Role Profile

Process Operator

Typical job description:

The role of the process operator is to control and operate basic plant and equipment as efficiently and safely as possible to defined quality specification.  Will report and investigate deviations from normal operating conditions and be able to deal with basic process upsets.

Key Processes:

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:

  • cleaning and preparing equipment, and minor maintenance work
  • measuring, mixing and adding chemicals to the reaction tanks
  • monitoring meter and instrument readings and making necessary adjustments
  • testing samples for quality purposes
  • running off the finished products into barrels or container lorries ready for transportation.

Entry Level:

Engineering Diploma L1 OR
Manufacturing Diploma L1 OR
5 D-G grade GCSEs L1 or equivalent OR
Introductory Certificate in Applied Science L1 OR
Introductory Diploma in Applied Science L1 OR
Introductory Certificate in Engineering L1 OR
Introductory Diploma in Engineering L1 OR
Foundation in Engineering and Technology L1 OR
Job related experience

Search for related degrees or courses:
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Industry Standard:

S/NVQ in Process Operations L2 OR
S/NVQ in Process Engineering Maintenance L2
AND Certificate in Process Technology L2
AND IOSH Working Safety
AND Functional Skills - Numeracy and Literacy L2

Competencies:

  • have an aptitude for science and technology
  • have good computing, literacy and numeracy skills
  • be able to work carefully and methodically
  • be able to concentrate for long periods during repetitive work
  • be able to react quickly to problems
  • have good communication skills
  • be able to work in a team and on your own
  • be fully aware of health and safety issues
  • be reasonably physically fit

Knowledge needed for the role:

  • Essential knowledge conformance to safe working through COSHH (Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations)
  • Essential conformance to safe working through COSHH
  • Safe Operation of a range of plant/machinery. Set and adjust controls
  • Safe operation of starting up a plant and operating machinery
  • Awareness of manual response on plant in event of computer failure
  • Safe Operation of closing down a plant
  • Ability to follow recipes and identify the materials used
  • Trouble shooting

Pay and conditions:

Salaries for Process Operators start between £14,500 and £18,500 a year. With experience and extra duties this rises to between £19,000 and £25,000.

Process Operators commonly work shifts, including nights and weekends. Chemical processing plants are normally clean and well ventilated. Protective overalls, glasses, helmets and boots may be worn depending on which area of production the operator works on.

Other information:

To find courses near you visit www.learndirect-advice.co.uk

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