Technician Assistant Careers at WVU Medicine

Role Overview

The Technician Assistant role at WVU Medicine is a crucial support position within the Facilities Engineering department. This role provides assistance with a variety of tasks aimed at maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff. The Technician Assistant works closely with skilled technicians and engineers, providing hands-on support and contributing to the overall efficiency of the facilities maintenance operations. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain experience in facilities engineering and develop valuable skills in a healthcare setting.

A Day in the Life of a Technician Assistant

Each day as a Technician Assistant at WVU Medicine may bring diverse responsibilities. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day might involve: * **Morning:** Arrive and receive daily assignments from the supervisor or lead technician. Gather necessary tools and equipment for the day’s tasks. * **Equipment and Material Transport:** Deliver tools, parts, and equipment to various job sites throughout the facility. Ensure materials are transported safely and efficiently. * **Assisting Technicians:** Support technicians by holding, lifting, or moving heavy equipment and materials. Assist with the setup and preparation of work areas. * **Inventory Management:** Help maintain the storeroom inventory by organizing parts and supplies. Assist with inventory counts and restocking as needed. * **Building Maintenance:** Perform basic building maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, unclogging drains, and minor painting repairs. * **Responding to Trouble Calls:** Address immediate trouble calls, such as fixing minor plumbing issues, repairing office equipment, or hanging wall decorations. * **Patient Care Equipment Repairs:** Conduct basic repairs on patient care equipment, including beds, overbed tables, and wheelchairs, ensuring they are safe and functional. * **Preventive Maintenance:** Assist technicians with routine and preventive maintenance work orders on building systems and equipment, following established procedures. * **Documentation:** Complete time sheets, work orders, and inventory sign-out sheets accurately. Ensure compliance with all regulatory forms. * **Training and Development:** Participate in on-the-job training and formalized education programs to enhance skills and knowledge in facilities engineering. * **Safety Inspections:** Identify and report any equipment-related conditions that could compromise patient or staff safety. Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines. * **Collaboration:** Work closely with other team members, including technicians, engineers, and supervisors, to ensure smooth operations and timely completion of tasks.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. As the home of West Virginia University, Morgantown is a vibrant community with a youthful energy and a strong sense of community. WVU Medicine is one of the largest employers in the region, providing stable job opportunities and contributing to the economic vitality of the area. Morgantown is known for its affordability, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. The city boasts a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, parks, and outdoor activities along the Monongahela River. The Cheat Lake area is particularly popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. The city also offers a diverse cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. WVU’s Creative Arts Center hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and dance recitals. The local dining scene is equally diverse, with a mix of locally owned restaurants, cafes, and breweries. For families, Morgantown provides access to quality education, with highly rated public and private schools. The city also has a number of family-friendly attractions, such as the West Virginia Botanic Garden and the Spark! Imagination Lab children’s museum. Overall, Morgantown offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong job market, affordable living, and plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment, making it an ideal location for building a career and raising a family.

Career Path for a Technician Assistant at WVU Medicine

The Technician Assistant role at WVU Medicine serves as an excellent entry point into the field of facilities engineering. With experience and further training, individuals in this role can advance to higher-level positions within the department. Here is a potential career path: 1. **Technician Assistant:** Entry-level position providing support to technicians and engineers, performing basic maintenance tasks, and gaining hands-on experience. 2. **Maintenance Technician:** With experience and additional training, a Technician Assistant can advance to a Maintenance Technician role, responsible for performing more complex maintenance and repair tasks on building systems and equipment. 3. **Facilities Technician:** Further advancement can lead to a Facilities Technician position, where the individual will be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving a wide range of facility-related issues, often specializing in a particular area such as HVAC, electrical, or plumbing. 4. **Facilities Engineer:** With a relevant engineering degree and experience, a Facilities Technician can progress to a Facilities Engineer role. This position involves designing, planning, and overseeing the maintenance and repair of building systems and infrastructure. 5. **Facilities Manager:** At the highest level, a Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire facilities department, managing budgets, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of all building systems. WVU Medicine is committed to providing opportunities for employee growth and development. They offer various training programs, tuition reimbursement, and mentorship opportunities to help employees advance in their careers.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for a Technician Assistant at WVU Medicine typically ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine also offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) or other retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions. * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Coverage:** Short-term and long-term disability insurance. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA):** Options for pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Assistance for continuing education and professional development. * **Employee Discounts:** Discounts on WVU Medicine services and products, as well as other local businesses. * **Wellness Programs:** Programs and initiatives to promote employee health and well-being.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is known for its supportive and collaborative work environment. The organization is committed to providing high-quality patient care and fostering a culture of teamwork and respect. Employees are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to the continuous improvement of the organization. WVU Medicine also places a strong emphasis on employee development and growth. They offer a variety of training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement resources to help employees reach their full potential. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

How to Apply

To apply for the Technician Assistant position at WVU Medicine, please visit the WVU Medicine careers website. Search for the Technician Assistant position and follow the online application instructions. Be sure to include a resume and cover letter highlighting your qualifications and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. **What are the minimum qualifications for the Technician Assistant position?** * The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and a satisfactory background check. 2. **Is prior experience in facilities engineering required?** * Prior experience is not required, but formal training beyond high school (e.g., technical school, apprenticeship, or college) is desirable. 3. **What are the primary responsibilities of a Technician Assistant?** * The primary responsibilities include assisting technicians with maintenance and repairs, delivering tools and equipment, and performing basic building maintenance tasks. 4. **What opportunities are there for career advancement?** * Opportunities for career advancement include progression to Maintenance Technician, Facilities Technician, Facilities Engineer, and Facilities Manager roles. 5. **Does WVU Medicine offer tuition reimbursement?** * Yes, WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development. 6. **What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?** * The work environment at WVU Medicine is supportive, collaborative, and focused on providing high-quality patient care. 7. **What benefits are offered to employees?** * Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, and disability coverage. 8. **How do I apply for the Technician Assistant position?** * You can apply for the position by visiting the WVU Medicine careers website and following the online application instructions. 9. **Is there on-the-job training provided?** * Yes, on-the-job training is provided to help Technician Assistants develop their skills and knowledge. 10. **Are there safety precautions in place for this role?** * Yes, safety precautions are in place, and employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and protective wear. By following this guide, potential applicants should have a strong understanding of the Technician Assistant role at WVU Medicine, as well as the organization and its location, Morgantown, West Virginia.