Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Adjust cameras, photographic mechanisms, or equipment such as range and view finders, shutters, light meters, or lens systems, using hand tools.86
• Disassemble equipment to gain access to defect, using hand tools.85
• Test equipment performance, focus of lens system, diaphragm alignment, lens mounts, or film transport, using precision gauges.84
• Clean and lubricate cameras and polish camera lenses, using cleaning materials and work aids.84
• Install electrical assemblies and wiring in aircraft camera housings and memory cards or film in cameras, following blueprints and using hand tools and soldering equipment.83
• Requisition parts or materials.79
• Calibrate and verify accuracy of light meters, shutter diaphragm operation, or lens carriers, using timing instruments.78
• Examine cameras, equipment, processed film, or laboratory reports to diagnose malfunction, using work aids and specifications.76
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, diagrams, instructions, or specifications to determine needed repairs, fabrication method, and operation sequence.75
• Measure parts to verify specified dimensions or settings, such as camera shutter speed or light meter reading accuracy, using measuring instruments.74
• Assemble aircraft cameras, still or motion picture cameras, photographic equipment, or frames, using diagrams, blueprints, bench machines, hand tools, or power tools.67
• Fabricate or modify defective electronic, electrical, or mechanical components, using bench lathe, milling machine, shaper, grinder, or precision hand tools, according to specifications.64

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Troubleshooting72

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Repairing69

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Critical Thinking63

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Equipment Maintenance60

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Quality Control Analysis60

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Active Listening53

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving53

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Judgment and Decision Making53

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Time Management53

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Learning50

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Equipment Selection50

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mechanical73

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Computers and Electronics68

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Customer and Personal Service65

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• English Language63

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Engineering and Technology57

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Administrative45

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Education and Training44

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Sales and Marketing42

  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

• Administration and Management41

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Mathematics41

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Design38

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Personnel and Human Resources36

  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision72

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Visualization69

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Finger Dexterity66

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness60

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Problem Sensitivity60

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Manual Dexterity56

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Written Comprehension56

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Inductive Reasoning53

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Information Ordering53

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Selective Attention53

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Control Precision50

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment78

  Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

• Getting Information68

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems67

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge65

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events64

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials64

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Working with Computers64

  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment62

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Thinking Creatively61

  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work58

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information51

  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People51

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail92

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability73

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness63

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Achievement Orientation48

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Perseverance48

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Intellectual Curiosity40

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Innovation31

  A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

• Adaptability30

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Self-Confidence29

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Integrity27

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance27

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Self-Control20

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic99

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional64

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative28

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic16

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social3

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually78%
  • More than half the time18%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important63%
  • Very important37%

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day91%

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom58%
  • Some freedom30%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day80%
  • Never13%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom63%
  • Some freedom20%
  • Limited freedom12%

• Spend Time Sitting

  • Continually or almost continually46%
  • More than half the time32%
  • About half the time15%

• E-Mail

  • Every day48%
  • Once a week or more but not every day21%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%
  • Never13%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day51%
  • Once a month or more but not every week12%
  • Once a year or more but not every month14%
  • Never13%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day18%
  • Once a week or more but not every day45%
  • Once a month or more but not every week30%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others32%
  • Contact with others most of the time18%
  • Contact with others about half the time20%
  • Occasional contact with others24%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day48%
  • Once a month or more but not every week15%
  • Once a year or more but not every month14%
  • Never23%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Data base user interface and query software

  RepairTRAX

• Electronic mail software

  Email software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Industrial control software

  Statistical process control SPC software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• The Society of Photo-Technologists

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters
• Miscellaneous Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers
• Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators, and media and communication equipment workers, all other
• Electrical and electronics repairers, transportation equipment, and industrial and utility
• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters
• Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters
• Electrical and electronics repairers, transportation equipment, and industrial and utility
• Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
• Prepress Technicians and Workers
• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters
• Avionics Technicians
• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
• Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
• Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Calibrate equipment to specifications.
• Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
• Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
• Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
• Measure distances or dimensions.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Aircraft Photograph Equipment
• Camera Repairer
• Machinist, Motionpic Equipment
• Photo-Equipment Technician
• Photographic Equipment Maintenance