Instrumentation Technician

We need Instrumentation Technicians to keep a mine’s most sensitive equipment in fine working order. They need to monitor, diagnose and correct systems and instruments—as well as install and test new versions—that are integral to the smooth operation of a mine.

What is it like to work as an Instrumentation Technician in mining?

Note: conditions vary according to employer and region.

Instrumentation Technicians are critical to mining operations because they install, modify and repair machinery and equipment at all stages of production. They already have working experience in machine testing, calibrating and installation, as well as mini-computer systems, interfaces and displays, including programming languages and analytical measurements.

Why are People Attracted to this Career?

Instrumentation Technicians are responsible for supporting automated systems used to meet production requirements of a mine’s day-to-day operation. Those attracted to this career are good with their hands, passionate about tools and excited by taking complex machinery apart to put it back together again. They are driven by the opportunity to update and improve instrumentation control, communication and computer systems in important ways.

Job Description

  • Use wiring diagrams and layouts to assemble and install electronic and pneumatic equipment

  • Test and program computer control systems

  • Analyze electronic control field instruments to diagnose faults

  • Calibrate and fix electrical circuits, communication networks and control field equipment

  • Report and record accurate observations, results and data from on-site evaluations

  • Perform preventative maintenance, repairing and adjusting of systems components

  • Identify and provide direction for improvement of operator workstations

Starting salary

$44,000.00

Top Salary

$97,500.00

Demand in Mining

1 2 3 4 5

Skill Transferability Among Other Industries

1 2 3 4 5

Success Profile

  • Capacité à cerner les priorités et à résoudre les problèmes avec une attitude positive
  • Excellentes compétences en communication et habiletés interpersonnelles
  • Capacité à nouer et à entretenir des relations de travail positives avec un large éventail de membres du personnel et de la communauté
  • Capacité à bien travailler sous pression
  • Facilité avec la mécanique
  • Volonté d’apprendre
  • Disposition à exécuter des tâches répétitives ou routinières
  • Supervision minimale requise
  • À l’aise avec les nouvelles techniques et technologies
  • Intérêt pour les mathématiques, les sciences, l’informatique et tout ce qui concerne la mécanique
  • Compréhension et respect des procédures, des règlements et des lois en matière de sécurité

Job Entry Requirements

Note: The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not take into account on-the-job training given to new employees.

FIXED REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Knowledge of electrical safety code, process control and measurement
  • Skilled Trade Certificate as Industrial Mechanic/Millwright
  • Physically fit and mobile
  • Willingness to work in a diverse environment
  • Must be able to pass a medical test
  • Must be able to pass a drug test
  • Proficiency in language of operation

May Be Required

  • Available to be on-call 24 hours per day
  • Valid driver’s licence

ASSETS

  • Instrumentation certificate
  • Industrial equipment repair experience
  • Experience with control systems, including distributed control systems (DCSs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
  • Knowledge of hydraulics and electronics
  • Previous mining experience
  • Red Seal certification as Industrial Mechanic/Millwright
  • Willingness to relocate
  • Other languages