How to Be Recreational Equipment Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 5, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a Recreational Equipment Technician is to ensure the safety and proper functioning of recreational equipment. This is done by diagnosing and repairing mechanical problems, and performing regular maintenance checks. In addition, technicians may be responsible for installing and configuring the equipment.

Poor maintenance and improper use of recreational equipment can lead to malfunction, injury, and even death. Having a Recreational Equipment Technician on staff is essential to ensure the safety of all users of the equipment and to keep the equipment functioning properly. If a technician is not available to fix any problems, it could lead to expensive repairs or replacement of the equipment, which could result in substantial financial loss.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer to hire recreational equipment technicians who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Gain experience in the recreational equipment field. Consider working in a recreational equipment store or working as a recreational assistant at a local park or recreation center. Working in these positions can give you valuable experience in the recreational equipment field.
Consider attending a technical school or college to gain additional education in the field. Technical schools and colleges often offer certificate programs in recreational equipment maintenance and repair that can help you gain the skills you need to become a recreational equipment technician.
Earn certifications related to recreational equipment maintenance and repair. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have certifications from organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association or the Recreational Equipment Technicians Association.
Apply for jobs as a recreational equipment technician. Once you have the necessary experience and certifications, you can begin applying for jobs as a recreational equipment technician.
Complete on-the-job training as required by your employer. Most employers require recreational equipment technicians to complete on-the-job training before they can begin working independently. During this training period, you will learn how to properly maintain and repair recreational equipment.

Recreational equipment technicians are responsible for maintaining and servicing a variety of recreational equipment. To ensure that they do a good job, they must be reliable and qualified. A reliable technician will show up to their appointments on time, have the right tools and parts, and be knowledgeable about the type of recreational equipment they are servicing.

Qualifications may include having a certification or degree in mechanics, electronics, or engineering; as well as experience working with recreational equipment. Having a good reputation in the community and being able to complete tasks in a timely manner can also help to ensure that a technician is reliable and qualified. With the right qualifications and reliability, recreational equipment technicians can help to provide customers with safe and enjoyable experiences.

You may want to check Recreational Therapist Assistant, Recreational Vehicle Service Writer, and Recreational Vehicle Appraiser for alternative.

Job Description

Perform maintenance and repair of recreational equipment, such as boats, motorized watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles.
Test recreational equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment problems, performing necessary repairs and adjustments.
Lubricate and clean equipment components to ensure optimal performance.
Replace worn or damaged parts, using hand tools or power tools.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations and standards.
Maintain records of maintenance and repair activities.
Provide customer service, including responding to customer inquiries and providing detailed information about recreational equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of recreational equipment, such as bikes, kayaks, snowboards, skis, and camping equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot and repair recreational equipment.
Good customer service skills.
Ability to lift and move heavy items.
Knowledge of safety regulations for recreational equipment.
Knowledge of safety protocols for customer handling of recreational equipment.
Ability to use basic hand tools and power tools.
Knowledge of product warranties and return policies.
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment.

Being a recreational equipment technician requires a unique set of skills. The most important skill is the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment problems. This requires a thorough understanding of the mechanics and electronics of the equipment.

This understanding must also be combined with good communication skills, as technicians must be able to explain their repairs to customers in an understandable manner. Another important skill is the ability to use tools and equipment safely and effectively. Knowledge of safety protocols is essential to ensure that technicians, customers, and equipment are all protected.

Finally, the ability to stay organized and keep records is important to enable technicians to keep track of repair costs and time spent on each job. These skills are essential to successfully repairing and maintaining recreational equipment.

Recreation Specialist, Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialist, and Recreation Program Assistant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with recreational equipment?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with recreational equipment.
How do you stay up to date on the latest technology and products related to recreational equipment?
What safety measures do you take when working with recreational equipment?
What techniques do you use to inspect and maintain recreational equipment?
How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple pieces of recreational equipment?
Describe a time when you had to repair broken or malfunctioning recreational equipment.
How do you handle customer complaints related to recreational equipment?
What methods do you use to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with recreational equipment?
What do you do to ensure that all recreational equipment is properly calibrated and functioning correctly?

Common Tools in Industry

Bike Repair Stand. A tool used to hold a bike in place while repairs are being made. (Eg: Park Tool PCS-10 Home Mechanic Repair Stand)
Socket Set. A set of sockets used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. (Eg: Stanley 92-839 Black Chrome and Laser Etched Socket Set)
Wrenches. Tools used to turn nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. (Eg: Crescent 8-Piece adjustable wrench set)
Allen Keys. Specialty tools used to tighten and loosen hexagonal screws. (Eg: Bondhus 10-piece Balldriver L-wrench set)
Screwdrivers. Tools used to drive screws into and out of materials. (Eg: Milwaukee 48-22-2310 10-piece screwdriver set)
Torque Wrench. A specialized wrench used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener. (Eg: Craftsman 9-31418 Digital Torque Wrench)
Pliers. Handheld tools used to grip, twist, or cut objects. (Eg: Knipex 9K 00 80 06 US Cobra Pliers)
Bike Pump. A tool used to inflate bike tires. (Eg: Topeak JoeBlow Sport III Floor Pump)
Grease Gun. A tool used to lubricate components on a bike. (Eg: Lumax LX-1414 Black Grease Gun)
Cable Cutter. A tool used to cut bicycle cables and housing. (Eg: Park Tool CN-10 Cable and Housing Cutter)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)
American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)
International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA)
National Ski Patrol (NSP)
American Canoe Association (ACA)
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)
International Rafting Federation (IRF)
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
International Association of Ski Mountaineering (ISMA)

We also have Recreational Sports Director, Recreational Vehicle Delivery Driver, and Recreational Vehicle Accessory Installer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Bicycle Mechanics. Bicycle mechanics specialize in the repair and maintenance of bicycles of all types, including mountain, road, and BMX bikes.
Outdoor Gear Maintenance. Outdoor gear maintenance technicians are responsible for inspecting, testing, and repairing any outdoor equipment used for recreational activities, such as camping, fishing, and hunting.
ATV Repair. ATV repair technicians specialize in servicing and repairing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Snowmobile Repair. Snowmobile repair technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing snowmobiles.
Motorcycle Mechanics. Motorcycle mechanics specialize in the repair and maintenance of motorcycles.
Boat Mechanics. Boat mechanics specialize in servicing and repairing recreational boats, including outboard motors and inboard engines.
Small Engine Mechanics. Small engine mechanics specialize in the repair and maintenance of small engines, such as those found in lawn mowers, snow blowers, and generators.
Welding. Welding technicians specialize in welding metal components together in the creation of recreational equipment, such as ATVs and boats.
Fabrication. Fabrication technicians specialize in cutting, shaping, and forming metals into various parts and components used in the construction of recreational equipment.
Electrical Systems. Electrical systems technicians specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems found on recreational vehicles, such as boats and ATVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Recreational Equipment Technician? A1: A Recreational Equipment Technician is a professional who repairs and maintains recreational vehicles, boats, and other outdoor equipment. Q2: What types of skills are required for the job? A2: Recreational Equipment Technicians need to have technical knowledge of engines, electrical systems, plumbing, and carpentry, as well as knowledge of safety regulations and best practices. Q3: How many years of experience is typically required? A3: Experience requirements vary by employer, but typically two to four years of experience in repair and maintenance are required to become a Recreational Equipment Technician. Q4: What type of certification is available for Recreational Equipment Technicians? A4: The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) offers a Certified Marine Electronics Technician (CMET) certification for professionals working with recreational equipment. Q5: What is the average salary for Recreational Equipment Technicians? A5: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Recreational Equipment Technicians is $41,420 as of 2019.

Web Resources

Recreation Technician Imagine | Johns Hopkins University imagine.jhu.edu
Recreation Technician Ecampus Career Hub | Oregon State careers.ecampus.oregonstate.edu
Recreational Technician: Little Rock, AR | Natural Resources Job wfscjobs.tamu.edu