National Technology Week™
Chemical Technology
Chemical technicians and technologists work in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection. They are employed by research and development and quality control laboratories, consulting engineering companies, in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries, and by utilities, health, education and government establishments.
Career Options
- ANALYTICAL TECHNICIAN, CHEMICAL BIOCHEMISTRY TECHNOLOGIST
- CHEMICAL ANALYST
- CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
- CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST
- CHEMICAL LABORATORY ANALYST
- CHEMICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
- CHEMICAL TECHNICIAN
- CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIST
- FOOD TECHNOLOGIST
- FORMULATION TECHNICIAN
- GEOCHEMICAL TECHNICIAN
- INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TECHNOLOGIST
- MASS SPECTROMETER TECHNICIAN
- MASTER DYER – TEXTILES PAINT TECHNICIAN
- PILOT PLANT TECHNICIAN
- QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN – CHEMICAL PROCESSING
- FOOD PROCESSINGTECHNOLOGIST
On the Job...
Things that Chemical technicians and technologists do at work are:
- Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations.
- Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results.
- Develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products.
- Assist in the development of chemical engineering processes, studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance and the development of standards, procedures and health and safety measures
- Operate experimental chemical or petrochemical pilot plants.
- Conduct or assist in air and water quality testing and assessments, environmental monitoring and protection activities and in the development of and compliance with standards.
- Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
Educational Requirements:
Chemical technologists usually require completion of a two- or three-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology or a closely related discipline.
Chemical technicians usually require completion of a one- or two year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.