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Chemical Technicians work with the direction of chemists and chemical engineers to use, sell, and develop chemical and related products and equipment. Most Chemical Technicians work with testing and quality control; research and development; pilot plant operations; and other laboratory work.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Chemical Technicians may:

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests

Analyze solids, liquids, and gases to develop new products and processing methods or to maintain health and safety standards

Set up, adjust, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments needed for tests, research, or process control

Prepare and standardize solutions for use as reagents

Analyze finished products such as foods, drugs, plastics, dyes, and paints to determine composition, purity and other characteristics of chemical content

Test experimental products for potential use

Test ores, minerals, gases, and other materials for the presence and percentage of elements and substances such as carbon, tungsten, nitrogen, iron, gold, or nickel

Prepare chemical solutions for use in processing materials such as textiles, detergents, paper, felt, and fertilizers following standard formulas or experimental procedures

Keep precise and detailed records

Prepare technical reports including charts, tables, and graphs

Compute and analyze results of tests and experiments

Contribute to the solution of chemical-related problems

Assist in the design and installation of production equipment.

Chemical Technicians may use:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Because of the variety of work, many Chemical Technicians specialize in problems unique to one industry such as food processing or environmental protection, or in one activity, such as quality control.

They may specialize in these areas:

029.261-010 LABORATORY TESTERS perform laboratory tests according to prescribed standards to determine chemical and physical characteristics of materials. The purpose of testing may be quality control, process control, product development, or assessment of the product to determine if it meets specifications. Laboratory Testers may be designated according to the product tested such as cement tester, gas tester, paint and varnish technician, or soils tester.

022.261-010 CHEMICAL-LABORATORY TECHNICIANS work under the direction of a chemist, conducting chemical and physical laboratory tests. They analyze materials to develop new products or methods and maintain health and safety standards.

029.361-014 FOOD TESTERS perform standardized tests to determine the quality of the physical or chemical properties of foods or beverages, or to ensure compliance with company or government quality standards. Some Technicians test materials and monitor operations of nuclear-powered electric generating plants using specialized laboratory equipment and chemical and radiation detection instruments. They may be called chemical-radiation technicians.

Experienced Chemical Technicians may also work as technical sales personnel, selling chemicals, chemical products, and equipment.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Chemical Technicians usually work under the direction of a chemist, chemical engineer, or laboratory supervisor. Some Technicians supervise operation in the production of chemical products and may train and supervise several other workers. The work itself may range from uncomplicated, routine tasks to those which are highly complex and challenging.

Chemical Technicians usually work under safe conditions in a well lighted, well ventilated, and comfortable environment. Modern laboratories and manufacturing plants are well equipped to ensure that all operations are conducted safely. Exhaust systems remove unpleasant or dangerous fumes. The use of toxic chemicals is carefully regulated, and flammable or explosive chemicals are used only under maximum safety conditions. Safety precautions are taken in all activities. Technicians may be required to stand for long periods of time.

The hours of work usually follow the normal 5-day, 40-hour week except when processes or tests must be completed without interruption. Large industrial companies operating around-the-clock or research labs may employ Technicians on more than one shift.

Technicians who conduct field tests or work as sales representatives are required to do some traveling.

Some Chemical Technicians, as a condition of employment, must become a member of a local union. Chemical Technicians working in certain geographical locations are usually encouraged to become members of a Technicians' affiliated group within The American Chemical Society (A.C.S.).

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities using special machines, processes, and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic

• Understand the meanings of words and ideas

• Present information effectively

• See detail in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy and safety

• Rate information by measurable, verifiable standards

• Apply mathematics

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A Pt-resistance thermometer has a resistance of 9.81 ohms at 0 degrees Celsius, 13.65 ohms at 100 degrees Celsius, and 21.00 ohms at 300 degrees Celsius. Is the thermometer linear over this range? If it is assumed to be linear between 0 degrees and 100 degrees, will a temperature of 50 degrees deduced from a resistance reading of 1.73 ohms be higher or lower than the true temperature?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The study of thermodynamic properties of solution has two complementary aspects, reflecting alternatives in the analysis. If we assume that we know the dependencies on temperature, pressure, and concentration of the chemical potentials of all components in all of the phases involved, the purpose of the thermodynamic analysis is to predict the characteristics of the equilibrium state.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a thermodynamic analysis following an experiment.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in conducting experiments and preparing precise and detailed records.

A high school diploma emphasizing science and math or its equivalent is a minimum requirement for this occupation. An associate degree is required for the more challenging positions, especially in chemical related high technology companies.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

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

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this CEscript.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

028 CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Chemical Technology provide opportunities to gain the technical knowledge and skills needed to supply supportive services to chemists and engineers. Industries involved in the production of fertilizers, plastics, synthetic fibers, and other industries related to chemistry, employ persons trained in Chemical Engineering Technology.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

067 LABORATORY TESTER

Some people enter occupations within this CEscript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com .

CHEMICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS

Fuels and oils must be free of water and other contaminants to be safely used in aircraft or vehicles. The same is true for chemicals and other materials used by the military. Chemical laboratory technicians test fuels, oils, chemicals, and other materials for quality, purity, and durability.

What They Do

Laboratory technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Obtain petroleum test samples from storage tanks, barges, and tankers

• Test fuels and oils for water, sediment, and other contaminants using laboratory equipment

• Analyze chemicals for strength, purity, and toxic qualities

• Perform chemical and physical tests on clothing, food, paints, and plastics

• Keep detailed laboratory records and files

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to perform chemical tests.

Some specialists may require moderate to heavy lifting.

Work Environment

Chemical laboratory technicians work in laboratories on military bases and aboard ships.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 2 to 13 weeks of instruction, including practice in testing different products. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Testing methods

• Use of lab equipment, such as centrifuges and spectrometers

• Physical and chemical properties of fuel, oils and other products

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army and the Navy offer certified apprenticeship programs for one specialty in this occupation.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include chemistry and mathematics. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in performing technical work

• Interest in working with chemicals and lab equipment

• Ability to follow detailed procedures

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian laboratory technicians work for petroleum refineries, chemical companies, manufacturing firms, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to military laboratory technicians. Civilian laboratory technicians specialize in particular industries, such as petroleum, food processing, or medical drugs. They also may be called fuel and chemical laboratory technicians or laboratory testers.

Opportunities

The services have about 1,000 chemical laboratory technicians. On average, they need about 100 new laboratory technicians each year. After job training, laboratory technicians work in testing laboratories under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and perform more complex analyses. In time, laboratory technicians may supervise or manage test laboratories.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary programs in chemical technology may offer opportunities for experience. Experience may be gained through part-time employment in university labs. Formal apprenticeships and military opportunities exist also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Chemical Technician employer

internships

volunteer work with a Chemical Technician employer

community service work with an agency

Chemical Technicians may find jobs through the placement services provided by the technical institutes or the community colleges they attended or through direct application to employers. Michigan Works! offices may help locate jobs. Some federal government agencies hire and train high school graduates for Chemical Laboratory Technician jobs. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Chemical Society's Career Services

Michigan Careers, Colleges, & Training

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo!hotjobs

CareerBuilder

MONSTER.COM

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

The earnings of Chemical Technicians vary depending on their education, ability, work experience, level of responsibility, employer, and geographic location. Technicians with associate degrees usually earn higher salaries than those with high school diplomas.

Nationally (2003), the median annual salary of Chemical Technicians was $35,568.  In the federal government (2004), Chemical Technicians with a high school diploma and no experience started at $15,442 per year. Those with an associate's degree and no experience started at $17,363; and those with a bachelor's degree started at $21,266 or $26,522, depending on their academic record. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Chemical Technicians employed by several government agencies in Michigan had annual earnings of (mid 2004):

Chemical Technicians may receive paid sick leave, health and life insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and pension plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Some employers may offer stock purchase/savings plans and tuition reimbursement.

Promotion depends on the individual's training, ability to perform efficiently, acceptance of additional responsibility, ability to work with a minimum of supervision, seniority, and additional education. Because a basic education in Chemical Laboratory Technology prepares the graduate for employment in most laboratory settings, a variety of advancement possibilities exist. Graduates with an associate degree continue to work toward a bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, or other related fields. It is not unusual for persons holding bachelor's degrees to work as high level technicians.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 69,000 Chemical Technicians employed in 2002. Employment of Chemical Technicians is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. In addition to openings due to growth, other openings will occur each year due to replacement of those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Graduates of postsecondary school technician training programs will have the best employment opportunities.   The industry distribution for Chemical Technicians looked like this:

There are about 3,200 Chemical Technicians working in Michigan.  Chemical Technicians were employed primarily by manufacturing companies, especially those which manufacture chemicals and allied products such as industrial chemicals, paints, drugs, plastics, and cosmetics.  They were also employed by companies which manufacture petroleum products, metals and metal products, transportation equipment, cement, food, and other products.  Others were employed by colleges and universities, hopsitals, chemical laboratories, research institutions, and utility and sanitary services.  Some worked for federal, state, and local government agencies.  Most Chemical Technicians worked in or near urban areas and large cities.

Employment of Chemical Technicians in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. An average of 100 annual openings is expected, with 20 due to growth and 80 due to replacement of Chemical Technicians who retire or leave their jobs for other reasons.

Employment opportunities for Chemical Technicians depend significantly on the research and development expenditures of industry and government.  Job growth is concentrated in the pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, and biotechnological research and development firms. A few additional Chemical Technicians will be needed each year to work with the growing number of engineers and scientists in developing, producing, and distributing new and technically advanced products and in solving problems related to energy shortages, pollution control, and health care. Increased regulation of chemical-related processes may also add to employment of Chemical Technicians. Opportunities are best for graduates of two-year programs in chemical technology.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2010

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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