The #1 High School and University Resource for Quebec Students
Instrumentation and Control Technician

Instrumentation and control technicians work on measuring and controlling instrumentation. They also service plant process control, monitoring, safety and communications systems. They are knowledgeable in overall plant systems and interactions of processes.

Some of the duties of instrumentation and control technicians are:

1. Consulting diagrams and technical documentation such as schematics, manuals, standards and codes;

2. Maintaining backup and revision documentation for control systems and instrumentation;

3. Installing, configuring, calibrating and maintaining control, measurement and indicating instrumentation (pneumatic, analog & digital);

4. Configuring and programming Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) and Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC);

5. Installing and terminating electrical, pneumatic and fluid connections;

6. Inspecting and testing the operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults;

7. Removing, repairing, adjusting and replacing components;

8. Calibrating components and systems;

9. Assisting engineering in plant design, modification and hazard analysis;

10. Maintaining various computer-based control systems;

11. Performing scheduled maintenance programs; and,

12. Keeping up-to-date with advances in technology in industry and the trade.

Some of the instruments include transmitters, analyzers, sensors, detectors, signal conditioners, recorders, controllers and final control elements. They are used in industry to measure and control variables such as pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force and chemical composition. - 5 -

Instrumentation and control technicians work in various industrial sectors. They may be employed by pulp and paper processing companies, nuclear, thermal and hydro power generating companies, mining, petrochemical, oil and gas companies, steel companies, water treatment facilities, manufacturing companies and industrial instrument servicing establishments.

Instrumentation and control technicians may work in hazardous environments where they may be exposed to confined spaces, heights, noise, dust, cold and heat. There may also be risks working with chemicals, gases, radiation, laser equipment and substances under pressure. Key attributes for people entering this trade are manual dexterity, ability to pay attention to detail, strong problem solving and communication skills, and mathematical and scientific aptitude.

Instrumentation and control technicians interact with other tradespersons and professionals such as process operators, steamfitters/pipefitters, welders, industrial mechanics (millwrights), electricians and engineers.

With experience, they act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They could also move into supervisory, design, advanced control, training or sales positions.

Recently Added Resources
  • Volunteer Centres in Manitoba

    Volunteer Manitoba Suite 410-5 Donald Street South Winnipeg, R3L 2T4 Tel: 888-922-4545 Fax: 204-284-5200 www.volunteermanitoba.ca vmddyck@mts.net More >

  • Boilermaker

    Boilermakers construct, install, test, maintain and repair boilers, tanks and other vessels that contain liquids, gases and dry products. These vessels may have unique characteristics. Boilermakers may work from blueprints to fabricate components from steel or other materials. They often have to attach rigging and work with cranes to lift... More >

  • Aboriginal Job Centre

    The Aboriginal Job Centre lists employment opportunities across Canada that are available to Aboriginal people. Listings can be searched by location, job sector, or key word. More >

  • Grant for Students with Dependants

    This grant provides financial assistance to students with dependent children under 12 years of age at the period of study start date. Students who are eligible for the Grant for Students with Dependants may also be eligible for the Grant for Students from Low-Income Families Delivered by: Human Resources and... More >

  • Machinist

    Machinists possess the knowledge and abilities to set up and operate machines that cut or grind metal and other materials into products with precise dimensions. These machines include lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling machines and boring machines. Machinists work from drawings, specifications and their own measurements to calculate... More >

  • Sprinkler System Installer

    The occupational title "Sprinkler System Installer" defines persons who, because of their knowledge, training and abilities, are capable of installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing fire protection systems. Sprinkler System Installers are usually, but not exclusively, found in industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential situations, such as: plants, factories, office buildings, hotels,... More >

  • Veterinary Colleges in Canada

    The Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3 Université de Montréal 3200, rue Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 The Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 The Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon,... More >

  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

    A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >