How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Alaska

Do you have a Swiss-army-knife mindset and a need to know how things work?

From Anchorage hospitals to coastal seafood plants, Alaska’s employers want hands-on troubleshooters who can swap a pump, read a schematic, quiet a grinding blower, and keep operations safe in tough conditions.

As the largest state in the United States, maintenance skills in Alaska are in steady demand, offering solid wages, advancement opportunities, and the chance to work on systems most people only read about.

If this sounds interesting, then a career as a maintenance technician may be a good fit.

Here’s your upbeat, practical roadmap to becoming a maintenance technician in Alaska.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Alaska

Write how one goes about becoming a Maintenance Technician in the state you’re writing about, and write step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Research and Review

As with most projects, the first step in becoming a maintenance technician in Alaska is to research the position to ensure it is a good fit.

Each day is different, and regardless of the specialty or employer, the job demands strong problem-solving skills, tenacity, and patience.

Working maintenance can be a summer job, a part-time gig, or a lifelong career.

Step 2: Understand Core Requirements

The minimum requirement to work as a maintenance technician is a high school diploma or equivalent.

Additional expectations are basic knowledge of math, physics, and computer skills.

An understanding of basic hand and power tools, accurate measuring, blueprint reading, locks, and electrical safety is a plus for any entry-level position.

Step 3: Complete A Course or Program

Completing a short or long program is a good way to gain general knowledge.

Even for general ‘handyman’ type work, a certificate as a maintenance technician indicates to employers that you are committed to the job.

Also, most programs have ‘work and learn’ or hands-on lab programs, which is another positive about earning a maintenance certification or degree.

Step 4: Earn the Essentials to Be Competitive

Earn the essential cards and safety certifications. At a minimum, complete OSHA-10 Certification, which can be completed online.

For any work in refrigeration systems, even simple recharge or maintenance, an EPA Section 608 certification (Type I/II/III or Universal) is a federal requirement for anyone servicing or disposing of equipment that could release regulated refrigerants.

Step 5: Start Working to Gain Experience

Experience is key. Depending on the employer and industry, entry-level roles may be called:

• Maintenance helper
• Facilities technician
• Building engineer trainee
• Refrigeration assistant

These positions are ideal for hands-on experience.

Keep a tidy log of your hours and duties, especially if you plan to sit for an exam later; documented on-the-job experience is often part of license eligibility.

Also, this is a good time to start working on a resume.

Add any DIY project knowledge.

Step 6: Consider a Specialty

Consider the options. Maintenance technicians are typically divided into two categories: generalists and specialists.

Many generalists are unlicensed and are expected to know a little bit about everything.

General facility-based jobs usually involve general maintenance of:

• Filters and Windows
• Fixtures and Doors
• Painting and Drywall
• Carpentry

Specialty areas for maintenance technicians include:

• Marine and Aviation
• Manufacturing and Facility
• Construction
• Industrial
• Public works
• Fisheries
• Shipboard Maintenance
• Mining, Oil, and Gas

Step 7: Level Up Skills

Keep learning. Once employed, stack skills that boost versatility and pay.

Attend manufacturer training for new technology, environmental concerns, and add-on credentials, such as:

• Advanced troubleshooting
• Energy efficiency
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• FAA Pilot’s License
• Boating Course or License

Licensing Requirements for a Maintenance Technician in Alaska

The State of Alaska does not require licensing or registration for general maintenance technicians.

However, certain tasks do require state credentials, which can be obtained through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

If your job description includes wiring new circuits, installing boilers, or replacing refrigerant components, an employer may need you to be licensed or pair you with a licensed professional.

It is a good idea to know the difference.

Electrical work beyond minor maintenance requires a state Certificate of Fitness.

Plumbing beyond basic maintenance requires a plumber’s Certificate of Fitness.

Supervising or contracting mechanical work may require a Mechanical Administrator (similar to a contractor) license in a specific category.

Maintenance Technician Programs in Alaska

Numerous programs in Alaska provide maintenance education and certification.

There are also company-supported specialty programs designed to meet a growing need, such as those from ConocoPhillips and Yamaha.

University of Alaska-Fairbanks (UAF)

The University of Alaska at Fairbanks offers an in-person course in facility and building maintenance.

Uniquely designed to train rural Alaskans, it focuses on practices for the specific conditions of northern climates.

Coursework typically covers:

• Construction safety
• Hand/power tools
• Blueprint reading
• Basic carpentry and drywall
• Entry-level plumbing and heating
• Interior repairs

The cost for this $29-credit-hour occupational pathway is $241 per credit hour plus campus fees.

Academy of Alaska – Greenways

The Greenways Academy of Alaska offers an in-depth online career training program.

The Maintenance Technician certification course is a comprehensive, self-paced, 250-hour pathway.

It is designed to prepare men and women for a career as a maintenance technician or manager.

In addition to knowledge and skills, students gain confidence through coursework that includes:

• Basic measurement and inspection
• Introduction to fluid systems
• Abrasives and materials
• Safety and OSHA requirements
• Machining and power tools
• Management skills

The cost of this 18-month course is $1,695, which includes study materials and can be paid in flexible monthly payments or through VA benefits.

Alaska Safety Alliance (ASA)

The Alaska Safety Alliance provides Alaska-specific training programs.

The 50th State has over 6,640 miles of coastline, making marine maintenance skills in very high demand.

To foster career interests, the Alaska Safety Alliance has partnered with the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit to offer the Yamaha Maintenance Certification Program.

Focusing on remote areas, the 460-hour program provides training and job opportunities in marine service technology across Alaska.

The five, two-and-a-half-week courses prepare individuals for certification in:

• Yamaha ITOS
• Yamaha MCP-Portable
• Yamaha MCP-Midrange
• Yamaha MCP-Inline
• Yamaha MCP-V Engine

Costs of the program vary by area and training site.

They range from $2,000 per course module to approximately $9,600 for all modules.

Scholarships and tuition discounts are available through many employers and the ASA.

Veterans are provided a substantial discount or tuition refund.

Salary

Alaska’s job outlook for maintenance technicians is positive.

The projected growth is a 9% increase over the next decade.

This is well above the national average of 5% increase for general maintenance technicians.

Maintenance technician salaries in Alaska vary based on experience, location, and industry.

Entry-level pay ranges from $54,683 or $26 per hour to $80,885 or $38 per hour.

Salary by Metro Area in Alaska

Maintenance Technician by State