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Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Outdoor Power Equipment Technician work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Outdoor Power Equipment Technician. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Outdoor Power Equipment Technician click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Equipment Maintenance

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician

work outdoors

Outdoor power equipment technicians repair, service, and maintain small gasoline and diesel powered marine, power, recreational, and turf equipment.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Physics; Shop; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Repair; Personal; Religious and Other Services; Retail Trade; Information; Culture and Recreation.

  • DutiesDetails

    In general, outdoor power equipment technicians:

    • Use testing equipment and technical manuals to figure out what is wrong with engines, motors and other mechanical parts.
    • Adjust, repair or replace mechanical or electrical system parts using hand tools and equipment test and adjust repaired equipment.
    • Perform regular maintenance service on equipment.
    • Talk to customers to let them know about work performed and general condition of equipment.
    • Estimate repair costs.

    In Alberta, the outdoor power equipment technician trade is divided into 2 branches:

    • Power equipment technicians.
      • Who work with equipment such as:
        • Generators.
        • Mowers.
        • Aerators.
        • Golf cart.
        • Chain saws.
    • Recreational equipment technicians.
      • Who work with equipment such as.
        • Snowmobiles.
        • ATV machines (quad, Argo, etc.).
        • Outboard motors.
        • Jet drives in boats and personal watercraft.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Large shops.
      • Ventilation in shops to reduce risk of fumes.
      • Dirty greasy work.
      • Noisy work during engine testing.
      • Risk of injury working with hand and power tools.
      • Risk of injury working with high temperatures.
      • Risk of injury working with sharp edges.
    • Outdoors
      • Lifting up to 65 kilograms.
      • Dirty greasy work.
      • Noisy work during engine testing.
      • Risk of injury working with hand and power tools.
      • Risk of injury working with high temperatures.
      • Risk of injury working with sharp edges.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • Evening, weekends and holidays during busy months.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Up to 20 kilograms indoors.
    • 65 kilograms or over working outdoors.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Mechanical ability.
    • Interest in all types of machinery and engines, electronics and precision equipment.
    • Good customer service skills.
    • Willing to work long hours in the busy season.
    • Able to work alone or as part of a team.
    • Able to think logically and solve problems.
    • Able to keep up to date with changes in technology.
    • Able to stand for long periods.
    • Able to work in awkward, tight or confined spaces.
    • Enjoy doing precise work.
    • Enjoy working with hands.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.
    • Your employer believes your skills and knowledge are the same as a certified journeyperson.
    • You are self-employed in this trade.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 10-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 10-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.
    • If you already have training or work experience in this trade, it might count towards certification.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 3 years.
    • 1st year: 1000 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training.
    • 2nd year: 1000 work hours + 8 weeks classroom training.
    • 3rd year: 1000 work hours + 8 weeks classroom training.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • Ppeople leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Seasonal climate.
    • Time of year.

    Future Trends:

    • More than 600 Albertans work in this category.
    • Expect above average growth of 3.3% from 2013 to 2017 in Alberta.
    • Forecast 20 new positions each year.
    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

    Industries/Businesses employing people in this trade include:

    • Equipment Dealerships/Distributors.
    • Retailers.
    • Rental Companies.
    • Construction Contractors.
    • Landscaping Companies.
    • Golf Courses.
    • Parks and Recreation Departments.
    • Forestry.
    • Equipment Manufacturers.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates for power equipment technicians vary but generally range from $21 to $28 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).

    Wage rates for recreational equipment technicians vary but generally range from $18 to $24 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $18.13 to $23.54 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $21.76 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails

    For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.