Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

The Work

Chemical plant process technicians are responsible for highly automated systems which control chemical plants. Technicians check the meters, clocks and gauges that provide information on how the process is working. They may also take and analyse samples to check the products quality. Technicians often carry out simple or routine maintenance tasks on machines.  

In highly automated plants, experienced process technicians may work in a control centre. From here, they can monitor and control the whole process from computerised systems called DCS (Distributed Control Suite).  
 
The processes are highly technical and sometimes hasardous where raw materials are altered by such methods as heating, compression and molecular reconstruction. Because of the potential hasards involved, companies are extremely conscious of safety and environmental concerns, so technicians work to tight controls, standards and regulations. Health and Safety is a priority.  
 
They prepare and measure raw materials. Feed raw materials and processing agents into plant machinery, set controls and operate machinery and take samples for testing, test products and record process data.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
• Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
• Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
• Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
• Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
• Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
• Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
• Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
• Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutraliser tanks.
• Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are varied pathways into chemical process technician. The main areas are operative & lab-based process tech via engineering. There are relevant PLC courses, as well as the Engineering Traineeship, which provide training for people hoping to enter the occupation. Higher Education options in Chemical Engineering would be advantageous but are likely to qualify you for more advanced occupations.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant, Engineering Technology, Cleanroom and Packaging Operations, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations, Quality Management (Quality Assurance) at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Engineering, Manufacturing, Applied scienc- Lab techniques, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations, Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst, Polymer Processing Technologist Apprenticeships at NFQ at levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Mechanical and Polymer Engineering at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Chemical Sciences - Research, Engineering - Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Management, Quality, Health & Safety at NFQ level 9

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €65k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Clark/ CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicholas/ Excel / Azon/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates to significant growth in employment occurring between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 4,900 persons employed. The volume of vacancies advertised for these roles was small across both DSP and OVATE data, although job adverts for this occupation grew in 2022 (OVATE). Despite the strong employment growth, the data is not pointing to any recruitment issues to date. 

• Enterprise Ireland

  • The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3
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• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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