What Is a Chemical Operator and How to Become One
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What Does a Chemical Operator Do?
A chemical operator manages overall production in a chemical plant, including the employees, operations, and machinery. Chemical operators’ duties and responsibilities include maintaining plant machines such as mixers, vessels and the control functions. Chemical operators also oversee the production process to ensure it runs smoothly and safely and produces a quality product. Skills and qualifications of a chemical operator include equipment maintenance, leadership, and operational experience in the industry.
How to Become a Chemical Operator
To pursue a career as a chemical operator, you need significant experience working in chemical manufacturing operations, especially in supervisory roles. Some employers may prefer an associate degree in chemical technology or a bachelor’s degree in business administration to take on the role of the chemical plant operator. Your job duties are to manage the production process in your chemical plant. You’re in charge of both the equipment and the staff. You must ensure that employees follow procedures, especially regarding safety regulations. Depending on the plant, the qualifications for this job may include a forklift license to lift and transport large containers.
Chemical Operator Job Description Sample
With this Chemical Operator job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Chemical Operator role.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Chemical Operator to run the chemical process throughout production. In this role, you are responsible for adding reactants to raw materials at the right time and monitoring the reactions. After the process is complete, you test the product for quality control purposes. If the product is made correctly, you label the drum properly and use a forklift to transfer it to the shipping or storage area. Our ideal applicant has experience with chemical production processes or in a manufacturing environment. You also must be willing to wear a full-face respirator to complete your duties safely.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Facilitate the chemical process, including adding reactants to raw materials and overseeing all steps of the reactions
- Perform tests on the final product
- Make any necessary adjustments to equipment
- Use a forklift to move drums and pallets
- Label drums properly
- Meet quality standards without delaying production
- Maintain a clean and safe workplace
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Prior experience with chemical production processes or in a manufacturing environment (strongly preferred)
- HazMat certification (preferred)
- Ability to operate a forklift
- Basic math, reading, and computer skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
