers are more likely to have skills like "hydraulic systems," "suspension systems," "test equipment," and "electrical systems." But a utility worker is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "cleanliness," "rehabilitation," and "kitchen utensils."
Utility workers make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $33,182. On the other hand, maintainers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $70,079.When it comes to education, utility workers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to maintainers. In fact, they're 1.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Maintainer vs. Building maintenance mechanic
A building maintenance mechanic is primarily in charge of maintaining mechanical systems and equipment in good condition. They conduct regular maintenance checks, performing repairs or replacements when necessary. They may also respond to issues and concerns, troubleshoot problems, install and upgrade systems, provide technical support and advice to staff, manage vehicles, monitor supply inventory, purchase supplies, and maintain records. Moreover, a building maintenance mechanic usually works in a team setting, which requires a clear communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Types of maintainer
Updated January 8, 2025











