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Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer

323314 · Medium

Career data Close match

Optical technicians use specialised equipment to cut, grind and polish lenses for prescription glasses, contact lenses and other optical aids.

Most common salary $55k – $76k
Upper salary up to $107k
Training No specific training

Description

Assembles, calibrates, installs and overhauls mechanical precision instruments and equipment.

Typical work tasks

Assembles parts and sub-assemblies of precision instruments and locks, timepieces and firearms; dismantles precision instruments, locks, timepieces and firearms, repairing and replaces defective parts, and reassembles articles using hand and power tools and specially designed machines; calibrates precision instruments using standard weights and measures, jigs and fixtures, and hand tools to adjust and align parts and small balancing weights; may estimate costs and prepare quotes for repairs.

Typical work environment

  • Works indoors, usually in small workshops associated with retail premises.
  • Work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • The physical demand is light to medium.
  • Standing at workbenches or engineering machines such as grinders and lathes is likely.
  • Sitting on stools at workbenches is frequently required.
  • Employees frequently walk about the worksite to move equipment, supplies and carry out various tasks.
  • Stretching up or across is not required.
  • Squatting, crouching and/or kneeling is not a significant feature of the job.
  • Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant feature of the job.
  • Lifting, carrying or moving items is frequently required but is unlikely to exceed light to medium physical demand.
  • Repetitive movements are required on an occasional to frequent basis.
  • Driving is not a significant component of the job.
  • Employees frequently use a range of hand and small power tools (e.g. small precision lathes, a range of precision hand tools such as soldering irons, pliers, cutters and micro-screwdrivers). They will also use precision measurement and may utilise electronic testing equipment.
  • Bending is occasionally required when at workbenches.
  • Mental skills necessary include practical, technical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
Entry signal Reviewed

Requires a substantial formal qualification.

Entry barrier Formal qualification
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 3
Next-day ready No

How this was determined (model-generated): Precision instrument maker is a skilled trade entered via Level 4 qualification/apprenticeship; no licence gate.

Entry Requirements

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

Further Comments

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.