Career Spotlight: Critical Facilities Technician
In-depth Look at the Career and Experience of a Critical Facilities Technician
In an increasingly digital world, the demand for reliable and uninterrupted access to data and information is paramount. Whether it’s a data center, a hospital, a financial institution, or a telecommunications hub, critical facilities play a pivotal role in ensuring that essential services and systems remain operational 24/7. The professionals responsible for maintaining these critical facilities are critical facilities technicians.
A critical facilities technician is a highly skilled individual tasked with the crucial job of maintaining and managing complex infrastructure systems. These professionals work primarily in environments where any downtime or disruption could have catastrophic consequences, such as financial losses, data breaches, or even threats to public safety.
What Does a Critical Facilities Technician Do?
Critical facilities technicians have a range of responsibilities that revolve around maintaining the reliability and functionality of critical infrastructure. Here are some of their key duties:
- Monitoring Systems: Technicians constantly monitor various systems, including power distribution, cooling, and security.
- Maintenance and Repairs: They perform routine maintenance, inspect equipment for signs of wear or damage, and make repairs when necessary.
- Emergency Response: In the event of power outages or equipment failures, critical facilities technicians are often the first responders, working quickly to resolve issues.
- Testing and Inspections: They regularly conduct tests and inspections to ensure that all systems are functioning optimally and meet safety standards.
- Record-Keeping: Technicians maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and any incidents.
- Energy Efficiency: They strive to improve the energy efficiency of critical facilities by implementing measures to reduce power consumption and environmental impact.
Where Do Critical Facilities Technicians Work?
Critical facilities technicians work in a variety of settings, including schools, factories, offices, warehouses, and more. They work for companies that have manufacturing and industrial plants such as in the energy and utilities fields.
How Much Do Critical Facilities Technicians Make?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for critical facilities technician is $80,489 per year in the United States. The low average was reported at $69, 613, while the highest average was reported at $91,740.
How to Become a Critical Facilities Technician
Becoming a successful critical facilities technician requires technical skills, knowledge, and personal attributes. Some of the essential qualifications and attributes include:
- Technical knowledge
- Troubleshooting skills
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Safety awareness
In addition, a critical facilities technician requires a basic education and a few years’ experience working in the field.
Education Required to Become a Critical Facilities Technician
The minimum qualifications for a career as a critical facilities technician is a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree as well as certifications like electrical and HVAC.
Excelsior University’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology prepares students for technical positions in the nuclear industry. Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, the program provides knowledge in areas such as reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, and instrumentation and control related to nuclear engineering technology field.
Critical facilities technicians work to ensure the smooth operation of critical infrastructure facilities, ensuring essential services stay up and running. The demand for skilled critical facilities technicians is likely going to continue to grow, making this a rewarding and essential career path for those with the right skills and dedication.
