Chemical Technicians

QUICK FACTS

School Subjects: Math, Chemistry

Personal Skills: Technical/scientific

Work Environment: Mostly indoors; Primarily one location

Minimum Education Level: Some postsecondary training

Wage or Salary Range: $17,483 to $36,200 - $56,450

Certification or Licensing: none

Future growth: About as fast as the average

DOT: 022

GOE: 02.02.01

NOC: 2244

O*NET: 19-4031.00

OVERVIEW

Chemical technicians assist chemists and chemical engineers in the research, development, testing, and manufacturing of chemicals and chemical-based products. Approximately 73,000 chemical technicians work in the United States.

HISTORY

The practice of modern chemistry goes back thousands of years to the when humans began to extract medicinal juices from plants and shaped metals into tools and utensils for daily life. In the late 18th century, chemistry became established as a science when Antoine

Lavoisier formulated the law of the conservation of matter. From that time until the present, the number and types of products attributed to the development and expansion of chemistry are almost incalculable.

The period following World War I was a time of enormous expansion of chemical technology and its application to the production of goods and consumer products such as high octane gasoline, antifreeze, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and artificial fibers and fabrics. This rapid expansion increased the need for professionally trained chemists and technicians. The technicians, with their basic chemical knowledge and manual skills, were able to handle the tasks that did not require the specialized education of their bosses. These nonprofessionals sometimes had the title of junior chemist.

During the last 30 years, however, there has been a radical change in the status of the chemical technician from a “mere” assistant to a core professional. Automation and computerization have increased laboratory efficiency, and corporate downsizing has eliminated many layers of intermediate hierarchy. The result has been to increase the level of responsibility and independence, meaning greater recognition of the importance of today’s highly skilled and trained chemical technicians.

THE JOB

Most chemical technicians who work in the chemical industry are involved in the development, testing, and manufacturing of plastics, paints, detergents, synthetic fibers, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Others work in the petroleum, aerospace, metals, electronics, automotive, and construction industries. Some chemical technicians work in universities and government laboratories.

They may work in any of the fields of chemistry; such as analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical, or any of the many sub-branches of chemistry. For example, chemical engineering professionals develop or improve manufacturing processes for making commercial amounts of chemicals, many of which were previously produced only in small quantities in laboratory glassware or a pilot plant.

Within these subfields, chemical technicians work in research and development, design and production, and quality control. In research and development, chemical laboratory technicians often work with Ph.D. chemists and chemical engineers to set up and monitor laboratory equipment and instruments, prepare laboratory setups, and record data.

Technicians often determine the chemical composition, concentration, stability, and level of purity on a wide range of materials. These may include ores, minerals, pollutants, foods, drugs, plastics, dyes, paints, detergents, chemicals, paper, and petroleum products. Although chemists or chemical engineers may design an experiment, technicians help them create process designs, develop written procedures, or devise computer simulations. They also select all necessary glassware, reagents, chemicals, and equipment. Technicians also per form analyses and report test results.

In the design and production area, chemical technicians work closely with chemical engineers to monitor the large-scale production of compounds and to help develop and improve the processes and equipment used. They prepare tables, charts, sketches, diagrams, and flowcharts that record and summarize the collected data.

They work with pipelines, valves, pumps, and metal and glass tanks. Chemical technicians often use their input to answer manufacturing questions, such as how to transfer materials from one point to another, and to build, install, modify, and maintain processing equipment. They also train and supervise production operators. They may operate small-scale equipment for determining process parameters.

Fuel technicians determine viscosities of oils and fuels, measure flash points (the temperature at which fuels catch fire), pour points (the coldest temperature at which the fuel can flow), and the heat out put of fuels.

Pilot plant operators make erosion and corrosion tests on new construction materials to determine their suitability. They prepare chemicals for field testing and report on the effectiveness of new design concepts.

Applied research technicians help design new manufacturing or research equipment.

REQUIREMENTS

High School

You should take several years of science and mathematics in high school, and computer training is also important. While a minority of employers still hire high school graduates and place them into their own training programs, the majority prefer to hire graduates of community colleges who have completed two-year chemical technician programs or even bachelor degree recipients. If you plan on attending a four-year college, take as much as three years of high school mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; three years of physical sciences, including chemistry; and four years of English.

Postsecondary Training

Graduates of community college programs are productive much sooner than untrained individuals because they have the technical knowledge, laboratory experience, and skills for the job. Computer courses are necessary, as computers and computer-interfaced equipment are routinely used in the field. Realizing that many students become aware of technical career possibilities too late to satisfy college requirements, many community and technical colleges that offer chemical technician programs may also have noncredit courses that allow students to meet college entrance requirements.

Approximately 40 two-year colleges in the United States have chemical technology programs. Once enrolled in a two-year college program designed for chemical technicians, students should expect to take a number of chemistry courses with strong emphasis on laboratory work and the presentation of data. These courses include basic concepts of modern chemistry, such as atomic structure, descriptive chemistry of both organic and inorganic substances, analytical methods including quantitative and instrumental analysis, and physical properties of substances. Other courses include communications, physics, mathematics, industrial safety, and organic laboratory equipment and procedures.

Other Requirements

Besides the educational requirements, certain personal characteristics are necessary for success as a chemical technician. You must have both the ability and the desire to use mental and manual skills. You should also be patient because experiments must frequently be repeated several times. You should be precise and like doing detailed work. Mechanical aptitude and good powers of observation are also needed. You should be able to follow directions closely and enjoy solving problems. Chemical technicians also need excellent organizational and communication skills. Other important qualities are a desire to learn new skills and a willingness to accept responsibility. In addition, you should have good eyesight, color perception, and hand-eye coordination.

EXPLORING

You can explore this field by joining high school science clubs or organizations and taking part in extracurricular activities such as the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS). Science contests are a good way to apply principles learned in classes to a special project. You can also subscribe to ChemMatters, the American Chemical Society’s (ACS’s) quarterly magazine for students taking chemistry in high school. Examples of topics covered in the magazine include the chemistry of lipstick, suntan products, contact lenses, and carbon-14 dating. Also, qualifying students can participate in Project SEED (Summer Education Experience for the Disadvantaged), a summer program designed to provide high school students from economically disadvantaged homes with the opportunity to experience science research in a laboratory environment.

Once you are in college, you can join the student affiliates of professional associations such as the ACS and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Membership allows students to experience the professionalism of a career in chemistry. You can also con tact ACS or AIChE local sections to talk with chemists and chemical engineers about what they do. These associations may also help students find summer or co-op work experiences.

EMPLOYERS

Almost all chemical laboratories, no matter their size or function, employ chemical technicians to assist their chemists or chemical engineers with research as well as routine laboratory work. Therefore, chemical technicians can find employment wherever chemistry is involved: in industrial laboratories, in government agencies such as the Departments of Health and Agriculture, and at colleges and universities. They can work in almost any field of chemical activity, such as industrial manufacturing of all kinds, pharmaceuticals, food, and production of chemicals. There are approximately 73,000 chemical technicians currently employed in the United States.

STARTING OUT

Graduates of chemical technology programs often find jobs during the last term of their two-year programs. Some companies work with local community colleges and technical schools to maintain a supply of trained chemical technicians. Recruiters regularly visit most colleges where chemical technology programs are offered. Most employers recruit locally or regionally. Because companies hire locally and work closely with technical schools, placement offices are usually successful in finding jobs for their graduates.

Some recruiters also go to four-year colleges and look for chemists with bachelor’s degrees. Whether a company hires bachelor’s-level chemists or two-year chemical technology graduates depends on both the outlook of the company and the local supply of graduates.

Internships and co-op work are highly regarded by employers, and participation in such programs is a good way to get your foot in the door. Many two- and four-year schools have co-op programs in which full-time students work approximately 20 hours a week for a local company. Such programs may be available to high school seniors as well. Students in these programs develop a good knowledge of the employment possibilities and frequently stay with their co-op employers.

More and more companies are using contract workers to perform technicians’ jobs, and this is another way to enter the field. There are local agencies that place technicians with companies for special projects or temporary assignments that last anywhere from a month to a year or more. Many of these contract workers are later hired on a full time basis.

ADVANCEMENT

Competent chemical technicians can expect to have long-term career paths. Top research and development positions are open to technically trained people, whether they start out with an associate’s degree in chemical technology, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or just a lot of valuable experience with no degree. There are also opportunities for advancement in the areas of technology development and technology management, providing comparable pay for these separate but equal paths. Some companies have the same career path for all technicians, regardless of education level. Other companies have different career ladders for technicians and chemists but will promote qualified technicians to chemists and move them up that path.

Some companies may require additional formal schooling for pro motion, and the associate’s degree can be a stepping-stone toward a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Many companies encourage their technicians to continue their education, and most reimburse tuition costs. Continuing education in the form of seminars, workshops, and in-company presentations is also important for advancement. Chemical technicians who want to advance must keep up with cur rent developments in the field by reading trade and technical journals and publications.

EARNINGS

Earnings for chemical technicians vary based on their education, experience, employer, and location. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the median hourly wage for chemical technicians as $17.40 in 2001. A technician making this wage and working full time would earn a yearly salary of approximately $36,200. The top 10 percent earned $27.14 per hour (or $56,450 annually) or more in 2001. The department also reports that science technicians (a category including chemical technicians) working for the federal government had starting salaries ranging from $17,483 to $22,251, depending on their qualifications, in 2001. The average yearly salary for physical science technicians working for the federal government was $42,657 in 2001. Salaries tend to be highest in private industry and lowest in colleges and universities.

If a technician belongs to a union, his or her wages and benefits depend on the union agreement. However, the percentage of technicians who belong to a union is very small. Benefits depend on the employer, but they usually include paid vacations and holidays, insurance, and tuition refund plans. Technicians normally work a five-day, 40-hour week. Occasional overtime may be necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The chemical industry is one of the safest industries in which to work. Laboratories and plants normally have safety committees and safety engineers who closely monitor equipment and practices to minimize hazards. Chemical technicians usually receive safety training both in school and at work to recognize potential hazards and to take appropriate measures.

Most chemical laboratories are clean and well lighted. Technicians often work at tables and benches while operating laboratory equipment and are usually provided office or desk space to record data and prepare reports. The work can sometimes be monotonous and repetitive, as when making samples or doing repetitive testing. Chemical plants are usually clean, and the number of operating personnel for the space involved is often very low.

OUTLOOK

The U.S. Department of Labor expects employment for all science technicians to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations over the next several years. Chemical technicians will be in demand as the chemical and drug industries work to improve and produce new medicines and personal care products. Chemical technicians will also be needed by businesses that provide environmental services and “earth-friendly” products, analytical development and services, custom or niche products and services, and quality control. Growth, however, will be somewhat offset by a general slowdown in overall employment in the chemical industry.

Graduates of chemical technology programs will continue to face competition from bachelor’s level chemists. The chemical and chemical-related industries will continue to become increasingly sophisticated in both their products and their manufacturing techniques. Technicians trained to deal with automation and complex production methods will have the best employment opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general career information, as well as listings of chemical technology programs, internships, and summer job opportunities, contact

American Chemical Society

1155 16th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036

Tel: 800-227-5558 Email: help@acs.org

For information on awards, student chapters, and career opportunities, contact

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

3 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016-5991

Tel: 800-242-4363

Email: xpress@aiche.org

For information about programs, products, and a chemical engi neering career brochure, contact

Junior Engineering Technical Society

1420 King Street, Suite 405

Alexandria, VA 22314-2794

Tel: 703-548-5387

Email: jetsinfo@jets.org

For fun and educational information on the field of chemistry, check out the following website:

Rader’s Chem 4 Kids

INTERVIEW

Marion Stabile currently works as a chemist with Halox, a manufacturer of raw materials for the paint and coatings industry. She spoke about her previous job as a chemical lab technician for True Value Manufacturing.

Q. Please briefly describe your work as a chemical technician.

A. My main duties as a lab technician were to perform tasks as assigned by the research and development manager. This ranged from organizing and cleaning raw material shelves, to making paints in the lab, to entering formula information into the computer. I worked from 7 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The laboratory was indoors, sectioned off from the paint manufacturing lines. Only minor travel was required to attend informational seminars and classes—only about 5 percent of the time.

Q. How did you train for this job? What was your college major?

A. I majored in chemistry in college, though the training was mostly on the job. My chemistry major gave me a good understanding of the theories used on the job, which in turn helped me to advance to higher positions. The report writing and math formulas taught in my chemistry classes were also very beneficial.

Q. Did you participate in any internships or apprenticeships?

A. I interned at A. E. Staley, Inc. (a corn refinery) in Decatur, Illinois, during one summer and my last year of college. My experience as an intern taught me the basic skills used in the “real world” and how to use expensive pieces of equipment to measure physical characteristics of products—equipment that was unavailable to me in school. I also learned the importance of keeping an organized laboratory note guide for reference purposes.

Q. How/where did you get your first job in this field? What did you do?

A. I got my first job as a lab technician with True Value Manufacturing by responding to an ad in the newspaper. I actually went to the job site to apply. I was called for an interview and was offered the position a few days later. On the same day, however, I “pound ed the pavement” to deliver several resumes to other employers in the area.

Q. What kinds of sources are available to someone looking to get into this field?

A. There are paint and coating societies located throughout the nation that offer courses in formulating and scholarships for students looking to get into the industry. There is also an international trade show, the International Coatings Expo (ICE), which is held annually. ICE offers a technical symposium and highlights the latest innovations in the coatings industry.

Q. What are the most important personal and professional qualities for chemical technicians?

A. You must be able to multi-task. Also, you must have good communication and interpersonal skills to be able to interact with different departments and sometimes with the manufacturing personnel. With a good attitude and friendly personality, others will help you to learn and make your job that much easier.

Q. What were some of the pros and cons of working as a chemical technician?

A. Pros: The hours were great, I learned a lot, and the job was mainly stress free. I also enjoyed being able to see the product go from concept to final product. As a technician, I could inter act with several different departments, learn the art of manufacturing, and didn’t have to spend a lot on business clothes.

Cons: It was a “dirty” job, cleaning and working with paint, harsh solvents, and chemicals.

Q. What is the most important piece of advice that you have to offer college students as they graduate and look for jobs as chemical technicians?

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