Chemical Plant and System Operators
Human Advantage 63%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.3 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
Also Known As: Ammonia Still Operator, Ammonia Technician, Badger Distiller Operator, Bucket Wash Operator, Chemical Operator, Chemical Plant Operator, Chemical Process Operator, Chemical Production Operator +29 more
Core 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.
- Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
- Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
- 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.
- Notify maintenance, stationary engineering, or other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions or to adjust power, steam, water, or air supplies.
- Repair or replace damaged equipment.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Gauge tank levels, using calibrated rods.
- Calculate material requirements or yields according to formulas.
- 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.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (7)
Tools & Equipment (60)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Sewing Machine Operators 78% match
Zone 2
Chemical Plant and System Operators You are here
Zone 3
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic 78% match
Zone 4
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 74% match
Engineering Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Chemical Plant and System Operators You are here
Zone 3
Nuclear Technicians 78% match
Zone 4
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 74% match
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