A Day in the Life: Dean Dillon, Technician
As a Technician for SOCOTEC Ireland, Dean Dillon carries out a range of monitoring and surveying works across the island of Ireland.
Having joined Lloyds Datum prior to its acquisition by SOCOTEC, Dean has developed his skills within the industry and find a passion for the technical side of the role, while learning about the constantly evolving equipment and monitoring technologies involved in his job.
Dean on…his career
“I joined Lloyds Datum straight from school at 17 and have been here ever since. Starting at that age gave me the opportunity to develop practical skills on site, while learning from people with years of experience in monitoring and surveying.
“Over the years, my role has developed considerably. I still enjoy going out on-site and supporting our monitoring teams, but I now split my team between fieldwork and more technical, office-based responsibilities. I regularly support our site teams with monitoring projects – it’s something I’ve always enjoyed and is an important part of my role that I want to maintain.”
Dean on…working in monitoring
“Monitoring can take us into completely different environments from one project to the next. No two days are the same – we might be monitoring vibration and noise associate with construction works, installing equipment to monitor infrastructure, or finding a solution for a more unusual monitoring requirement.
“The installation side of the job is particularly interesting because there isn’t always a straightforward answer. Different sites can require completely different installation methods, equipment, communications, reporting arrangements, and monitoring strategies.
“You need to look at each project individually and work out how to collect reliable data while dealing with whatever practical restrictions the site presents. That problem-solving aspect is one of the things I enjoy the most about the job.”
Dean on…working in monitoring
“Monitoring can take us into completely different environments from one project to the next. No two days are the same – we might be monitoring vibration and noise associate with construction works, installing equipment to monitor infrastructure, or finding a solution for a more unusual monitoring requirement.
“The installation side of the job is particularly interesting because there isn’t always a straightforward answer. Different sites can require completely different installation methods, equipment, communications, reporting arrangements, and monitoring strategies.
“You need to look at each project individually and work out how to collect reliable data while dealing with whatever practical restrictions the site presents. That problem-solving aspect is one of the things I enjoy the most about the job.”
Dean on…recent work
“A recent project involved carrying out an offshore installation of a water level sensor. We had to access the monitoring location by RIB, and the sensor had to be installed from a temporary walkway constructed above a group of steel tubular piles. The installation was designed to provide ongoing monitoring of tidal water levels.
“It’s a good example of the type of project we regularly encounter – the monitoring principle itself might be quite straightforward, but the location, access, and installation requirements mean you have to develop a unique solution specific to the site.
“We’re constantly applying the same core monitoring knowledge to different environments and finding practical ways to make it work, which keeps it interesting!”
Dean on…progressing and developing as a technician
“One of the biggest developments in my role over the last few years has been my involvement with the Instantel UK and Ireland dealership and our authorised service and calibration centre.
“Instantel provides vibration, noise, and air overpressure monitoring equipment – we now calibrate, service, and maintain our own fleet of Instantel equipment, allowing us to provide the service directly to our clients
“I particularly enjoy this technical side of the role. It isn’t simply a case of calibrating equipment; it also involves fault finding, servicing, technical support, and helping clients get the most out of their monitoring systems.
“I’ve had the opportunity to visit Instantel’s headquarters in Canada for specialist training and I’m planning on returning soon to learn about new equipment and continue to develop my technical knowledge and skills in this area.”
Dean on…progressing and developing as a technician
“One of the biggest developments in my role over the last few years has been my involvement with the Instantel UK and Ireland dealership and our authorised service and calibration centre.
“Instantel provides vibration, noise, and air overpressure monitoring equipment – we now calibrate, service, and maintain our own fleet of Instantel equipment, allowing us to provide the service directly to our clients
“I particularly enjoy this technical side of the role. It isn’t simply a case of calibrating equipment; it also involves fault finding, servicing, technical support, and helping clients get the most out of their monitoring systems.
“I’ve had the opportunity to visit Instantel’s headquarters in Canada for specialist training and I’m planning on returning soon to learn about new equipment and continue to develop my technical knowledge and skills in this area.”
Dean on…joining SOCOTEC
“Lloyds Datum is one of the newer businesses to have joined SOCOTEC, so we’re currently progressing through the integration process and gradually transitioning our branded equipment and operations across to SOCOTEC.
“From a staff perspective, the acquisition and the transition have been very positive. We’ve been able to continue carrying out our services while having access to the resources and support of the wider SOCOTEC business.
“There is a huge amount of expertise across SOCOTEC. For me, one of the most exciting aspects of the acquisition is the opportunity to learn from the other teams, while bringing our own monitoring capabilities to the business.”
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