Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Chemical Equipment Operators And Tenders
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.
What they do
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.
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Chemical Equipment Operators monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained. They record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
A typical day for a Chemical Equipment Operator and Tender will also include:
- Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to the knowledge of equipment and processes.
- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
- Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
- Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Chemical Equipment Operators also make minor repairs, lubricate, and maintain equipment, using hand tools. They may also drain equipment, and pump water or other solutions through to flush and clean tanks or equipment.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Chemical Equipment Operators Notify maintenance engineers of equipment malfunctions. They might also flush or clean equipment, using steam hoses or mechanical reamers.
In addition, they read plant specifications to determine products, ingredients, or prescribed modifications of plant procedures.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them observe and compare colors and consistencies of products to instrument readings and to laboratory and standard test results.
To some Chemical Equipment Operators, it is also their responsibility to dump or scoop prescribed solid, granular, or powdered materials into equipment.
Freedom to make decisions
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Structured vs unstructured work
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What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
59% said they were satisfied with their job and 48% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work both indoors and outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Salary is below average.
Demand for this career is declining.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Chemical Equipment Operators And Tenders with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $30,200 to $38,200 per year or $15 to $18 per hour.
| Salary range | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $39 | $81,730 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $32 | $66,650 |
| Middle (Mid 50%) | $24 | $50,510 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $18 | $38,200 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $15 | $30,200 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
Work with group or team
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Deal with external customers
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Manage or lead others
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
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Frequency of conflict situations
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Dealing with angry people
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Dealing with physically aggressive people
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Level of competition
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Repetition in this job
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Impact of decisions on co-workers or company results
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Frequency of decision making
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Responsibility for others’ health and safety
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Responsibility for outcomes and results
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What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
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Relevant work experience
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On The Job Training
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Should you become one
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
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