| Job Description| Education | Skills | Working
Conditions | Salary | Job Future | |
Job Description
Instrument technicians
install and maintain equipment used in the operation and control of industrial
facilities and processes. They work with gauges, pumps, valves, measuring
equipment and electronic gear. In the petroleum industry, they work in
refineries, upgrading facilities, drilling platforms and petrochemical plants.
A typical job scenario for this position is as follows: The instrumentation
technician is working at an upgrading facility (where the quality of crude oil
is improved before being sent to a refinery) investigating instruments used to
monitor chemical flows through a part of the system. Some of the equipment
hasn’t been working properly and the instrument technician was called in on
short notice to fix the problem.
The instrument technician investigates the problem. Because of the complex
nature of the upgrading facility, the instrument technician must be well versed
in mechanical, electrical and computer systems, as they are all related. In
addition to knowing how each component works, the instrument technician has a
fundamental understanding of the physics behind the system’s operation and how
each component affects others in the facility. The instrument technician also
uses tools and electronic testing devices to assist in this task.
The technician quickly figures out the problem, concluding that it is related to
the wear and tear of the components in one of the instruments. Replacing the
components will solve the problem. The technician must first track down a
replacement part and talk to supervisors of the facility to organize a time when
operations can be suspended to give the technician an opportunity to complete
the work.
Later in the day, the instrument technician performs routine maintenance on
other equipment and meets with an engineer to discuss an upcoming project. The
instrumentation engineer will be directly involved in the implementation of a
new piece of industrial equipment designed for the facility. The implementation
will be difficult and will rely on cooperation between the engineer and the
instrumentation technician. Several more meetings will be conducted in the
coming weeks.
The instrumentation technician enjoys the hands-on work but also thrives on the
unique challenges presented. The technician derives satisfaction from ensuring
the efficient operation of the whole facility.
| Instrumentation technicians
ensure equipment meets provincial and federal safety and operating
standards.| Instrumentation technicians
may be responsible for developing or implementing safety policies or
procedures. | Instrumentation technicians
may work as troubleshooters at industrial facilities. | Instrumentation technicians
may work outdoors when in the field. | |
| Relevant high school courses
include math and sciences.| Journeyman certification is
required and can be obtained through a registered apprentice program. | Provincial certification may
be required. | Ongoing safety education may
be required throughout this career. | |
| Good manual dexterity.| Strong mechanical ability. | Good physical condition. | Strong math skills. | Problem-solving skills. | Accuracy and efficiency. | Good communication skills,
both oral and written. | Ability to work independently,
as well as with a team. | Ability to work with little
direct supervision. | |
| Instrumentation technicians
may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.| Instrumentation technicians
may be required to work outdoors in variable weather conditions. | Instrumentation technicians
work in an industrial setting containing potential hazards. | During busy periods, overtime
may be required. | Relocation may be necessary to
be nearer to a job site. | Travel to a job site in remote
areas for weeks or months at a time may be required. | |
European Companies
| Apprentice instrument
technicians typically earn 50 per cent of a Technicians salary during their
first year, 60 per cent during their second year, 70 per cent during their
third year and 80 per cent their fourth year. | ||||
| Entry-level salaries for
Technicians range from approximately USD$35,000 to USD$50,000 per year.| Average salaries range from
approximately USD$55,000 to USD$70,000 per year. | High-level salaries range from
approximately USD$80,000 to USD$90,000 per year. | |
Middle East & Asian Companies
| Apprentice instrument technicians typically earn 50 per cent of a Technicians salary during their first year, 60 per cent during their second year, 70 per cent during their third year . |
| Entry-level salaries for
Technicians range from approximately USD$25,000 to USD$35,000 per year. | ||
| Average salaries range from
approximately USD$40,000 to USD$55,000 per year.| High-level salaries range from
approximately USD$50,000 to USD$75,000 per year. | |
(2000 figures. Salaries range between regions and companies, countries. Some
positions are eligible for performance bonuses, which are not reflected in these
figures).
Job Future
| Above average (approximately
3.5 per cent) job growth is expected for trades-related jobs in general.| Job availability rises and
declines with the price of petroleum products and the strength of markets. | |