Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

Description

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.

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
  • Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
  • Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
  • Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
  • Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down if necessary.
  • Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
  • Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities or send them to laboratories for testing.
  • Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
  • Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
  • Notify maintenance engineers of equipment malfunctions.
  • Add treating or neutralizing agents to products and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities or to precipitate products.
  • Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
  • Read plant specifications to determine products, ingredients, or prescribed modifications of plant procedures.
  • Drain equipment and pump water or other solutions through to flush and clean tanks or equipment.
  • Make minor repairs, lubricate, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
  • Flush or clean equipment, using steam hoses or mechanical reamers.
  • Observe and compare colors and consistencies of products to instrument readings and to laboratory and standard test results.
  • Implement appropriate industrial emergency response procedures.
  • Dump or scoop prescribed solid, granular, or powdered materials into equipment.
  • Estimate materials required for production and manufacturing of products.
  • Inventory supplies received and consumed.
  • Direct activities of workers assisting in control or verification of processes or in unloading of materials.

Knowledge

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
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.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Consequence of Error
How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Interests

Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Work Values

Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Lay Titles

Acetone Recovery Worker
Acetylene Plant Operator
Acid Bleacher
Acid Cleaner
Acid Concentrator
Acid Condenser
Acid Extractor
Acid Maker
Acid Operator
Acid Patroller
Acid Plant Helper
Acid Plant Operator
Acid Polymerization Operator
Acid Purifier
Acid Recovery Operator
Acid Regenerator
Acid Remover
Acid Retort Operator
Acid Tender
Acid Treater
Aluminum Hydroxide Process Operator
Ammonia Distiller
Ammonia Nitrate Operator
Ammonia Still Operator
Ball Mill Operator
Blow Down Operator
Boiling Tub Operator
Burner Operator
Butadiene Convertor Operator
C D Reactor Operator
C D Still Operator
C D Stripper
Cadmium Liquor Maker
Cat Cracker Operator
Catalyst Operator
Catalyst Recovery Operator
Catalyst Unit Operator
Catalytic Converter Operator
Catalytic Converter Operator Helper
Caustic Liquor Maker
Caustic Operator
Caustic Plant Worker
Caustic Preparer
Caustic Purification Operator
Caustic Room Operator
Causticiser
CD Reactor Operator
Cell Operator
Cell Tender
Chamber Walker
Chamber Worker
Chemical Compounder
Chemical Equipment Controller
Chemical Operator
Chemical Process Operator
Chemical Processor
Chemical Tank Worker
Chemical Treatment Operator
Chemical Unit Operator
Chlorination Operator
Chlorinator
Chlorinator Operator
Chlorine Cells Operator
Chlorine Operator
Clay Plant Treater
Coagulating Bath Operator
Coagulating Operator
Contact Acid Plant Operator
Control Board Operator
Cracking Still Operator
Cracking Unit Operator
Crystalizer Tender
Cuprous Chloride Helper
De-Ionizer Operator
Dehydrogenation Converter Operator

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):
$22.64 hourly, $47,100 annual.
Employment (2008):
56,030 employees