Working Conditions for Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanicsService technicians usually work indoors, although many make repairs at the worksite. To repair vehicles and equipment, technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, handle greasy and dirty parts, and stand or lie in awkward positions. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common; serious accidents normally are avoided when the shop is kept clean and orderly and when safety practices are observed. Technicians usually work in well-lighted, heated, and ventilated areas. However, some shops are drafty and noisy. Many employers provide uniforms, locker rooms, and shower facilities. When heavy or mobile equipment breaks down at a construction site, it may be too difficult or expensive to bring it into a repair shop, so the shop often sends a field service technician to the site to make repairs. Field service technicians work outdoors and spend much of their time away from the shop. Generally, the more experienced service technicians specialize in field service. They usually drive trucks specially equipped with replacement parts and tools. On occasion, they must travel many miles to reach disabled machinery. Field technicians normally earn a higher wage than their counterparts, because they are required to make on-the-spot decisions that are necessary to serve their customers. The hours of work for farm equipment mechanics vary according to the season of the year. During the busy planting and harvesting seasons, mechanics often work 6 or 7 days a week, 10 to 12 hours daily. In slow winter months, however, mechanics may work fewer than 40 hours a week. More information on Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics occupation Number of Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics Working conditions for Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics Significant points for Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics Training requirements for Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |