Chemical Equipment Operators tend or control machinery to create changes or reactions in chemicals during the processing of raw materials into industrial or consumer products, such as detergents, soap, emulsifiers, cosmetics, paints, fertilizers, acids, bleaching agents, and lubricants.

JOB DUTIES

Chemical Equipment Operators may:

Read plant specifications to determine product type, ingredients

needed, and any special procedures required

Start equipment to feed raw materials automatically or dump preweighed ingredients into mixing tanks, heating vessels, or onto conveyors

Set up and adjust equipment and observe gages to analyze and control process conditions such as temperature; pressure; vacuum level; and flow of coolant, steam, and chemical ingredients

Draw samples of the product at specified stages

Perform standard tests or send samples to a laboratory for analyses

Observe color and consistency of the product and compare these observations to instrument readings and laboratory and standard test results

Make any needed adjustments in equipment controls to ensure that the finished products conform to specifications

Inspect equipment for leaks and other hazards

Maintain a log of gage readings, shift production, and equipment malfunctions

Supervise and assign tasks to helpers

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Chemical Equipment Operators may specialize in these areas:

558.382-038 KETTLE OPERATORS control heated reaction kettles to process liquid and solid materials into specified chemical products.

558.685-062 CHEMICAL OPERATORS II

559.382-018 CHEMICAL OPERATORS III. (Helpers) assist in moving, handling, dumping, and weighing of materials; taking recordings of temperature and pressure; cleaning work areas; removing finished products from equipment; and cleaning or washing equipment.

559.582-014 SPECIALTIES OPERATORS control equipment to prepare chemical solutions to meet customers' small-lot or special-order specifications.

558.682-014 DISSOLVER OPERATORS control equipment that dissolves and separates chemicals used in manufacturing chemical products.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Chemical Equipment Operators often work with helpers under the supervision of a chemical leader or shift supervisor. Some of these Operators work in cramped quarters or high places. They might be required to climb ladders to storage areas and tanks. Chemical Equipment Operators usually work in areas that are well lighted and ventilated to reduce the build-up of chemical odors and dust. Workers might be subjected to noise and vibration of machine operations. Operators might be assigned to day, afternoon, or night shifts because the manufacture of chemical products is a continuous process. Operators might be required to work overtime and also on weekends. All employees in a chemical plant might have to wear safety helmets, goggles, safety shoes, gloves, and respirators at all times.

Their safety equipment plus fire extinguishers and hoses, safety showers, and eye wash fountains are usually provided by employers.

Chemical Equipment Operators who join unions must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with your hands

• Activities of a routine, concrete, organized nature

• Activities related to processes, machines, and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Make judgments based on data which can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A certain chemical reaction has to occur at the temperature, absolute zero. What is that temperature in degrees Celsius?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons. Since an atom is electrically neutral, this means that electrons are negatively charged and that the number of electrons must be equal to the number of protons.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation of any changes you had to make to ensure that the specifications of the product were correct.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decided how to adjust the production of a product so that the specifications of that product are met.

Because Chemical Equipment Operators are involved in much physical activity, they must usually pass a strict pre-employment physical. Some employers also administer skill and achievement exams. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed some courses in chemistry. Related work experience might be required.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer and a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Completion of high school chemistry, math, and machine shop classes can provide some exposure to the kinds of materials and equipment used by Chemical Equipment Operators. High school graduates over 18 might gain experience working in summer jobs as Chemical Equipment Operator helpers.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Chemical Equipment Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Chemical Equipment Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entry into Chemical Equipment Operator job openings is through promotion from lower skilled positions in the same plant. However, if there are no eligible employees available to fill openings, individuals who have submitted applications directly to employers may be hired. Information on job openings in this field may be obtained from local offices of Michigan Works! and in newspaper want ads.

           In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

America's Job Bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

Classifieds Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

Michigan Works! (http://www.michiganworks.org)

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Chemical Equipment Operators vary depending on the type and geographic location of the employer, seniority and job classification of the Operator, type of product produced, and equipment operated. Those workers involved in formulating, processing, and testing (class A Operators) earn more than those primarily involved in tending machinery (class B Operators).

Nationally, non-supervisory production employees in the chemical industry which includes Chemical Equipment Operators had average hourly earnings ranging between $14.00 and $23.44 per hour in 2001, depending upon the chemical products produced. Those employed by manufacturers of soaps and cleansers earned the least, while those working for industrial organic chemical manufacturers earned the most. The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.

In Michigan, based on limited data from one major employer, the hourly earnings of experienced Chemical Equipment Operators ranged from $21.00 to $22.05 in mid 2002. In 2001, non-supervisory production employees working in the chemical industry in Michigan, earned an average wage of $19.14 per hour.

Some Operators also receive company stock instead of additional earnings. The amount depends on the achievement of cost-containment goals. Workers on afternoon and night shifts generally receive extra pay.

Most Chemical Equipment Operators receive disability and health insurance, paid vacations and holidays; and pension plans. Some also receive vision, dental, and life insurance; and tuition refund plans. These benefits are paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Chemical Equipment Operators might advance to chemical leader, then to shift supervisor. Many of these Operators are promoted to their position from lower skilled jobs within their plant. Afterwards, depending on the job complexity and size of the plant, they might advance through several Operator skill levels, such as first, second, and third class. It is also possible to advance to chemical leader and shift supervisor. Eligible employees must often bid (request a transfer) for these positions. Selection depends on seniority, education, training, and work experience. Some Chemical Equipment Operators with appropriate education, aptitude, and interest may advance to laboratory technician positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 61,000 Chemical Equipment Operators, tenders, and controllers employed nationally in 2000. Employment of Chemical Equipment Operators is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. The industry distribution for Chemical Equipment Operators looked like this:

However, limited job openings will occur to replace workers who retire, die, or transfer to other occupations.

There were about 4,425 Chemical Equipment Operators and helpers employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. All of them were employed in the manufacturing industry.

Employment of Chemical Equipment Operators in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. About 150 annual openings are expected, with 40 due to growth and 110 due to replacement of Chemical Equipment Operators who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Manufacturers of chemical and allied products have been facing greatly increased import competition in recent years which has led to declining production levels. In an effort to meet this competition, and also to achieve compliance with environmental and regulatory laws, these manufacturers have been modernizing and automating plants and equipment, consolidating plant capacities (of 2 or more plants into one), and switching from low-priced mass produced chemicals to higher-priced specialty chemicals. All of these factors will contribute to a continuing decline in the need for additional Chemical Equipment Operators.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

  EMPLOYMENT                    NUMBER           PERCENT            PROJECTED YEARLY

  REGION                                EMPLOYED      GROWTH             JOB OPENINGS

  Ann Arbor Area                      125                      34.1                      7

  Battle Creek Area                   10                       -25.0                      0

  Benton Harbor Area                35                        17.6                      2

  Detroit MSA                           860                      8.7                        29

  East Central Michigan              20                       36.8                       1

  Flint Area                                20                        5.6                         0

  Grand Rapids Area                 810                      5.6                         24

  Jackson Area                         65                         49.3                       4

  Kalamazoo Area                    1,750                   -4.5                        42

  Lansing MSA                         35                        18.2                       1

  Muskegon Area                      305                      29.3                      17

  Northeast Lower Peninsula     10                        -12.5                      0

  Northwest Lower Peninsula    75                         41.9                      4

  Saginaw MSA                       160                       45.6                       11

  Thumb Area                           35                        -2.7                        1

  Upper Peninsula                     60                         3.4                         2

  West Central Michigan           45                         54.3                       4

 MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development