51-8091.00Apprenticeship

Chemical Plant & System Operators

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Manufacturing
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Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
  • Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
  • Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
  • Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
  • Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
  • Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
  • Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
  • Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, or product quality.
  • Start pumps to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases or vapors, to regulate the flow of oil, steam, air, or perfume to towers, or to add products to converter or blending vessels.
  • Gauge tank levels, using calibrated rods.
  • Notify maintenance, stationary engineering, or other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions or to adjust power, steam, water, or air supplies.
  • Calculate material requirements or yields according to formulas.
  • Repair or replace damaged equipment.
  • Direct workers engaged in operating machinery that regulates the flow of materials and products.
  • Supervise the cleaning of towers, strainers, or spray tips.
  • Defrost frozen valves, using steam hoses.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
78%
Operation and Control
75%
Monitoring
66%
Quality Control Analysis
66%
Critical Thinking
63%
Active Listening
60%
Reading Comprehension
56%
Time Management
56%
Active Learning
56%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Judgment and Decision Making
56%
Speaking
53%
Writing
50%
Coordination
47%
Science
47%
Troubleshooting
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Learning Strategies
47%
Repairing
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Equipment Maintenance
44%
Instructing
41%
Mathematics
41%
Systems Analysis
41%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Service Orientation
38%
Persuasion
35%
Negotiation
31%
Equipment Selection
28%
Operations Analysis
28%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Programming
19%
Installation
0%
Technology Design
0%

Knowledge

Production and Processing
68%
Chemistry
67%
Mechanical
66%
English Language
63%
Public Safety and Security
59%
Customer and Personal Service
52%
Mathematics
47%
Education and Training
40%
Computers and Electronics
39%
Engineering and Technology
33%
Physics
33%
Administration and Management
30%
Personnel and Human Resources
28%
Administrative
24%
Transportation
24%
Law and Government
23%
Design
22%
Psychology
21%
Sales and Marketing
21%
Communications and Media
16%
Philosophy and Theology
13%
Biology
13%
Economics and Accounting
12%
Sociology and Anthropology
11%
Medicine and Dentistry
11%
Building and Construction
11%
Telecommunications
8%
Geography
5%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
History and Archeology
4%
Foreign Language
1%
Food Production
1%
Fine Arts
0%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
69%
Near Vision
69%
Selective Attention
69%
Deductive Reasoning
66%
Oral Expression
66%
Oral Comprehension
66%
Perceptual Speed
63%
Far Vision
63%
Control Precision
63%
Information Ordering
63%
Hearing Sensitivity
60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
60%
Reaction Time
56%
Auditory Attention
56%
Written Comprehension
56%
Speech Recognition
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Inductive Reasoning
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Written Expression
53%
Manual Dexterity
53%
Visual Color Discrimination
53%
Category Flexibility
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Multilimb Coordination
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Speed of Closure
47%
Rate Control
47%
Number Facility
47%
Visualization
44%
Mathematical Reasoning
44%
Trunk Strength
44%
Wrist-Finger Speed
44%
Extent Flexibility
41%
Static Strength
41%
Memorization
41%
Depth Perception
38%
Gross Body Equilibrium
38%
Stamina
35%
Fluency of Ideas
35%
Response Orientation
35%
Originality
28%
Gross Body Coordination
28%
Dynamic Strength
25%
Glare Sensitivity
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Spatial Orientation
16%
Sound Localization
13%
Explosive Strength
13%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Night Vision
10%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
91%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
89%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
84%
Controlling Machines and Processes
80%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
76%
Training and Teaching Others
76%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
71%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
71%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
68%
Performing General Physical Activities
65%
Documenting/Recording Information
65%
Working with Computers
65%
Handling and Moving Objects
63%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
54%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
54%
Processing Information
53%
Analyzing Data or Information
52%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
50%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
50%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
46%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
37%
Coaching and Developing Others
36%
Developing and Building Teams
36%
Performing Administrative Activities
35%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
35%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
33%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
32%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
32%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
31%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
28%
Scheduling Work and Activities
22%
Assisting and Caring for Others
22%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
22%
Thinking Creatively
18%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
15%
Selling or Influencing Others
13%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
11%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
10%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
8%
Staffing Organizational Units
8%

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

100%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

99%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

96%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

95%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

94%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

92%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

90%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

89%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

89%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

87%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

87%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

85%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

84%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

80%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

79%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

78%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

78%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

78%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

77%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

76%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

74%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

73%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

73%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

71%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

70%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

68%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

66%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

66%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

65%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

64%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

64%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

64%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

60%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

59%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

58%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

57%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

56%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

53%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

50%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

48%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

44%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

43%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

43%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

36%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

35%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

35%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

28%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

26%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

17%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

17%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

16%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

9%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

8%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

8%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

5%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

5%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

0%

Bachelor's degree

0%

Post-secondary certificate

0%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

88

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

71

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

38

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

11

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

5

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Cautiousness
91%
Dependability
88%
Attention to Detail
86%
Stress Tolerance
72%
Integrity
71%
Self-Control
69%
Perseverance
61%
Achievement Orientation
54%
Adaptability
46%
Self-Confidence
38%
Cooperation
34%
Initiative
28%
Intellectual Curiosity
28%
Humility
16%
Sincerity
16%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
13%
Optimism
4%

Work Values

Support
78%
Working Conditions
61%
Independence
56%
Relationships
50%
Achievement
39%
Recognition
33%

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