Supervises and performs the scheduling
and analysis of maintenance performed on vehicles and equipment. Uses a computer
to manage the vehicle data collection system and develops local retrievals to
obtain specific data. Files historical data and maintains vehicle records.
Alternate Titles:
MAINTENANCE DATA ANALYSTS;
DISPATCHERS
Duties and Responsibilities:
BACKGROUND
Regular maintenance
extends the time aircraft, vehicles, and machinery can be used. To make sure
military equipment is well maintained, the services prepare detailed maintenance
schedules. Preventive maintenance analysts promote equipment maintenance. They
watch schedules and notify mechanics about upcoming maintenance
needs.
WHAT THEY DO
Preventive maintenance analysts in the
military perform some or all of the following duties:
Review maintenance
schedules and notify mechanics about the types of service needed
Compare
schedules to records of maintenance work actually performed
Prepare
charts and reports on maintenance activities
Calculate how many mechanics
and spare parts are needed to maintain equipment
Operate computers and
calculators to enter or retrieve maintenance data
PHYSICAL
DEMANDS
Normal color vision is required to read and interpret maintenance
charts and graphs in some specialties.
Some specialties require the
ability to speak clearly.
HELPFUL ATTRIBUTES
Helpful school
subjects include general mathematics and algebra. Helpful attributes
include:
Interest in working with numbers and
statistics
Preference for work requiring attention to
detail
Ability to use mathematical formulas
Interest in working
with computers
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Preventive maintenance
analysts usually work in office settings.
TRAINING
PROVIDED
Job training consists of 4 to 15 weeks of classroom instruction.
Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically
includes:
Equipment maintenance management concepts
Accounting
procedures
Statistical reporting methods
Parts and supply
inventory control procedures
CIVILIAN COUNTERPARTS
Civilian
preventive maintenance analysts work for government agencies, airlines, and
large transportation firms. They also work for firms with large numbers of
machines. They perform duties similar to military preventive maintenance
analysts.
OPPORTUNITIES
The services have about 9,820
preventive maintenance analysts. On average, they need 770 new analysts each
year. After job training, new analysts work under close supervision. As they
gain experience, they are given more responsibility and more difficult work
assignments. Eventually, they may become supervisors of maintenance control
units.
