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Occupation AtlasChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

O*NET · 51-9011.00

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

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.

Also called Acid Operator · Acid Patroller · Acid Polymerization Operator · Acid Purification Equipment Operator · Acid Recovery Operator · Acid Retort Operator · Acid Tender · Aluminum Hydroxide Process Operator
40 more

Ammonia Nitrate Operator · Ammonia Still Operator · Chemical Equipment Controller · Chemical Machine Tender · Chemical Operator (Chemical Tech) · Chemical Process Equipment Operator · Chemical Process Operator · Chemical Reactor Operator · Chemical Tech · Chemical Unit Operator · Chlorination Operator · Chlorinator · Chlorinator Operator · Chlorine Cells Operator · Chlorine Operator · De-Ionizer Operator · Dehydrogenation Converter Operator · Desulphuring Operator · Desulphurizer Operator · Devulcanizer Operator · Devulcanizer Tender · Hydrochloric Acid Operator · Multiskill Operator · MVA Operator · MVA Operator (Monovinylacetylene Operator) · MVA Reactor Operator · MVA Reactor Operator (Monovinylacetylene Reactor Operator) · MVA Still Operator · MVA Still Operator (Monovinylacetylene Still Operator) · Nitroglycerin Separator Operator · Outside Operator · Oxidation Operator · Process Equipment Operator · Process Operator · Reactor Operator · Spray Dry Operator · Still Operator · Wet Mix Operator · White Lead Filterer · Zinc Chloride Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.57
  • C Conventional4.56
  • I Investigative3.16
  • E Enterprising1.27
  • S Social1.12
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent89%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Related work experience
None (56%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (43%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (56%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Time Management3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Troubleshooting2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Coordination2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Instructing2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Evaluation2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Sciencebasic2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Equipment Maintenance2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Persuasion2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Repairing1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment Selection1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

23 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.4.6
  2. Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.4.5
  3. Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.4.4
  4. Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.4.4
  5. Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.4.4
  6. Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.4.4
  7. Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.4.4
  8. Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.4.4
  9. Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.4.3
  10. Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.4.3
  11. Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.4.3
  12. Load products into tanks for shipment.4.2
Show the other 12
  1. Read plant specifications to determine products, ingredients, or prescribed modifications of plant procedures.4.1
  2. Dump or scoop prescribed solid, granular, or powdered materials into equipment.4.1
  3. Estimate materials required for production and manufacturing of products.4.1
  4. Notify maintenance engineers of equipment malfunctions.4.0
  5. Drain equipment, and pump water or other solutions through to flush and clean tanks or equipment.4.0
  6. Observe and compare colors and consistencies of products to instrument readings and to laboratory and standard test results.4.0
  7. Add treating or neutralizing agents to products, and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities or to precipitate products.3.8
  8. Make minor repairs, lubricate, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.3.8
  9. Implement appropriate industrial emergency response procedures.3.8
  10. Flush or clean equipment, using steam hoses or mechanical reamers.3.7
  11. Direct activities of workers assisting in control or verification of processes or in unloading of materials.3.3
  12. Inventory supplies received and consumed.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Chemistry4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Production and Processing3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mathematics3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Mechanical3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Education and Training2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Administration and Management2.72.6
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.6
  • Administrative2.41.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Physics2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Customer and Personal Service2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Telecommunications2.01.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Biology1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Building and Construction1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Design1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Transportation1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Food Production1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Economics and Accounting1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sales and Marketing1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Communications and Media1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Psychology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • Geography1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.83.8
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Control Precision3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Oral Comprehension3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Comprehension3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Expression3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Perceptual Speed3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Information Ordering3.33.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility3.13.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Rate Control3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Reaction Time3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Written Expression3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Multilimb Coordination3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Selective Attention3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.02.8
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Speech Clarity2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Response Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Depth Perception2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Speed of Closure2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static Strength2.62.6
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Number Facility2.32.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Dynamic Strength2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare Sensitivity2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Stamina2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Explosive Strength2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Night Vision1.90.9
  • Sound Localization1.90.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.54.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.22.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Getting Information4.13.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.8
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
Show all 41
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.83.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Processing Information3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.22.6
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.22.9
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.6
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Working with Computers3.12.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing and Building Teams2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Thinking Creatively2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.4—
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.1—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.8
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.6
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.6
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Time Pressure4.4
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection4.4

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • SAP softwarehot

Hot (2; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
  • IBM Notes
  • Operational databases

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  2. Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  3. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
  4. Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
  5. Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
  7. Biomass Plant Technicians
  8. Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
  9. Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.