Instrumentation Assistant

Job Purpose

The Instrumentation Assistant provides support to qualified Instrument Mechanicians and Technicians by assisting with instrument maintenance, calibration preparation, installation work, and housekeeping activities, ensuring safe, reliable, and accurate operation of process instrumentation within the zinc mining operation.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Health & Compliance

• Work in accordance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, mine standards, and instrumentation procedures.
• Follow all permit‑to‑work, lock‑out/tag‑out, isolation, and hazardous area requirements as instructed.
• Use prescribed PPE and tools at all times.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, spills, damaged instruments, or leaks.
• Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, and safety meetings.

Instrumentation Maintenance Support

• Assist Instrument Mechanicians and Technicians with:
• Planned and breakdown instrumentation maintenance
• Calibration preparation and restoration of instruments
• Installation and removal of field instruments

Support work on:

• Flow, level, pressure, and temperature instruments
• pH, ORP, conductivity, and basic analyser equipment
• Weigh feeders, belt scales, and load cells (under supervision)
• Assist with loop checks and functional testing as instructed.

Tools, Materials & Logistics

• Prepare and transport tools, test equipment, and spares to work areas.
• Assist with cleaning, inspection, and storage of instrumentation tools.
• Support spares handling and correct material identification

Housekeeping & Plant Standards

• Maintain neat, clean, and safe work areas including:
• Instrument racks and panels
• Analyser houses
• Field instrument installations
• Assist with cleaning and protecting instruments from dust, moisture, and corrosion.

Operational & Shift Support

• Assist during instrumentation breakdowns to minimise plant downtime.
• Support instrumentation activities during shutdowns and maintenance windows.
• Carry out tasks as directed to support production priorities.

Learning & Development

• Gain practical on‑the‑job experience under supervision.
• Attend training, inductions, and development programmes.
• Work towards increased competency and potential trade qualification where applicable.

Administration & Reporting

• Assist with completion of basic job cards and checklists.
• Report faults, abnormal readings, leaks, or damaged equipment to supervisors.
• Support record‑keeping of calibration and maintenance activities when required.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 10–12 or equivalent
• Basic understanding of workplace safety
• Ability to follow instructions and safe work procedures
• Medically fit for mine work

Advantageous

• Basic instrumentation or technical training
• Pre‑apprenticeship or assistant experience
• Exposure to mining or process plant environments

Experience Requirements

• 2 years experience in an industrial, mining, or technical environment preferred
• No trade qualification required for entry level

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Basic identification of instrumentation components
• Handling of basic tools and equipment
• Awareness of calibration and measurement principles
• Understanding of housekeeping and contamination control