Chemical Technicians
What is a Chemical Technician?
A chemical technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in the development and testing of chemical products and processes. They work under the supervision of chemists or chemical engineers, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and assisting in the production of chemical materials. Chemical technicians are employed in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, materials science, and environmental testing. Their responsibilities often involve preparing and conducting laboratory tests, collecting data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. With a strong foundation in chemistry and laboratory practices, chemical technicians contribute significantly to research and development, quality control, and process optimization efforts within their organizations.
Tasks
- Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
Tools Used
- Laboratory vacuum pumps
- Laboratory balances
- Fume hoods or cupboards
- Laboratory flasks
- Gas burners
Knowledge
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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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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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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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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.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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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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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
- Clean objects.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
Work Interests
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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.
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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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38240.0 - $93340.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.