National

Control or operate an entire chemical process or system of machines.

Sample of reported job titles: Operator, Chemical Operator, Process Technician, Process Operator, Operations Technician, Process Development Associate, Chemical Plant Operations Technician, Continuous Operator, Control Room Operator, Process Development Technician

Tasks

• Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, and yields.
• Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, and other indicators, and listen for warning signals, in order to verify conformity of process conditions.
• Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
• Record operating data such as process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
• Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, and product quality.
• Draw samples of products, and conduct quality control tests in order to monitor processing, and to ensure that standards are met.
• Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
• Start pumps to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases and vapors, to regulate the flow of oil, steam, air, and perfume to towers, and to add products to converter or blending vessels.
• Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors, and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
• Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks and troughs are not in danger of overflowing.

back to top

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Technology used in this occupation: