Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
323314 · MediumOptical technicians use specialised equipment to cut, grind and polish lenses for prescription glasses, contact lenses and other optical aids.
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.
Requires a substantial formal qualification.
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.