Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas Career Overview

As an Equipment Relocation Technician, you play a vital role in ensuring that essential machinery and equipment are efficiently and safely moved to new locations. Your expertise directly impacts various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Equipment Handling: You are responsible for the careful dismantling, transport, and reassembly of various types of equipment and machinery. Your attention to detail prevents damage and ensures functionality upon relocation.

  • Logistical Coordination: You work closely with logistical teams to plan relocation strategies that minimize downtime and maximize productivity. This involves scheduling, route planning, and inventory management.

  • Safety Compliance: Adhering to safety regulations is critical in your daily operations. You ensure that all equipment is moved in compliance with industry safety standards, protecting both yourself and your colleagues.

  • Communication: You regularly interact with other team members, supervisors, and sometimes clients to provide updates and coordinate move schedules, ensuring everyone is aligned on the process.

  • Technical Familiarity: A deep understanding of the equipment you handle is essential, as this knowledge allows you to troubleshoot potential issues that may arise during relocation.

In this capacity, your work significantly contributes to the operational efficiency of businesses, enabling them to maintain their workflows and adapt to changing needs. By facilitating smooth transitions of equipment, you help organizations keep pace with industry demands and enhance their overall performance.

Equipment Relocation Technician Salary in Texas

Annual Median: $58,300
Hourly Median: $28.03

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas

To become an Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas, you will need to pursue specific educational qualifications and training that align with this career path. The following college degree programs are highly relevant:

  • Applied Engineering Technology
    This program covers foundational engineering principles and provides hands-on experience with equipment and systems used in various industries.

  • Electromechanical Engineering Technology
    A focus on the integration of electrical and mechanical systems prepares you to handle complex equipment and machinery, making this degree particularly useful in relocation tasks.

  • Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology
    This program emphasizes mechanical systems, maintenance practices, and troubleshooting, equipping you with the skills needed for relocating heavy equipment.

  • Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology
    You will gain specialized knowledge in maintaining and operating heavy machinery, which is essential for safe and efficient relocation processes.

  • Industrial Technology
    This broad program combines engineering principles with technology applications, providing you with a versatile background suitable for equipment relocation.

In addition to obtaining a degree, you may also need to complete hands-on training or apprenticeships, and certifications specific to the equipment you will be working with to enhance your qualifications in the field.

Best Schools to become a Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas 2024

Olympic College

Bremerton, WA

In-State Tuition:$4,197
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,465
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:4,905

Refrigeration School Inc

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:61%
Total Enrollment:1,006

Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL

In-State Tuition:$4,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,000
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:25%
Total Enrollment:4,352

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rome, GA

In-State Tuition:$2,400
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,800
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:6,141

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Elizabethtown, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:42%
Total Enrollment:5,648

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Lexington, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:10,318
Equipment Relocation Technician Job Description:
  • Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

Equipment Relocation Technician Required Skills and Competencies in Texas

  • Technical Proficiency: You should be familiar with various types of equipment and machinery used across different industries. Understanding how each piece of equipment operates will aid in safely relocating it.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Being able to identify issues that arise during relocation and implementing effective solutions is essential. This may involve troubleshooting equipment malfunctions or adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

  • Attention to Detail: Careful planning and execution prevent damage to the equipment and ensure safety during the relocation process. Noticing small details can make a significant difference in the successful completion of your tasks.

  • Physical Stamina: Being physically fit and capable of lifting heavy objects is vital. Your role may require you to stand for extended periods, bend, climb, and carry equipment, so maintaining good physical health is important.

  • Communication Skills: You need to effectively communicate with team members, equipment operators, and other stakeholders. Clear communication ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibilities during the relocation process.

  • Time Management: You must prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to meet deadlines. Ensuring that equipment is relocated on schedule is a key part of your responsibilities.

  • Safety Awareness: Following safety protocols and regulations is non-negotiable. You should be adept at recognizing hazards and implementing practices that minimize risks to yourself and others during equipment handling.

  • Organizational Skills: Planning and organizing the layout of the relocation site enhances efficiency. You should be able to create a systematic approach for handling, transporting, and setting up equipment in a new location.

  • Teamwork: Collaborating with coworkers and fostering a cooperative environment is essential. You should be comfortable working in a team to achieve common goals and ensure the smooth execution of relocation processes.

  • Adaptability: Equipment relocation can involve changes in plans or unexpected challenges. You should be flexible and ready to adjust your approach as needed to accommodate new developments.

Job Duties for Equipment Relocation Technicians

  • Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.

  • Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.

  • Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.

Technologies and Skills Used by Equipment Relocation Technicians

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Technical

  • Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs
  • Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working

Job Market and Opportunities for Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas

The job market for Equipment Relocation Technicians in Texas is robust and currently reflects a steadily increasing demand driven by various industries requiring specialized logistics and installation services. This demand is influenced by several factors:

  • Economic Growth: Texas has a diverse economy with substantial growth in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. These industries frequently involve relocating heavy machinery and specialized equipment, contributing to a higher need for trained technicians.

  • Infrastructure Development: Ongoing infrastructure projects across the state stimulate the need for equipment relocation services. Urban development, highways, and public works projects require skilled technicians to ensure the safe and efficient movement of equipment.

  • Expansion of Businesses: As companies expand and relocate operations, the need for equipment relocation increases. The influx of businesses into Texas, particularly in the Austin, Dallas, and Houston areas, creates numerous job opportunities.

  • Technological Advancements: The introduction of new technologies and equipment necessitates the relocation of existing machinery to accommodate upgrades and expansions, further increasing the need for qualified technicians.

In terms of growth potential, the Equipment Relocation Technician role is expected to expand over the next several years due to:

  • Industry Trends: The trend towards automation and advanced manufacturing processes often leads to the relocation of older equipment to make way for newer, more efficient models. This change requires skilled technicians to manage the movement.

  • Workforce Demographics: Many seasoned technicians are nearing retirement, creating a gap that new entrants can fill. This shift opens opportunities for those looking to start their career in this field.

Geographical hotspots for Equipment Relocation Technicians in Texas include:

  • Houston: As the largest city in Texas, Houston has a thriving energy sector and an active port, making it a hub for equipment relocation logistics.

  • Dallas-Fort Worth: The DFW area is home to numerous manufacturing companies and corporate headquarters, resulting in frequent equipment relocations due to business expansions and logistical projects.

  • Austin: Known for its tech industry, Austin sees continuous growth in startups and established companies, creating a significant demand for technicians to relocate equipment as businesses pivot or expand their facilities.

  • San Antonio: With its steady population growth and diverse industries, San Antonio is another key region where the services of Equipment Relocation Technicians are in high demand.

This combination of industry growth, project expansion, and technological advancements ensures a favorable job market for Equipment Relocation Technicians in Texas, providing ample opportunities for career advancement and stability.

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas

  • Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

    • Offers labor market information, educational resources, and training programs relevant to various careers, including Equipment Relocation Technicians.
    • Website: www.twc.texas.gov
  • National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)

    • Provides certifications, training programs, and resources specific to construction and equipment relocation industries.
    • Website: www.nccer.org
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

    • Relevant safety guidelines and standards for equipment handling and relocation to ensure a safe working environment.
    • Website: www.osha.gov
  • American Society of Equipment Engineers (ASEE)

    • Offers resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the equipment and engineering fields, including relocation specialists.
    • Website: www.asee.org
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

    • While focused on electrical and electronic equipment, the IEEE provides valuable technical publications that may be beneficial for those involved in relocating complex equipment.
    • Website: www.ieee.org
  • Texas A&M Transportation Institute

    • Research and resources on transportation methods and logistics, applicable for specialists involved in moving heavy and sensitive equipment.
    • Website: tti.tamu.edu
  • Moving Equipment and Supplies Association (MESA)

    • Industry association providing resources, networking, and advocacy for professionals involved in equipment relocation and logistics.
    • Website: www.movingequip.com
  • Online Learning Platforms

    • Coursera: Offers courses related to logistics, operations management, and equipment handling.
    • edX: Provides access to professional certifications and courses that can augment your skills related to equipment relocation.
  • Local Community Colleges

    • Many Texas community colleges, such as Houston Community College or Austin Community College, offer courses in logistics, heavy machinery handling, and workplace safety.
    • Visit their websites to explore offerings in your local area.
  • Networking Events and Trade Shows

    • Participate in industry-specific trade shows and networking events locally, such as those hosted by the Texas Trucking Association or other logistics-focused organizations.

These resources can help you stay informed, enhance your skills, and connect with other professionals in the field of equipment relocation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas

  • What is an Equipment Relocation Technician?
    An Equipment Relocation Technician is a professional responsible for the disassembly, transport, and reassembly of machinery and equipment in various settings, including factories, offices, and construction sites. This role ensures that equipment is moved safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime for businesses.

  • What qualifications do I need to become an Equipment Relocation Technician?
    While a specific degree isn't always required, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary. Many employers prefer candidates with training or certifications related to equipment handling, logistics, or industrial technology. Additionally, having a background in mechanics or equipment operation can be beneficial.

  • What skills are essential for an Equipment Relocation Technician?
    Key skills include:

    • Strong mechanical aptitude
    • Attention to detail
    • Problem-solving abilities
    • Physical stamina and strength
    • Good communication skills
    • Familiarity with safety regulations and protocols
  • What is the typical salary for an Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. As of October 2023, the average salary for an Equipment Relocation Technician in Texas ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

  • What are the job prospects for Equipment Relocation Technicians in Texas?
    Job prospects are generally favorable, especially as the demand for skilled labor in manufacturing, logistics, and construction continues to grow. Technicians with specialized skills and certifications may find even better opportunities.

  • What type of companies hire Equipment Relocation Technicians?
    Various industries hire Equipment Relocation Technicians, including:

    • Manufacturing firms
    • Construction companies
    • Warehousing and logistics companies
    • Medical facilities for relocating hospital equipment
    • Educational institutions
  • Is this job physically demanding?
    Yes, being an Equipment Relocation Technician can be physically demanding. The role often involves lifting heavy equipment, standing for long periods, and performing tasks in various environments, which can include tight spaces or outdoor settings.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
    Yes, there are opportunities for advancement. With experience, you may progress to supervisory roles or specialize in areas such as project management, equipment installation, or safety compliance.

  • What safety measures should Equipment Relocation Technicians follow?
    It's vital to adhere to safety measures, which include:

    • Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Following proper lifting techniques
    • Ensuring equipment is securely fastened for transport
    • Being aware of surroundings to prevent accidents
  • Can I work as an independent contractor or freelancer?
    Yes, many Equipment Relocation Technicians work as independent contractors. This can provide flexibility in choosing projects and potentially higher earnings, though it may also come with the need for self-employment responsibilities such as securing your clients and managing your business operations.