Instrument Technician

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.





Education

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.





Skills

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.





Working Conditions

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.





Salary

        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.