Occupation · SOC 51-8091
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
Median wage
$73,540
$48,000–$107,790
Projected growth
-6.1%
Declining
Annual openings
-110
per year
Employed (US)
17,840
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
67 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime ManagementReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningSpeakingWritingTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationScienceLearning StrategiesCoordinationRepairingManagement of Personnel ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessMathematicsInstructingService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationOperations AnalysisEquipment SelectionManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingTechnology DesignInstallation
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingChemistryMechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsEducation and TrainingComputers and ElectronicsPhysicsEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeTransportationLaw and GovernmentDesignSales and MarketingPsychologyCommunications and MediaPhilosophy and TheologyBiologyEconomics and AccountingMedicine and DentistryBuilding and ConstructionSociology and AnthropologyTelecommunicationsTherapy and CounselingGeographyHistory and ArcheologyForeign LanguageFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
Alarm management system softwareCoordinated incident management system CIMS softwareDistributed control system DCSInterlock shutdown systemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word
Representative tasks
Getting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsControlling Machines and ProcessesTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesWorking with ComputersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesDocumenting/Recording InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentAnalyzing Data or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentThinking CreativelyDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesSelling or Influencing OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Panel lights and indicator gauges — identify and read under direct supervision on a chemical plant control board.Warning signals and alarm systems — recognize and report to a supervisor during routine shift monitoring.Control board settings — follow written procedures to make basic adjustments on semi-automatic equipment under close direction.Product samples — collect from designated points in the process and label correctly under supervisor guidance.Operating data such as flow rates and temperatures — record onto standardized log sheets during each shift.Storage tanks and troughs — patrol and visually inspect to confirm fluid levels remain within safe limits.Emergency shutdown procedures — follow step-by-step instructions as directed by supervisory personnel during drills.Basic quality control tests — perform on product samples using established protocols in a plant laboratory setting.Process documentation and standard operating procedures — read and interpret to carry out assigned tasks on the production floor.Personal protective equipment and safety rules — apply consistently in compliance with plant safety standards.
developing
Flowmeters and recording instruments — monitor continuously and detect deviations from normal process conditions during an independent shift.Panelboard control settings — adjust routinely to maintain target reaction speeds, quality, and yields with minimal oversight.Towers, scrubbers, and dryer units — inspect on a regular patrol schedule and identify efficiency issues before they escalate.Chemical process equipment — operate semi-autonomously using control boards, applying learned knowledge of process chemistry.Quality control test results — analyze against product specifications and flag out-of-spec readings to the lead operator.Operating logs and instrument readings — compile accurately in spreadsheet software at the end of each shift.Emergency equipment shutdown — execute correctly under supervisor direction when non-routine process upsets occur.Tank overflow risks — assess during area patrols and take corrective action within authorized limits to prevent spills.Active listening during shift handovers — gather and relay critical process status information to incoming operators.Industrial control software — navigate to retrieve trend data and confirm that process parameters remain within set ranges.
proficient
Multi-unit chemical systems including towers, soap-spray tanks, and collectors — operate autonomously across the full production scope, optimizing efficiency.Non-routine process deviations — diagnose root causes using deductive reasoning and instrument data, then implement corrective control adjustments independently.Quality control analysis — interpret test results, identify trends, and recommend process modifications to maintain product standards.Emergency situations — lead equipment shutdown activities, coordinating actions with maintenance and safety teams without waiting for direction.Complex process problems — apply critical thinking and chemistry knowledge to resolve issues affecting reaction yields or product purity.Shift operating records and incident reports — author clearly in word processing software, ensuring accuracy for regulatory and internal review.Instrument calibration checks and equipment inspections — conduct and evaluate findings, escalating maintenance needs through proper channels.Process control parameters — adjust proactively based on upstream and downstream conditions to sustain throughput and minimize waste.Safety and security protocols including VPN-accessed control systems — apply and verify to protect process integrity and data confidentiality.Junior operators during on-the-job tasks — guide informally by demonstrating correct monitoring and control techniques on the plant floor.
advanced
Plant-wide chemical process operations — direct and optimize at an organizational scale, setting performance benchmarks for efficiency, quality, and safety.Standard operating procedures and emergency response plans — develop, review, and approve to reflect best practices across all process units.Operator competency development programs — design and lead, ensuring personnel at all levels meet certification and performance standards.Process control technology upgrades including industrial control software — evaluate, champion, and oversee implementation across the facility.Production and processing KPIs — analyze using trend data and quality control results to drive continuous improvement initiatives.Regulatory compliance and public safety standards — own and enforce, liaising with environmental and safety agencies on behalf of the operation.High-consequence emergency incidents — command the operational response, making time-critical decisions to protect personnel and contain process hazards.Cross-functional teams spanning production, maintenance, and engineering — lead in diagnosing systemic process failures and executing long-term solutions.Operating budgets and resource allocation for shift operations — manage, balancing staffing levels and equipment maintenance against production targets.Organizational safety culture and operational integrity standards — model and institutionalize, setting the behavioral expectations for the entire plant workforce.
Also known as
37 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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