Service Technician at United Rentals
Airman with security background uses the GI Bill to retrain as a repair technician.
By Warren Duffie

Kenneth Lambert proudly calls himself a country boy. Growing up in Ohio, Lambert, 31, spent a lot of time on his grandfather’s farm, caring for animals, doing chores and working with his hands operating farm equipment.

Although he worked in security forces (military police) in the Air Force, Lambert maintained a love of engine repair, working on cars as a hobby. So when he left the military, it’s no surprise he decided make his recreation a career.

“I enjoyed working security forces, but I wanted to make a career change,” said the former staff sergeant. “I wanted to follow my heart. Also, I thought there would be more opportunity as a repair technician.”

On the Job
Lambert found his opportunity as a service technician with United Rentals, the world’s largest construction equipment rental company. He maintains and repairs a variety of equipment for corporate and residential customers – including boom lifts, diesel engines, forklifts, cranes, generators and scissor lifts.

Based at a branch in Fayetteville, Ark., Lambert works from 0700 to 1700. He starts his day by reviewing upcoming repair jobs and ordering necessary parts and then begins on current projects awaiting his attention. Some days, he’ll perform one big job while other days are filled with 10 to 15 smaller projects.

“You might be surprised that some of the skills I picked up in security forces help me as a technician,” Lambert said. “Working with people, working at a fast pace and prioritizing my workload. Those are all qualities I learned in the Air Force.” 

In Uniform
Lambert enlisted in the Air Force in 1998. He completed basic training and security forces training at Lackland Air Force Base. He served in Germany, Turkey and Georgia.

When Lambert decided to leave the military in 2007, he first took a few transition classes. When he committed to pursuing a career as a technician, he contacted several large companies and asked what they looked for in such employees. He heard two answers regularly – get some experience or get a certification. 

The Transition
After separating from the Air Force, Lambert took advantage of his GI Bill benefits and earned a certification in diesel engine repair from Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. When he completed his certification in 2008, he worked as an equipment inspector/mechanic at a John Deere dealership.

Lambert moved to Fayetteville in early 2011, visiting local companies to find work. When he stopped by the United Rentals store, the manager said his service technician had just transferred to another location and there now was an opening. After several interviews and a background check, Lambert was hired last March.

“In addition to my certification and experience at John Deere, I also highlighted my military career,” Lambert said. “Specifically, I told how I was a supervisor in command of eight airmen at any time and was a dispatcher who received security calls, sent airmen to the scene and handled paperwork.

“I’m very happy with how my transition turned out, but I would have done one thing differently,” he continued. “I would have earned my certification while still in the military. Granted, I was making a career change, but it would have made things happen a bit sooner for me. I advise anyone in uniform to get any kind of certification while still serving.”  

Lambert’s Advice
Prepare for the possibility of a salary cut. “When I got out of the Air Force, I took a pretty drastic pay decrease. Now, with my certification and job at United Rentals, my pay is comparable to what I was making in the Air Force. If you’re going to leave the military, compare your current salary with what you would make as a civilian – as well as the cost of living where you’re going to live.” 

Continue your education. “Be sure to get your degree. Uncle Sam will pay for it, so go get it. A degree is really worth having in the civilian world.” 

Remember your military training. “Maintain your discipline and commitment to excellence and getting the job done right. These will help you stand out and succeed.” 

How’d You Get That Job?
After separating from the Air Force, Lambert took advantage of his GI Bill benefits and earned a certification in diesel engine repair from Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. When he completed his certification in 2008, he worked as an equipment inspector/mechanic at a John Deere dealership.

Lambert moved to Fayetteville in early 2011, visiting local companies to find work. When he stopped by the United Rentals store, the manager said his service technician had just transferred to another location and there now was an opening. After several interviews and a background check, Lambert was hired last March.

What Lambert Likes About His Job

• Working with my hands.
• Bringing a piece of equipment back to life to be used by someone. It’s very satisfying.

www.gijobs.com/unitedrentals