Chemical Plant Machine Operators
(NOC 9421)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesChemical plant machine operators monitor and use machinery to blend, mix, process and package a wide range of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and toiletry products. They work for chemical, cleaning compound, ink and adhesive industries, but may also work for chemical processing departments in other industries.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Chemical Plant Machine Operators most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 60% of Chemical Plant Machine Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $21,755. 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
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$21,704
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Chemical plant machine operators monitor and use machinery to blend, mix, process and package a wide range of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and toiletry products. They work for chemical, cleaning compound, ink and adhesive industries, but may also work for chemical processing departments in other industries.
Job duties
Chemical plant machine operators:
- Watch meters, gauges and electronic instrumentation on one or more chemical or formulation units like 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 do regular chemical and physical tests of products.
- Record production data.
- May run equipment from a control room or from control consoles located near the production units.
Sample job titles
- batch mixer
- blender
- capsule machine operator
- evaporator operator
- formulations blender operator
- glue blender
- granulator machine operator
- mixer
- screener
- soap maker
Skills
You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical skill are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- Mixer and blender operators usually need several months to one year of informal, on-the-job training.
- Some operators working in pharmaceutical, explosives and agricultural chemical or in specialty chemical plants need more than one year of formal and informal company training.
- Experience in chemical products processing as an assistant, labourer or helper may be necessary for some jobs.
- Certification in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), first aid, firefighting or workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) may be necessary.
Other considerations
Experience as an assistant, helper, tender or packer, often in the same company, may be required as an entry point to these positions. Movement between employers making similar products is possible for some of the more skilled operators in this group. Movement to supervisor 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 Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance
Accommodation and food services
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
55-64
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
N/ALess than high school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ABachelor
N/AApprenticeship
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe 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
Various, NS
Various, NS
Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.