Mixing and blending machine workers run the machines used to blend everything from industrial chemicals and explosive ingredients to colorful dyes and consumer product ingredients like dough or batter and spices. These workers follow recipes to weigh and measure ingredients, dump them into blending machines, then observe mixing until ingredients reach the desired condition or consistency. Once a product is successfully mixed, it’s transferred into containers or through pumps for additional processing. Mixing and blending machine operators often extract samples for quality control and record production data by filling out forms. To conduct regular maintenance, mixing and blending machine workers drain machines, dislodge jammed materials, and clean them with hand tools. Workers may be exposed to hot or cold conditions, loud noise, and hazardous materials. Many wear safety equipment. Mixing and blending machine workers typically work 40 hours a week or more. Mixing and blending machine operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
On the job, you would:
Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
Compound or process ingredients or dyes, according to formulas.
Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
chemistry
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
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
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
Integrity
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.