From the day-to-day responsibilities to the necessary qualifications, here are the expectations for IT professionals in the field – and what makes Techmate technicians different.
An IT field technician is a technology specialist who provides “boots-on-the-ground” support at an office or remote location. Examples of this type of support include but are not limited to escalated issues from a help desk that cannot be solved remotely, hardware break/fix conflicts, AV and Conference Room setup, and troubleshooting.
What is an IT Field Technician?
An IT field technician is professionally trained to analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate technology issues and problems. They can work as an internal team member of a company or as part of an IT outsourcing service, like Techmate.
To do this, IT field technicians ask questions to diagnose problems, observe computer problems firsthand, and help customers with problem-solving steps. In addition to resolving IT issues, technicians also improve overall site efficiency through new software and hardware and document changes and revisions for future work.
What Does an IT Field Technician Do?
IT field technicians have numerous responsibilities while providing service to clients. Here are the most common roles and responsibilities that are expected from service technicians. Job dissatisfaction, poor work-life balance, few opportunities for advancement, and compensation are why IT professionals may leave a role. These factors, plus burnout from a demanding job, place a financial strain on organizations.
Hardware Support
One essential function for field technicians in the IT industry is hardware support. Hands-on and onsite, these tasks are essential to clients and are often performed in a supplemental capacity as IT teams manage other issues or experience gaps in service.
- In-Person Desktop Support. Technicians provide onsite, in-person desktop support to clients who lack the time to address IT issues.
- Resolve Hardware Issues. Specialized technicians provide troubleshooting services to office equipment so that clients are free to perform other tasks.
- Swap Outs & Upgrades. As needed, technicians swap out faulty equipment and upgrade hardware determined to be outdated or inefficient during routine visits.
Networking
Networking for field technicians may involve building networks, but for Level 1 and Level 2 technicians, role responsibilities include:
- Connectivity Issues. IT technicians identify and resolve connectivity issues on-site.
- Network Testing. Technicians perform regular integrity tests on networks to ensure that they function optimally.
- Consulting. IT professionals evaluate networking and analyze the networking and related infrastructure to determine the tools and equipment clients need. Plus, they stay on top of any networking trends, whether it’s a new vulnerability or security feature.
Projects & Recurring Work
When performing routine work, technicians may visit several sites throughout the day to perform standard checks and necessary maintenance on various projects.
- Routine Site Visits. Technicians make routine site visits to offices and satellite locations for organizations to resolve existing IT issues.
- Desktop Reimaging. Reset and reinstall OS for business desktop and laptop machines as needed.
Staff Augmentation
Day-to-day responsibilities of technical staff hired to augment an in-house team can include a myriad of functions related to technical infrastructure and end-user support. Staff augmentation services (such as those provided by Techmate) can also provide supplemental support to hired MSPs, enabling companies to effectively right source their IT needs.
- Temporary or Longer Term Coverage. This may include out-of-office for existing IT staff or longer coverage, such as for staff shortages or long-term disability.
- Onboarding/Offboarding. IT technicians may also provide support with onboarding and offboarding existing staff.
How to Become an IT Field Technician
Those interested in an IT field technician career should not only have their high school diploma or GED, but a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. In some cases, employers may provide the required additional training (see below).
IT field technicians should also be prepared for some physical demands and an unpredictable work schedule.
IT Field Technician Requirements
To perform the numerous roles and responsibilities required of a service technician, prospective IT professionals will need to meet specific education requirements and acquire certain skill sets to be successful.
Field Technician Certifications
Numerous certifications are available for field technicians to compete in the IT space. Here are the top three certifications that can aid in finding and negotiating a premium field technician role.
1. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Highlights: Four exams surrounding mainly networking design and troubleshooting.
Cost: $2,400-4,000 USD total
2. CompTIA A+ Certification
Highlights: Two exams designed to certify participants in customizing and maintaining operating systems.
Cost: $400-600 USD total
3. Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)
Highlights: The most comprehensive program available, the CWNP has five levels designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skill to design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot wireless networks.
Cost: $750-1,250 USD total
How Much Can an IT Field Technician Make?
According to Glassdoor, IT field technicians can expect to make between $46,000 and $70,000 annually. This range may depend on location, years of experience, and education or certifications. Additionally, some companies may offer bonuses, commissions, or tips to incentivize their technicians while in the field or offer opportunities for advancement.
What Makes Techmate Technicians Different
Clients notice a difference when hiring Techmate for staff augmentation and supplemental IT support. Our technicians are certified experts with 5-15 years of IT experience in business and corporate environments.H3:
Our Vetting Process
Selecting Techmate for your IT needs guarantees you are receiving quality support. Each technician goes through an intensive 4-step vetting process. Only the top 5% of applicants are accepted. Additionally, all technicians are interviewed over video and go through a Technical test, personality test, and background check.
Our IT Field Technicians’ Specialties
Many routine IT services aren’t tailored to provide the white-glove treatment that some industries require. Techmate field technicians are specially trained in providing services to legal, accounting/finance, manufacturing, and other professional service industries.
Clients who partner with Techmate can expect on-site support for hardware configurations and troubleshooting as well as personnel to assess their technical environment and provide feedback or implement solutions to resolve IT problems.
Additionally, clients can expect more sophisticated solutions to issues, such as software installation, hardware repair, and break/fix problems that can arise in day-to-day operations.
Why Choose a Techmate Technician?
The security and vitality of your organization is important. Partnering with Techmate ensures that your organization’s IT needs are in good hands with a partner who can provide superior supplemental support. Our technicians have a 97% resolution rate and maintain at least a 4.8/5 star customer satisfaction score. This guarantees that you receive the best possible service when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a field technician do?
A field technician is responsible for providing on-site services related to the installation, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment or systems. They often work in various industries like telecommunications, electronic equipment, or information technology. Field technicians also interact with clients directly, providing expert support and customer service.
Do field technicians need to travel for their job?
Yes, field technicians often need to travel for their job. Their work involves visiting various locations to install, maintain, and repair systems and equipment, meaning their tasks are not confined to a single workstation or office.
What qualifications or skills are required to become a field technician?
To become a field technician, one usually requires a high school diploma or GED and technical training in their chosen field. Key skills include problem-solving abilities, good communication and customer service skills, and technical equipment and tools knowledge. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience are also beneficial.
Are there different types of field technicians? If so, what are they?
Yes, there are various types of field technicians. Some examples include Telecommunication Field Technicians, Oil and Gas Field Technicians, Environmental Field Technicians, IT Field Technicians, and Electronic Field Technicians. Their roles and responsibilities may vary widely depending on their specific field.
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