In the Army:
Cannon Crewmember; Cavalry Scout; Combat Engineer; Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer; Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer; Unit Supply Specialist; Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Chemical equipment operators run the machinery used to control chemical reactions in the manufacture of products from coffee creamer and ketchup to plastics, biomedical products, and industrial coatings. Chemical equipment operators spend much of their time monitoring equipment and processes. They operate a wide variety of equipment, such as pumps, valves, and blowers to ensure processes run smoothly, and record the readouts of gauges and instruments. Chemical equipment workers often handle chemical ingredients; they measure, weigh, and mix substances and add catalysts and reagents to trigger chemical changes. At different stages of production, they test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels and more. To keep conditions safe, they patrol work areas to detect leaks and other hazards. Work schedules are typically 40 hours a week, sometimes including long shifts. Workers must maintain focus and attention to detail, as chemicals may be dangerous if released or handled improperly. Production facilities are often loud, and workers wear protective equipment much of the time. Chemical equipment operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although related college coursework or technical certificates may be helpful.
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.
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
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
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
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
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
high school diploma/GED or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Army, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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