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Automation Technician

Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots automated mining equipment including autonomous haul trucks and drill systems. A day in the life: Troubleshoot PLCs, support remote-operated equipment, and keep control rooms running. Work environment: Office or control room based; visits to site as needed. Typical schedule: Mostly residential or 5&2 / 4&3 FIFO depending on site. Published salary overview: $65,000 – $110,000. This is a broad profile estimate, not a verified entry, mid-career, or senior wage band. Check current regional Job Bank data and actual postings before making a decision. Education pathway: High school → College instrumentation/automation program → Junior Tech → Automation Technician → Senior Automation Tech. Key skills: PLC programming, Electrical systems, Troubleshooting, Autonomous systems. Common tools: PLC software, Diagnostic tools, Network equipment. Common certifications: Degree or diploma in CS, GIS, data, or related, Site safety inductions, WHMIS. Physical demands: Low — mostly seated, occasional site visits. Common benefits: Camp food and lodging covered at remote sites, Flights paid to point of hire, RRSP matching, Annual production or performance bonus, Extended health and dental, Northern living allowance when applicable , Time-off-in-lieu for long rotations. Compare Automation Technician with GIS Analyst, Data Scientist before choosing a training or job-search path.

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  • Safety Basics training track — Essential safety knowledge for fieldwork, specimen handling, and laboratory environments.
  • GIS Analyst — Creates maps and spatial analyses to support exploration, mine planning, and environmental monitoring using geographic information systems.
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Common questions

What does an Automation Technician do?
Automation Technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots automated mining equipment including autonomous haul trucks and drill systems.
How do you become an Automation Technician in Canada?
The pathway shown in this profile is High school → College instrumentation/automation program → Junior Tech → Automation Technician → Senior Automation Tech. Requirements vary by employer, province or territory, and the responsibilities of the position.
How much does an Automation Technician earn in Canada?
This profile lists a broad estimate of $65,000 – $110,000, not verified entry, mid-career, or senior wage bands. Check current regional Job Bank data and actual postings; compensation varies by employer, location, experience, schedule, and date.
What is the work environment and schedule for an Automation Technician?
Typical work environment: Office or control room based; visits to site as needed. Typical schedule: Mostly residential or 5&2 / 4&3 FIFO depending on site. Conditions vary by employer, project, location, and whether the role is site-based, residential, or fly-in/fly-out.
Who may be a good fit for a career as an Automation Technician?
This profile highlights these fit signals: Enjoys problem solving; Comfortable being away from home for stretches; Pays attention to safety; Likes working in a team. Use them as prompts for comparison, not as formal hiring criteria.

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