Instrumentation and Control Technicians and Mechanics

Nature of work

Instrumentation and control technicians and mechanics install, maintain, and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing. They work for pulp and paper processing companies, nuclear and hydro power generating companies, mining, petrochemical and natural gas companies, industrial instrument companies, manufacturing companies, and industrial instrument servicing organizations.

Job duties

Instrumentation and control technicians and mechanics:

• Refer to manufacturer's manuals, circuit diagrams, and blueprints to verify tests and maintenance procedures for instruments used for measuring and controlling flow, level, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and other variables in manufacturing and processing.
• Inspect and test operation of instruments and systems.
• Repair and adjust system components like sensors, transmitters, and programmable logic controllers, or remove and replace defective parts.
• Calibrate components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications.
• Carry out maintenance work and complete test and maintenance reports.
• Install control and measurement instruments on existing and new plant equipment and processes.
• Consult with and advise process operators.

Sample job titles

• apprentice industrial instrument mechanic
• apprentice instrumentation and control technician
• heavy water plant control technician
• industrial instrument mechanic
• industrial instrument technician
• industrial process control equipment repairer
• instrument maintenance mechanic
• instrumentation and control technician
• process control equipment mechanic
• process control equipment repairer

Skills

• Attention to detail.
• Communication.
• Reading Skills.
• Manual dexterity.
• Patience.
• Mathematical and mechanical abilities.
• Ability to reason logically.
• Problem solving.
• Ability to work with tools, equipment and machinery.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work as a team.

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
• Certification for instrumentation and control technicians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for instrumentation and control technicians.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Setting: both indoors or outdoors, in a vehicle, may be more than one location.
• Risks: working with equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools that may be a potential source of accident or injury. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment are used to make sure workers are safe. De-energizing, lock-out and tag-out procedures to ensure safe conditions when working on equipment.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Experienced tradespeople may advance to supervisor positions.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts