Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

What the job really is

Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-9098
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools.
• Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning.
• Tend and observe equipment and machinery to verify efficient and safe operation.
• Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.
• Clean or lubricate vehicles, machinery, equipment, instruments, tools, work areas, and other objects, using hand tools, power tools, and cleaning equipment.
• Hold or supply tools, parts, equipment, and supplies for other workers.
• Diagnose electrical problems and install and rewire electrical components.
• Disassemble broken or defective equipment to facilitate repair and reassemble equipment when repairs are complete.
• Position vehicles, machinery, equipment, physical structures, and other objects for assembly or installation, using hand tools, power tools, and moving equipment.
• Transfer tools, parts, equipment, and supplies to and from work stations and other areas.
• Adjust, maintain, and repair tools, equipment, and machines, and assist more skilled workers with similar tasks.
• Order new parts to maintain inventory.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable wrenches, Air chisels, Air compressors, Atlas Construction Business Forms, Automatic levels

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Helpers--Production Workers
• Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Helpers--Electricians
• Helpers--Extraction Workers
• Helpers--Carpenters
• Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
• Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
• Millwrights

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.