Chemical Plant and System Operators
What is a Chemical Plant and System Operator?
Chemical Plant and System Operators are essential professionals in the manufacturing sector, responsible for managing and controlling chemical processes in a plant environment. They oversee the operation of chemical processing equipment and systems to ensure that production runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Their work involves monitoring gauges, dials, and computer panels to assess how the machines are functioning, adjusting controls as necessary to maintain optimal operation, and ensuring that products meet specified standards. Additionally, they are responsible for coordinating activities with other team members, solving operational issues, and maintaining records of production and quality metrics. The role requires a strong understanding of chemical processes, safety precautions, and equipment maintenance to minimize hazards and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Overall, Chemical Plant and System Operators play a critical role in the production of a variety of chemical products, including pharmaceuticals, fuels, and agricultural chemicals.
Tasks
- Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
- Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
- Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
- Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
- Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Industrial control software
- Alarm management system software
- Distributed control system DCS
- Interlock shutdown systems
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Network security or virtual private network VPN management software
- Coordinated incident management system CIMS software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Processing tanks
- Fans
- Chemical tanks
- Distribution or control board fixtures
- Storage tanks
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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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.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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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.
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Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
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
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
- Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
- Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
Work Interests
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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.
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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.
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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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$47650.0 - $108470.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.