Chemical Equipment Operators & Tenders

Chemical Operator, Multiskill Operator, Outside 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.
On the job, you would:
  • Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
  • Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
  • Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • chemistry
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

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

Abilities

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Hand and Finger Use

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

Visual Understanding

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

Personality

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

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Stress Tolerance

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology In Demand

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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