OFFICE-MACHINE SERVICERS California Occupational Guide Number 405 Interest Area 5-D 1995
THE JOB
OFFICE-MACHINE SERVICERS inspect, maintain, and repair office machines, such as adding and accounting machines, typewriters, computers, printers, fax machines, cash registers, dictating machines, postage meters, and copiers. The workers may also be referred to as office-machine technicians or repairers; service technicians, typewriter repairers and customer service technicians or representatives. They may specialize in the repair of a single type of machine, the machines of a single manufacturer, or a wide variety of machine types, models, and manufacturers.
Much of the work of Office-Machine Servicers is done on the basis of service calls and is performed at the customer's office, although some servicers work only in a shop. They check, adjust, clean, lubricate, and make repairs to the machines. Usually, the worker carries the most frequently used replacement parts and parts that he or she feels will be required to repair the reported malfunction. If the required repairs cannot be completed at the customer's office, the machine is taken to the shop for repair. In some instances, the servicer will provide the customer with a machine to use while the customer's machine is being repaired.
Repairs are made using various tools and instruments which range from simple to highly complex. Specialized instruments and diagnostic procedures may be required when servicing highly sophisticated devices. Once the malfunction is corrected, the machine is reassembled and tested for proper operation. When the machine functions properly, it is returned to the customer.
Preventive maintenance is a major part of the job for many servicers. Office-Machine Servicers visit customers on a regular basis to inspect the machines for conditions that may lead to malfunction. During these visits, servicers attempt to identify and resolve problems before they result in a breakdown. They also lubricate mechanical parts to reduce wear and adjust components to manufacturer specifications to ensure efficient operation.
Office-Machine Servicers frequently sell new equipment, supplies, and service contracts. They often install or set up office machines for customers, and they may train office personnel in the operation and care of machines that they sell or install.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Servicing office machines is cleaner and does not make the heavy physical demands that repair work does in other mechanical trades. However, servicers must be able to lift the various machines they repair, which may weigh up to 80 pounds. Shops are generally well lighted because the work involves using various tiny parts and fine mechanisms. Work at the shop is usually performed at work benches high enough to permit workers to stand or use a tall stool. On outside service calls, servicers encounter conditions ranging from comfortable modern offices to makeshift spaces in factories and warehouses. Unless the servicer has an in-shop job, driving is required because the worker constantly goes from one service call to another or back to the shop.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of Office-Machine Servicers will grow at an average rate through 2005.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 5,670 Estimated number of workers in 2005 7,150 Projected Growth 1990-2005 26% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,070
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Since the projected growth for all occupations in California is expected to average 24 percent through 2005, this occupation is expected to grow at the average rate.
Present day electronic machines tend to be more reliable than earlier mechanical models. Repair time has diminished due to modular design that allows workers to replace defective modules rather than individual parts. These modules are designed for easy removal and replacement, thereby cutting down on repair time.
The increase in reliability and ease of repair due to modular design, however, should not have an adverse influence on the demand for Office- Machine Servicers. There has been an increase in the variety of machines that servicers repair and the number of machines in operation. In addition, the defective modules removed by servicers are often sent back to the factory where they are reconditioned by other servicers.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Office-Machine Servicers vary according to place of employment and level of experience. Civil service salary for a trainee ranges from $11.56 to $12.57 per hour. Salaries for journey-level workers are from $14.25 to $17.93 per hour. Starting salaries for Office-Machine Servicers who work in repair shops range from $4.50 to $10.00 per hour. Skilled workers may receive up to $16.00 per hour, depending upon ability. Workers who are highly skilled in this occupation can earn up to $29.00 per hour. Medical insurance, vacation, sick leave, and other fringe benefits are often determined by company size.
Office-Machine Servicers usually work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Overtime work may be plentiful in some shops. Most employers will provide transportation or reimburse employees for the use of their vehicles on service calls.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Mechanical aptitude, good manual dexterity, and knowledge of electronics and electrical characteristics are usually required of Office-Machine Servicers. Prospective employees may be required to pass pre-employment tests that demonstrate these characteristics, particularly if they do not have experience or have not successfully completed related training courses. The ability to communicate and to work independently is desirable. Correctable vision and hearing may be required for workers who work with exceptionally small parts, machines that use color coding in their circuits and wires, or machines in which defects may be diagnosed by changes in sound. In some establishments workers must be bondable because they perform work where there is ready access to money and other valuables. A Class 3 driver's license is required for servicers who do field work.
In-school training that includes courses in electricity, electronics, and office machine repair is always desirable and becoming mandatory for many jobs. Some manufacturers offer training for their new Office-Machine Servicers or to servicers who work for those sales and repair establishments that sell the manufacturer's products. The training prepares the worker to service the machines manufactured by that particular company.
Servicers usually provide their own kit of standard hand tools. Depending on the type of machines serviced, this may cost from $200 to $500. Employers normally furnish special tools, and a few provide the entire kit.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement opportunities are often limited to increased responsibility and increases in salary. However, Office-Machine Servicers can sometimes become managers of service departments. They can also often transfer into the company's sales division. With experience, servicers may go into business for themselves or they may be invited into partnership with their employers. These servicers must have good communication skills and the ability to present themselves in a professional manner. They should possess sales ability and a knowledge of business practices and techniques. They will need enough capital to open a shop and purchase repair equipment, merchandise, and parts.
FINDING THE JOB
Office-Machine Servicers may seek jobs through classified advertisements, private employment agencies, the California Employment Development Department Job Service, or by applying directly to employers. Applicants interested in on-the-job training should check with manufacturers or one of the office machine dealers associations.
Civil service job announcements are usually posted in various federal, state, and local government personnel offices. These jobs are filled through competitive examination, which may include both a written test and oral interview.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Business Technology Association 12411 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64145 (816) 941-3100
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Computer Systems Service Technicians No. 152 Vending Machine Mechanics No. 358
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1) Cash-Register Servicer 633.281-010 Office Machine Servicer 633.281-018 Repairer, Typewriter 706.381-030
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Office Machine and Cash Register Servicers 859260
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand