Field-Based EC&I roles are becoming increasingly common, particularly across infrastructure, energy, defence, and manufacturing sectors. But managing these remote and site-based workers brings its own set of challenges.
Whether your business is preparing for a shutdown, commissioning a new system, or sending technicians to a client site, it’s essential to provide the right structure, support, and clarity from the start.
Here are the key considerations every client should keep in mind when managing field-based technicians and engineers.
- Define travel and accommodation arrangements early
One of the most common areas of confusion? Travel and accommodation.
- Who arranges travel? Is the worker expected to drive or take public transport?
- Where will they stay? Is accommodation provided, reimbursed, or self-funded?
- How close is the site? Proximity to the job can affect fatigue, punctuality, and morale.
Being clear about logistics from the beginning helps avoid disputes and sets the tone for a respectful working relationship.
- Set expectations around shift patterns and site rules
Field-based roles often come with long hours, night shifts, or irregular patterns especially during shutdowns or commissioning phases.
Make sure to communicate:
- Expected shift start and end times
- Weekend or callout requirements
- Any rota-based scheduling (e.g. 10 days on / 4 off)
Don’t forget to brief engineers on site-specific rules, including PPE, signing-in procedures, and health and safety standards.
- Pay structure and allowances must be transparent
Engineers working away from home often expect:
- Higher base rates or day rates
- Living away allowances (LAA)
- Travel reimbursements or per diems
If there are any conditions (e.g. allowances only paid over a certain distance or on weeknights), those need to be spelled out clearly, ideally in writing before a placement begins.
- Field-based roles impact wellbeing, so support matters
Working away from home can take its toll. Long shifts, solo assignments, and time away from family can all lead to fatigue and disengagement.
Simple ways to support workers include:
- Regular check-ins from supervisors or coordinators
- Advance notice of changes to shifts or location
- Encouraging time-off in lieu where possible
- Respecting boundaries around downtime
The companies that retain their contractors, and maintain performance, are often those who look after them beyond the job description.
- Security and compliance can’t be overlooked
For certain projects, particularly in defence, energy or aerospace, your workers may need:
- SC/DV clearance
- Medicals or drug and alcohol testing
- Inductions or site-specific assessments
Planning for these checks early helps avoid delays and ensures you’re only placing engineers who meet your compliance criteria.
- Communication is key to successful deployment
Many of the issues we hear about in field-based roles stem from miscommunication.
Before a technician is even on-site, your recruitment partner should confirm:
- Location and duration
- Hours and breaks
- Local contact person
- Onboarding process
- Kit/tools/PPE requirements
The more detail provided upfront, the smoother the placement will be, and the better your reputation as an employer.
Final thoughts
Managing field-based technicians and engineers effectively isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a working relationship built on clarity, structure, and respect.
At EC&I Partners, we work closely with our clients to ensure all aspects of mobile or remote work are addressed before deployment, reducing dropouts, improving site productivity, and protecting your reputation.
Need support managing a field-based workforce?
Whether you’re staffing a short-term shutdown or a long-term commissioning project, we can help you attract, place, and retain the right EC&I talent.
