Instrument Control Technician
What do they do?
The Instrument Control Specialist supports utilities substations by installing, testing, repairing and maintaining a wide variety of electronic, protective relaying, control, and energy management systems and equipment. This employee is part of the team that conducts mandated North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) testing and compiles documentation to prove compliance.
Career path
Instrument Control Specialists can come from any electrical trade including electrician, substation electrician/mechanic, or electrical engineering. Instrument Control is a senior position requiring much technical expertise. People in these positions report that many years after being in this position, they are still learning new things every day. Since this is an advanced position, the primary opportunity for promotion is to move into a Senior Tech position.
Employers
The types of employers for this position are utility companies and contractors.
Training
This advanced position requires a journey level card and multiple years of experience. One can bid in to this position and then must complete an additional two years of training. An additional two years of training is typically required after bidding into this position.
Educational programs
See our College Programs resource guide for energy industry educational programs.