Depending on the industry one works, a junior technician (JT) may be required to perform a variety of duties including software and hardware installation and troubleshooting. Many JTs must also assist other higher level technicians in performing different job duties. A junior technician largely works with mechanical equipment, as well as complex computing systems.
Many JT jobs require employees to maintain in-house computing systems. This may include installing new hardware or software, as well as personalizing these to enhance a company’s productivity. Often, a JT’s job includes troubleshooting, system recovery and making minor repairs.
Junior technician jobs are often offered by mid-sized to large corporations and organizations. Many smaller operations employ junior technicians, as well. Some technicians provide service calls on a freelance basis and may employ a JT to work in this same capacity.
While duties may vary according to the industry and company, a typical junior technician job description states that technicians must provide support to other team members or to an organization’s client base. In particular, junior technicians are often expected to provide supportive assistance to other technicians. Within this capacity, one may be required to provide in-depth technical support or may be required to maintain databases, perform system diagnoses or install new hardware and software.
The qualifications to become a JT require a specialized knowledge of computing and mechanical systems. Many have acquired this knowledge by attending trade schools or by taking college-level courses. Some employers also provide junior technician training via apprenticeship. Additional training in unique programming systems may also be required. After training and working as a JT for a prolonged period of time, many are then qualified to move into higher level technical jobs.
Other junior technician requirements include good communication skills, a keen attention to detail and the ability to interact well with others. Good communication must also extend to explaining complex problems and their solutions in such a way as to allow a person with few technical skills to understand what needs to be done in order to assure that all technical systems are operating at optimal levels. In addition to performing manual tasks, JTs must also exhibit a willingness to work with diverse populations within an organization, as well as with that organization’s client base as needed. A JT must be able to perform multiple tasks within a single time period to assure that all systems are running properly.