Critical Infrastructure Manager
Data centers are filled with servers and technology that must be reliable 24/7, 365 days a year. To ensure that that’s possible, data centers don’t just require electricity and connectivity,…
Data centers are filled with servers and technology that must be reliable 24/7, 365 days a year. To ensure that that’s possible, they don’t just require electricity and connectivity, data centers also need capable staff. Field technicians are one category of data center professionals.
Everyone has had technicians come to their house to fix the electricity or the heating, but of course a data center technician must have a specific skill set. They have a crucial role in maintaining and ensuring the smooth operation of the data center infrastructure. What is it that they do, exactly? Keep reading to find out.
First of all, there is a distinction to be made between a field technician and a field service engineer. They can perform a lot of the same tasks, but field service engineers also do configuration of the server systems, while a field technician does not. Field service engineers are found more often at companies that still have their own data center and have dedicated people in their IT team. Some external data centers offer managed services and employ them as well. This article will cover the job content of a data center field technician.
A data center field technician’s day-to-day work will be in the data center, right where the action takes place. Their tasks are very specific to that environment, but they cover a wide range of responsibilities. Some of their work is plannable, like installations, but some is unpredictable. They need to be flexible and easily adapt to all kinds of circumstances.
Of course, every data center might have a slightly different job description, but the above provides a general idea.
When it comes to education, there isn’t one singular program that will teach all the specifics of a data center, so field technicians must be interested in learning on the job. Usually, they will have a background in either electricity, connectivity, mechanics, etc., but on-the-job training is an important part of becoming a well-rounded field technician.
Field technicians will also need to be flexible and stress resistant. As mentioned above, some of the work is plannable, but when it comes to troubleshooting, not every day will be predictable. Not only that, but because a data center must be available for their customers 24/7, field technicians will regularly be on standby day and night.
Another important quality is the ability to work safely and securely. Data centers usually have extensive safety measures and procedures in place to limit the risks for their employees, clients and equipment. Field technicians will need to follow all the right procedures to work safely. Risks include working at height or below a raised floor, working with electrical installations, and so on, so safety is a big priority. Working in a data center can also be physically demanding, for example because of heavy lifting or working in unnatural positions, so physical health needs to be monitored.
In summary: data center field technicians have an extensive skill set. They need a combination of technical and problem-solving skills, while remaining flexible and working efficiently in a dynamic environment. They also need good communication skills, not only to communicate internally with other departments, but also externally towards customers. Field technicians are a vital link in ensuring the reliability and optimal functionality of a data center.
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