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What does a General Service Technician do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A general service technician is a person who repairs and maintains a variety of different types of equipment. They may work on cars, trucks, buses, or other vehicles. They may also work on industrial machinery, such as tractors or generators.

General Service Technician job duties include:

  • Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs vehicle automotive systems including engine, transmission, electrical, steering, suspension, braking, air conditioning, etc.
  • Communicates with customers regarding the status of their vehicle.
  • Test drives vehicles to verify repair completion.
  • Keeps abreast of factory technical bulletins.
  • Maintains cleanliness in work area.
  • Completes all paperwork and documentation related to repairs.
  • Follows all company safety policies and procedures.
  • May perform basic maintenance and light repairs such as oil changes, tire rotations, etc.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

General Service Technician Job Requirements

A General Service Technician is someone who has a high school diploma or equivalent, and has completed a certified training program. They must have at least 1 year of experience working in the automotive field, and must be able to pass a background check.

General Service Technician Skills

  • Basic automotive repair
  • Electrical systems
  • Brakes
  • Suspension
  • Steering
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Engine repair
  • Transmission repair
  • Drive train repair
  • Exhaust systems
  • Preventative maintenance

Related: Top General Service Technician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a General Service Technician

A General Service Technician is a highly skilled and versatile automotive technician who is able to perform a wide range of repair and maintenance services on cars and light trucks. They are often the first point of contact for customers who have problems with their vehicles, and as such, must be able to diagnose and solve a variety of automotive issues.

Becoming a General Service Technician requires completing an accredited training program at a vocational school or community college. Many programs take two years or less to complete, and offer both classroom and hands-on instruction. During their training, students learn about automotive systems, diagnostic techniques, and repair procedures. They also gain experience working on actual cars and trucks in a supervised setting.

After completing their training, General Service Technicians must obtain certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification is voluntary, but it demonstrates to employers and customers that a technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job effectively. To become certified, technicians must pass one or more exams covering different aspects of automotive service.

Once they are certified, General Service Technicians can find employment at auto dealerships, repair shops, fleet operators, and other businesses that maintain vehicles. With experience, they may advance to positions such as lead technician or service manager. Some technicians also open their own auto repair shops.

Related: General Service Technician Resume Example

Related: General Service Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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