Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.91
• Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.86
• Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.86
• Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.86
• Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.85
• Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.85
• Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.85
• Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.85
• Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.83
• 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.82
• Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.82
• Load products into tanks for shipment.81

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operation and Control72

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring69

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Monitoring66

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Judgment and Decision Making53

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Time Management53

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Writing50

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Active Learning47

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Quality Control Analysis47

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Chemistry74

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Production and Processing73

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Mathematics63

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Mechanical52

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• English Language48

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training47

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Engineering and Technology45

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Administration and Management43

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Computers and Electronics43

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Public Safety and Security42

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Administrative35

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Physics29

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision69

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Problem Sensitivity69

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Control Precision66

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Oral Comprehension66

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Written Comprehension66

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Oral Expression63

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Perceptual Speed63

  The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Category Flexibility53

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Manual Dexterity53

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Rate Control53

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings87

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events83

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment79

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Getting Information77

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials76

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Handling and Moving Objects73

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Controlling Machines and Processes71

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Documenting/Recording Information71

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Performing General Physical Activities68

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Processing Information67

  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge62

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Cautiousness91

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Attention to Detail89

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability88

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Stress Tolerance68

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Integrity62

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control55

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Perseverance47

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation42

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Adaptability36

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Cooperation32

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Intellectual Curiosity28

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Self-Confidence27

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic93

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional59

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative36

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising5

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social2

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day98%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important96%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day93%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day87%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important78%
  • Very important20%

• Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

  • Every day79%
  • Once a month or more but not every week15%

• Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

  • Extremely important68%
  • Very important28%

• Contact With Others

  • Contact with others most of the time26%
  • Contact with others about half the time17%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day43%
  • Once a week or more but not every day51%

• Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

  • Every day66%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%
  • Once a month or more but not every week18%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day67%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%
  • Once a year or more but not every month11%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility54%
  • High responsibility19%
  • Moderate responsibility21%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Electronic mail software

  IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  SAP software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Data base user interface and query software

  Operational databases

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Chemical Society
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
• Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Chemical Engineers
• Pumping Station Operators
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Pumping Station Operators
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Chemical Technicians
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Maintain safety.
• Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
• Inspect production equipment.
• Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Record operational or production data.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
• Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Chemical Operator Iii