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Chemical Plant and System Operators

Also called: Chemical Operator, Loader Technician, Process Operator, Process Technician

What they do:

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • chemistry

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Industrial control software

  • Alarm management system software
  • Distributed control system DCS

Network security or virtual private network VPN management software

  • Coordinated incident management system CIMS software

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $82,670

Education

High school diploma/GED or bachelor's degree is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.