Median Annual Wage: $48,090
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (49%); Some college, no degree (21%); Post-secondary certificate (14%)
Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)
Related Job Titles: Production Technician; Production Operator; Operator; Chemical Operator; Vessel Operator; Multiskill Operator; Outside Operator; Chlorination Operator; Process Operator; Spray Dry Operator
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders.
More Production Careers
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- 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.
- Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
- Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
- Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities or send them to laboratories for testing.
- Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down if necessary.
- Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
- Implement appropriate industrial emergency response procedures.
- Read plant specifications to determine products, ingredients, or prescribed modifications of plant procedures.
- Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
- Dump or scoop prescribed solid, granular, or powdered materials into equipment.
- Notify maintenance engineers of equipment malfunctions.
- Estimate materials required for production and manufacturing of products.
- Add treating or neutralizing agents to products and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities or to precipitate products.
- Observe and compare colors and consistencies of products to instrument readings and to laboratory and standard test results.
- Direct activities of workers assisting in control or verification of processes or in unloading of materials.
- Drain equipment and pump water or other solutions through to flush and clean tanks or equipment.
- Flush or clean equipment, using steam hoses or mechanical reamers.
- Make minor repairs, lubricate, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
- Inventory supplies received and consumed.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders.
- Operation 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.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders.