Machine Operators in Chemical Plants and Plastics Processing
(NOC 9421, 9422)
in All NS OccupationsThis group includes many machine-related jobs that require some skill and are generally performed inside a building. These workers assist with repairs and maintenance of machinery; handle materials; monitor machine operations; and clean work areas. Chemical plant machine operators monitor and operate units and machinery to blend, mix, process, and package a wide range of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and toiletry products. They are primarily employed in chemical, cleaning compound, ink and adhesive industries, but may also be employed by chemical processing departments in other industries. Plastics processing machine operators set up and operate plastic mixing, calendaring, extruding, and moulding processing machines used in the manufacture of plastic parts and plastic products. They are employed by plastic products manufacturing companies.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All NS Occupations
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Machine Operators in Chemical Plants and Plastics Processing most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 74% of Machine Operators in Chemical Plants and Plastics Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $40,963. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.50
Minimum$15.35
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,813
Minimum$39,466
Median$62,013
MaximumCompared to: All NS Occupations
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$19.89
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,872
Minimum$29,983
Median$83,126
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes many machine-related jobs that require some skill and are generally performed inside a building. These workers assist with repairs and maintenance of machinery; handle materials; monitor machine operations; and clean work areas.
Chemical plant machine operators monitor and operate units and machinery to blend, mix, process, and package a wide range of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and toiletry products. They are primarily employed in chemical, cleaning compound, ink and adhesive industries, but may also be employed by chemical processing departments in other industries.
Plastics processing machine operators set up and operate plastic mixing, calendaring, extruding, and moulding processing machines used in the manufacture of plastic parts and plastic products. They are employed by plastic products manufacturing companies.
Job duties
Chemical plant machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Monitor meters, gauges and electronic instrumentation on one or more chemical or formulation units, such as mixers, kettles, blenders, dryers, tabletting, encapsulation, granulation and coating machines.
- Measure, weigh and load chemical ingredients following formulation cards.
- Start up, shut down, troubleshoot and clean equipment.
- Adjust processing machines and equipment.
- Monitor reaction processes and transfers of products in conformance with safety procedures.
- Take samples and perform routine chemical and physical tests of products.
- Record production data.
- May operate equipment from a control room or from control consoles located near the production units.
Plastics processing machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up and operate machines.
- Adjust equipment for production line change.
- Monitor operation and regulate material supply Operate controls to regulate temperature, speed, and other processing conditions.
- Maintain and perform minor repairs on machinery as required.
- Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.
- Monitor quality of material produced.
Sample job titles
- chemical plant machine operator
- cosmetics and perfume maker
- fibreglass machine operator - plastic manufacturing
- machine operator - plastics processing
- mixer - chemical processing
- moulder - chemical processing
- packaging machine operator - chemical processing
- press operator - plastic manufacturing
- solution mixer operator - plastic manufacturing
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical aptitude are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor. To work as a water/wastewater operator completion of high school is required and on-the-job training is provided. A combination of education and experience is required for certification. For other jobs in this group the completion of high school is usually required and on-the-job training is provided.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Completion of formal and informal company training may be required for some positions.
- Completion of specialized courses may be required for some positions.
- Certification in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), first aid, firefighting or workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) may be required for some jobs in this group.
Other considerations
Previous experience as an assistant, helper, tender or packer, often in the same company, may be required as an entry point to these positions. Mobility between employers producing similar products is possible particularly for some of the higher skilled operators in this grouping. Progression to supervisory positions or to process control jobs is possible with experience. Personal protective equipment may be required when working with some types of chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All NS Occupations
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Northern
Southern
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Manufactured Mineral Products
Management, Admin & Other Support
Health Care and Social Assistance
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All NS Occupations
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$72,942 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$87,188 median annual incomeLess than high school
$70,907 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$91,032 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile