What they do
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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.
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| Also called: |
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Chemical Operator, Chlorination Operator, Multiskill Operator, Outside Operator, Process Operator, Spray Dry Operator, Vessel Operator
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Wages
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| Vermont - 2023 |
| Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
| 10% |
$ 17.70 |
$36,820 |
| 25% |
$ 20.45 |
$42,540 |
| Median |
$ 22.24 |
$46,260 |
| 75% |
$ 23.23 |
$48,320 |
| 90% |
$ 26.52 |
$55,160 |
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| Average |
$ 22.03 |
$45,830 |
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| More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
| United States - 2020 |
| Industry | Percent of total |
| 89% |
- Primary metal manufacturing
| 2% |
- Plastics and rubber products manufacturing
| 2% |
- Petroleum and coal products manufacturing
| 1% |
- Administrative and support services
| 1% |
| More at BLS |
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Knowledge
| People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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- Chemistry
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.
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- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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| More at O*NET |
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Skills
| People in this career often have these skills: |
- Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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- Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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- Active Listening
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.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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| More at O*NET |
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Interests
| People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
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.
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- Conventional
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.
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Work Styles
| People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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| More at O*NET |
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Tasks
| On the job, you would: |
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
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- Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
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- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
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- Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
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- Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
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| More at O*NET |
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| Related Occupations
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| Career Video
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Projected Employment
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| Vermont |
| 2020 employment |
38 |
| 2030 employment |
36 |
Annual percent change
(compounded) |
-0.5% |
Annual projected job openings
(due to change and separations) |
4 |
| More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
High school diploma or equivalent
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
Moderate-term on-the-job training
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| Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical 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.
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- Physical activity is Very Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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| Low |  | High |
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Job Zone
| Some Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(4.0 to < 6.0) - A typical worker will require
over 3 months up to and including 1 year
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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| Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
| How much education do most people in this career have? |
| Education level |  | Percent of
U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree
or post-MA certificate | | 0% |
Master's degree or
post-BA certificate | | 0% |
| Bachelor's degree | | 2% |
| Associate's degree | | 14% |
Certificate or some college,
no degree | | 34% |
High school diploma
or equivalent | | 49% |
| Less than high school diploma | | 2% |
| More at O*NET |
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Abilities
| People in this career often have talent in: |
- Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Problem Sensitivity
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.
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| More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
| In general, what you might do: |
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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- Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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| More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
| What you might do in a day: |
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- Record operational or production data.
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- Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
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- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
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- Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
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| More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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