Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Career Description: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.

Industry: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Other Job Titles for Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Turn meters on or off to establish or close service.
• Turn valves to allow measured amounts of air or gas to pass through meters at specified flow rates.
• Report hazardous field situations and damaged or missing meters.
• Record meter readings and installation data on meter cards, work orders, or field service orders, or enter data into hand-held computers.
• Connect regulators to test stands, and turn screw adjustments until gauges indicate that inlet and outlet pressures meet specifications.
• Disassemble and repair mechanical control devices or valves, such as regulators, thermostats, or hydrants, using power tools, hand tools, and cutting torches.
• Record maintenance information, including test results, material usage, and repairs made.
• Disconnect and/or remove defective or unauthorized meters, using hand tools.
• Lubricate wearing surfaces of mechanical parts, using oils or other lubricants.
• Test valves and regulators for leaks and accurate temperature and pressure settings, using precision testing equipment.
• Install regulators and related equipment such as gas meters, odorization units, and gas pressure telemetering equipment.
• Shut off service and notify repair crews when major repairs are required, such as the replacement of underground pipes or wiring.
• Examine valves or mechanical control device parts for defects, dents, or loose attachments, and mark malfunctioning areas of defective units.
• Attach air hoses to meter inlets; then plug outlets and observe gauges for pressure losses in order to test internal seams for leaks.
• Dismantle meters, and replace or adjust defective parts such as cases, shafts, gears, disks, and recording mechanisms, using soldering irons and hand tools.
• Advise customers on proper installation of valves or regulators and related equipment.
• Connect hoses from provers to meter inlets and outlets, and raise prover bells until prover gauges register zero.
• Make adjustments to meter components, such as setscrews or timing mechanisms, so that they conform to specifications.
• Replace defective parts, such as bellows, range springs, and toggle switches, and reassemble units according to blueprints, using cam presses and hand tools.
• Investigate instances of illegal tapping into service lines.
• Install, inspect and test electric meters, relays, and power sources to detect causes of malfunctions and inaccuracies, using hand tools and testing equipment.
• Trace and tag meters or house lines.
• Mount and install meters and other electric equipment such as time clocks, transformers, and circuit breakers, using electricians' hand tools.
• Vary air pressure flowing into regulators and turn handles to assess functioning of valves and pistons.
• Attach pressurized meters to fixtures which submerge them in water, and observe meters for leaks.
• Measure tolerances of assembled and salvageable parts for conformance to standards or specifications, using gauges, micrometers, and calipers.
• Repair leaks in valve seats or bellows of automotive heater thermostats, using soft solder, flux, and acetylene torches.
• Clean internal compartments and moving parts, using rags and cleaning compounds.
• Repair electric meters and components, such as transformers and relays, and replace metering devices, dial glasses, and faulty or incorrect wiring, using hand tools.
• Recondition displacement type gas meters and governors, fabricating, machining, and/or modifying parts needed for repairs.
• Cut seats to receive new orifices, tap inspection ports, and perform other repairs in order to salvage usable materials, using hand tools and machine tools.
• Reassemble repaired equipment, and solder top, front, and back case panels in place, using soldering guns, power tools, and hand tools.
• Calibrate thermostats for specified temperature or pressure settings.
• Collect money due on delinquent accounts.
• Recommend and write up specifications for changes in hardware, such as house wiring.
• Dip valves and regulators in molten lead to prevent leakage, and paint valves, fittings, and other devices, using spray guns.
• Splice and connect cables from meters or current transformers to pull boxes or switchboards, using hand tools.
• Clean plant growth, scale, paint, soil, and/or rust from meter housings, using wire brushes, scrapers, buffers, sandblasters, and/or cleaning compounds.
• Clamp regulator units into vises on stages above water tanks, and attach compressed air hoses to intake ports.

Emerging Tasks

• Calibrate instrumentation such as meters, gauges, and regulators for pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
• Clean and lubricate bicycle parts.
• Help customers select bicycles that fit their body size and intended use of the bicycle.
• Install and adjust brakes and brake pads.
• Install new tires and tubes.
• Order bicycle parts.
• Sell bicycles and accessories.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: 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.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• adjust or set mechanical controls or components
• align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
• analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
• analyze test data
• apply cleaning solvents
• burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
• clean equipment or machinery
• conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
• diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
• distinguish colors
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
• install electrical fixtures or components
• install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
• instruct customers in product installation, use, or repair
• inventory stock to ensure adequate supplies
• lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
• maintain equipment service records
• maintain repair records
• maintain welding machines or equipment
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• move or fit heavy objects
• operate sandblasting equipment
• order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read specifications
• read technical drawings
• read utilities metering devices
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• repair or adjust measuring or control devices
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
• replace electronic components
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• solder metal parts or components together
• splice electric cable
• test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
• test electronic or electrical circuit connections
• test mechanical products or equipment
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use hand or power tools
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• use spray application production equipment
• use spray paint equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• verify bank or financial transactions
• use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• write vehicle damage repair estimates
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use pneumatic tools
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• write vehicle damage repair estimates
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use engine diagnostic equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use pneumatic tools
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use x-ray or magnetic inspection techniques
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$22.18
• Average annual wage (2007) - $46,140.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 0.33%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 141
• Employment (2006): 42,991

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