INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIANS Number 485 Interest Area 5-D 1998
THE JOB
INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIANS test, certify, install, repair, inspect, maintain, and help to develop complex instruments that measure and record changes in industrial environments. The process-controlled systems operated by these technicians are central to the operation of such facilities as chemical plants, canneries, food processing plants, air and water pollution control agencies, petroleum refineries, and power plants.
Technicians test and record the effects of varying conditions, actual or simulated, such as vibration, temperature, humidity, pressure, differential pressure, liquid flow and level, altitude, acceleration, pH, conductivity, stress, and chemical analysis. They prepare graphs and written reports translating test results into meaningful terms.
Technicians select, install, calibrate, and check out telemetering and recording instruments and circuits. Using engineering data, and considering the limitations of the equipment being tested, they develop specifications for nonstandard apparatus and equipment.
They may make sketches and build or modify jibs, fixtures, instruments, and related apparatus. They also may verify the acceptability of devices which have been fabricated by craft workers or other technical personnel. In addition, technicians, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on test apparatus and peripheral equipment.
Some Instrumentation Technicians work as field service representatives who install and maintain equipment and systems at the customer's worksite. In addition to providing preventive and corrective maintenance, their duties may involve training the customer's employees and advising them of proper procedures to use to avoid equipment breakdowns.
In the performance of their duties, technicians operate calculators, computers, testing devices, and laboratory equipment. They use drafting tools, complex electronic and mechanical instruments, and also use engineering handbooks and other reference materials.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Although working conditions vary widely for Instrumentation Technicians, most work areas will be relatively new, modern, air-conditioned buildings that offer a pleasant working environment. Instrumentation Technicians may work in the engineering or prototype department, in the main production department, or at their own test benches. Due to the delicate nature of many electronics products, technicians may perform much of their work in "clean rooms" in which the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled. All workers in clean rooms wear masks, gloves and smocks or coveralls, which are usually referred to as "bunny suits." The work may occasionally require lifting up to 20 pounds, standing, stooping, climbing, and working in tight or confined control panels. Depending on the worksite, technicians may be exposed to chemicals, extreme temperatures, pressures, and vacuum.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The number of Instrumentation Technicians in California should increase nearly as fast as the average for all occupations through 2005.
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians and Technologists that includes Instrumentation Technicians.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 49,250 Estimated number of workers in 2005 58,760 Projected Growth 1993-2005 19% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 14,360
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
A projected increase of over 9,000 new jobs, combined with the estimated 14,000 workers leaving the labor force, will result in 23,000 job openings in California by the year 2005 for this occupational group.
The need for industry to modernize, install labor-saving equipment, and replace old systems with those featuring the latest technologies assures a continuing need for Instrumentation Technicians.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wage data represents the broad occupational grouop Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians and Technologists that includes Instrumentation Technicians. Median ranges represent wages reported for the 11 counties that studied these occupations between 1993 and 1995. Starting wages for technicians range from $6.50 to $11.33 per hour. Journey-level positions pay from $9.25 to $17.87 per hour. Senior-level positions may go as high as $11.00 to $23.50 per hour.
The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Many companies employ technicians on swing and night shifts. Night shift employees can expect up to an additional 10 percent in pay. Most plants shut down twice a year to overhaul their continual operating systems. These "turnarounds" (lasting one to three weeks each) can offer Instrument Technicians 12-16 hour work days, seven days a week.
Field service technicians normally have the opportunity for unlimited overtime by being "on call" during their off-duty hours. Such overtime work is sometimes compensated at time and one-half, or double time on holidays.
Fringe benefits usually include all major holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, health and life insurance plans. Some employers also offer profit- sharing, stock-option plans, and bonus programs. If required, protective clothing is usually supplied by the employer.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Instrumentation Technicians must understand and apply electronics theory. High school students interested in this field should study mathematics, general physics, and laboratory science. These jobs, according to representatives from personnel departments, will require at least two or three years experience, an Associate of Arts or Science degree, or completion of an Instrument Technician program at a private technical school.
California has several private and public two-year colleges and technical schools offering courses in instrumentation technology or engineering technology. Technicians learn hands-on laboratory skills as well as theory in electronic and electrical circuitry and digital and microprocessing computers.
Good communication skills, both oral and written, are necessary since reports and verbal explanations are usually part of the job. The job also requires good manual dexterity, good vision, and color perception.
Technicians who are graduates of qualified technical institutes may become certified by organizations such as the Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians. They may also become members of the Instrument Society of America and similar professional societies. Membership in such organizations is not mandatory but serves as a good way to keep informed of advancing technology.
ADVANCEMENT
Instrumentation Technicians who demonstrate skill and leadership may be promoted to supervisory-level positions. Those who continue their formal education and earn at least a Bachelor of Science degree may advance to a wide range of professional engineering positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants for technician positions should contact employers directly, and should respond to want ads in local newspapers or trade journals. In addition, some employers frequently list their openings with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES
American Society for Engineering Education 1818 N St., N.W., Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 331-3500 www.asee.org
National Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technologies 1420 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314-2794 (703) 684-2835 or (888) 476-4238 www.nicet.org
Instrument Society of America P.O. Box 12277 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (919) 549-8411 www.isa.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Elect. & Electronic Engineering Technicians No. 60 Data Processing Equipment Repairers No. 152 Precision Instrument Repairers No. 393
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Instrumentation Technician 003.261-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians and Technologists 225050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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