Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

Chemical Operator
Chlorination Operator
Multiskill Operator
Outside Operator
Process Operator
Spray Dry Operator
Vessel Operator

What is a Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders?

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders operate or tend to the machinery and equipment used in the chemical production process. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of chemical production systems, monitoring processes, and making adjustments as needed to maintain quality and safety standards. These professionals work in various industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, where they may be involved in mixing, blending, or fermenting processes to create chemical products. Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders typically monitor gauges, meters, and control panels to oversee the equipment's functioning, and they must adhere to strict safety regulations to mitigate the risks associated with handling hazardous materials. Their role often involves troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, collaborating with chemical engineers and other technicians, and participating in routine inspections and quality control measures to ensure production efficiency.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
  • Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
  • Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
  • Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
  • Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.

Technology Skills

  • Electronic mail software
    • IBM Notes
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • SAP software
  • Office suite software
    • Microsoft Office software

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Chemistry

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Mechanical

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

  • Computers and Electronics

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

  • English Language

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

Skills

  • Operation and Control

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Operations Monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Active Listening

    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.

  • Critical Thinking

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

Abilities

  • Control Precision

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

  • Near Vision

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

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Problem Sensitivity

    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.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    49 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Some college, no degree
    21 %
  • Post-secondary certificate
    14 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

Work Activities

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Getting Information

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

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

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

  • Controlling Machines and Processes

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • Maintain safety.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    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.

  • Conventional

    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.

  • Investigative

    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.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$36200.0 - $84310.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Assessment

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