Chemical Plant and System Operators

What the job really is

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8091
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
• Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
• Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
• Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
• Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
• Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
• Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
• Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
• Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
• Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
• Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, or product quality.
• Start pumps to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases or vapors, to regulate the flow of oil, steam, air, or perfume to towers, or to add products to converter or blending vessels.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, Agitator tanks, Air conditioning systems, Alarm management system software, Axial flow fans, Barometers, Belt conveyors, Blending vessels, Boilers, Bourdon tubes

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Power Plant Operators
• Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Chemical Plant and System Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.