Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender

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  Production Occupations

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender

Also Called: Chemical Operator, Chlorination Operator, Multiskill Operator, Outside Operator, Process Operator, Spray Dry Operator, Vessel Operator, Chemical Operator, Chlorination Operator, Multiskill Operator, Outside Operator, Process Operator, Spray Dry Operator, Vessel Operator

What they do

Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

$36,200
Starting Salary (2023)
$51,720
Median Salary (2023)
-5.5%
Projected Job Growth
120,260
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
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.
Notify maintenance engineers of equipment malfunctions.
Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

More Info

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