Chemical Plant Operators
Chemical plant operators run the machines and control the processes used when making chemicals.
Chemical plant operators monitor all steps of the production process. They ensure the quality of the product and troubleshoot any problems.
| Wages |
$18.26 per hour on average
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| Outlook |
The outlook is Data not available
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| Education & Training |
Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) is common.
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| Related Programs (Current training programs available) |
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| On the Job |
Work Activities
- Take samples of products and test them for quality.
- Monitor instruments, meters, and lights, to verify processing.
- Compare samples against standards.
- Talk to engineers, scientists, or supervisors to report or improve safety, production time, and quality.
- Inspect equipment for possible or actual hazards, wear, or leaks. Look for damage that would require machines to be turned off for repair.
- Discuss maintenance with repairers.
- Alert engineers who operate power or ventilation systems to change the amount of air, power, or steam.
- Check chemical tank levels using measuring rods.
- Patrol work area to look at chemical levels in overflow tanks.
- Defrost frozen valves using steam hose.
- Record test data, the amount of chemicals used, and the amount of product produced.
- Follow supervisors' directions to shut down equipment in emergencies.
- Interpret chemical reactions using sight glasses.
- Check panel lights to be sure they are working correctly.
- Adjust settings on equipment to change the speed of the chemical process.
- Start pumps to clean tanks, empty gases and vapors, and mix product with water.
- Turn valves to control flow of product through tanks and storage drums.
- May direct workers who operate machinery.
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| Career Pathways |
Maintenance and Operations
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| Similar Careers |
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemical Equipment Operators
- Chemists
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| Find Jobs |
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