Chemistry Transfer Pathway

Alternative Job Titles for Chemical Technicians

• Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician)
• Chemical Analyst
• Chemical Technician
• Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)
• Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
• Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester)
• Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst)
• Quality Control Laboratory Technician (QC Lab Tech)
• Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)
• Research Technician

Job Tasks and Activities for Chemical Technicians

• Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
• Clean objects.
• Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
• Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
• Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes.
• Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques.
• Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
• Direct or monitor other workers producing chemical products.
• Evaluate quality of materials or products.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
• Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
• Manage scientific or technical project resources.
• Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
• Operate experimental pilot plants, assisting with experimental design.
• Operate laboratory or field equipment.
• Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
• Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
• Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
• Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
• Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
• Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.

Interests for Chemical Technicians

• Investigative
  Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.
• Realistic
  Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors.
• Conventional
  Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.

Skills for Chemical Technicians

In order of importance

• Science
  Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
  Importance: 78/100
• Reading Comprehension
  Reading work-related information.
  Importance: 75/100
• Critical Thinking
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  Importance: 75/100
• Active Listening
  Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  Importance: 72/100
• Writing
  Writing things for co-workers or customers.
  Importance: 72/100
• Monitoring
  Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
  Importance: 72/100
• Speaking
  Talking to others.
  Importance: 60/100
• Active Learning
  Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
  Importance: 60/100
• Operations Monitoring
  Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
  Importance: 56/100
• Complex Problem Solving
  Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
  Importance: 53/100
• Learning Strategies
  Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
  Importance: 53/100
• Quality Control Analysis
  Testing how well a product or service works.
  Importance: 53/100
• Judgment and Decision Making
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
  Importance: 53/100
• Systems Evaluation
  Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
  Importance: 53/100
• Time Management
  Managing your time and the time of other people.
  Importance: 53/100
• Mathematics
  Using math to solve problems.
  Importance: 50/100
• Instructing
  Teaching people how to do something.
  Importance: 50/100
• Systems Analysis
  Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
  Importance: 50/100
• Operation and Control
  Using equipment or systems.
  Importance: 50/100
• Coordination
  Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
  Importance: 50/100
• Equipment Maintenance
  Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
  Importance: 47/100
• Troubleshooting
  Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
  Importance: 47/100
• Social Perceptiveness
  Understanding people's reactions.
  Importance: 47/100
• Repairing
  Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
  Importance: 44/100
• Equipment Selection
  Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
  Importance: 44/100
• Service Orientation
  Looking for ways to help people.
  Importance: 44/100
• Negotiation
  Bringing people together to solve differences.
  Importance: 41/100
• Persuasion
  Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
  Importance: 41/100
• Management of Personnel Resources
  Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
  Importance: 38/100
• Operations Analysis
  Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
  Importance: 38/100
• Management of Material Resources
  Managing equipment and materials.
  Importance: 31/100
• Technology Design
  Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
  Importance: 25/100
• Management of Financial Resources
  Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
  Importance: 19/100
• Programming
  Writing computer programs.
  Importance: 13/100

Knowledge for Chemical Technicians

In order of importance

• Chemistry
  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  Importance: 70/100
• English Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  Importance: 63/100
• Mathematics
  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Importance: 60/100
• Computers and Electronics
  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  Importance: 53/100
• Administrative
  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  Importance: 49/100
• Production and Processing
  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  Importance: 49/100
• Education and Training
  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  Importance: 42/100
• Engineering and Technology
  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Importance: 35/100
• Customer and Personal Service
  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  Importance: 35/100
• Mechanical
  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  Importance: 30/100
• Transportation
  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  Importance: 28/100
• Physics
  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
  Importance: 26/100
• Public Safety and Security
  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  Importance: 23/100
• Communications and Media
  Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  Importance: 23/100
• Administration and Management
  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  Importance: 22/100
• Law and Government
  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  Importance: 21/100
• Personnel and Human Resources
  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
  Importance: 19/100
• Design
  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  Importance: 18/100
• Biology
  Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  Importance: 16/100
• Geography
  Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
  Importance: 15/100
• Telecommunications
  Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  Importance: 15/100
• Foreign Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
  Importance: 12/100
• Psychology
  Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  Importance: 12/100
• Sales and Marketing
  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  Importance: 12/100
• Building and Construction
  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  Importance: 10/100
• Fine Arts
  Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  Importance: 6/100
• Sociology and Anthropology
  Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
  Importance: 5/100
• Economics and Accounting
  Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  Importance: 4/100
• Philosophy and Theology
  Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
  Importance: 3/100
• Therapy and Counseling
  Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  Importance: 1/100

Physical Abilities for Chemical Technicians

In order of importance

• Near Vision
  Seeing details up close.
  Importance: 75/100
• Written Comprehension
  Reading and understanding what is written.
  Importance: 75/100
• Written Expression
  Communicating by writing.
  Importance: 72/100
• Problem Sensitivity
  Noticing when problems happen.
  Importance: 69/100
• Inductive Reasoning
  Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
  Importance: 69/100
• Information Ordering
  Ordering or arranging things.
  Importance: 69/100
• Oral Comprehension
  Listening and understanding what people say.
  Importance: 69/100
• Oral Expression
  Communicating by speaking.
  Importance: 66/100
• Category Flexibility
  Grouping things in different ways.
  Importance: 66/100
• Deductive Reasoning
  Using rules to solve problems.
  Importance: 66/100
• Speech Clarity
  Speaking clearly.
  Importance: 60/100
• Speech Recognition
  Recognizing spoken words.
  Importance: 56/100
• Control Precision
  Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
  Importance: 53/100
• Flexibility of Closure
  Seeing hidden patterns.
  Importance: 53/100
• Visualization
  Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
  Importance: 53/100
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
  Keeping your arm or hand steady.
  Importance: 53/100
• Selective Attention
  Paying attention to something without being distracted.
  Importance: 53/100
• Manual Dexterity
  Holding or moving items with your hands.
  Importance: 53/100
• Finger Dexterity
  Putting together small parts with your fingers.
  Importance: 53/100
• Mathematical Reasoning
  Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
  Importance: 53/100
• Perceptual Speed
  Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
  Importance: 50/100
• Visual Color Discrimination
  Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speed of Closure
  Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
  Importance: 50/100
• Number Facility
  Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
  Importance: 50/100
• Fluency of Ideas
  Coming up with lots of ideas.
  Importance: 50/100
• Originality
  Creating new and original ideas.
  Importance: 50/100
• Far Vision
  Seeing details that are far away.
  Importance: 47/100
• Multilimb Coordination
  Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  Importance: 47/100
• Memorization
  Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
  Importance: 44/100
• Auditory Attention
  Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
  Importance: 41/100
• Time Sharing
  Doing two or more things at the same time.
  Importance: 41/100
• Trunk Strength
  Using your lower back and stomach.
  Importance: 31/100
• Rate Control
  Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
  Importance: 28/100
• Hearing Sensitivity
  Telling the difference between sounds.
  Importance: 28/100
• Reaction Time
  Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
  Importance: 28/100
• Wrist-Finger Speed
  Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
  Importance: 28/100
• Static Strength
  Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
  Importance: 28/100
• Gross Body Coordination
  Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
  Importance: 25/100
• Dynamic Strength
  Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
  Importance: 25/100
• Extent Flexibility
  Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Importance: 25/100
• Response Orientation
  Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
  Importance: 22/100
• Stamina
  Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
  Importance: 22/100
• Speed of Limb Movement
  Quickly moving your arms and legs.
  Importance: 22/100
• Depth Perception
  Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
  Importance: 22/100
• Gross Body Equilibrium
  Keeping your balance or staying upright.
  Importance: 19/100
• Spatial Orientation
  Knowing where things are around you.
  Importance: 10/100
• Explosive Strength
  Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
  Importance: 6/100

Tools and Technology used by Chemical Technicians

• Air or gas tanks or cylinders
• Air velocity and temperature monitors
• Ammeters
• Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
• Barometers
• Bench refractometers or polarimeters
• Benchtop centrifuges
• Bi metallic sensors
• Binocular light compound microscopes
• Calorimeters
• Ceramic crucibles
• Chromatographic detectors
• Chromatography syringes
• Chromatography tubing
• Comparators
• Coulometers
• Cuvettes
• Decontamination shower
• Desktop computers
• Dissolved oxygen meters
• Drying cabinets or ovens
• Electronic toploading balances
• Eyewashers or eye wash stations
• Facial shields
• Filtering machinery
• Fire extinguishers
• Flame ionization analyzers
• Flowmeters
• Fractionation apparatus
• Freezedryers or lyophilzers
• Fume hoods or cupboards
• Gas burners
• Gas chromatographs
• Gas detectors
• Gas masks
• Geiger counters
• Glass crucibles
• Goggles
• Gravimeters
• Handheld thermometer
• Hazardous material protective apparel
• Heating mantles or tapes
• Heating or drying equipment or accessories
• High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography
• High pressure sodium lamp HID
• Homogenizers
• Hot air blowers
• Hydrometers
• Immersion heaters
• Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers
• Infrared lamps
• Infrared spectrometers
• Ion analyzers
• Ion chromatographs
• Laboratory balances
• Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers
• Laboratory box furnaces
• Laboratory burets
• Laboratory centrifugal pumps
• Laboratory clamps
• Laboratory cork borers
• Laboratory crushers or pulverizers
• Laboratory dishes
• Laboratory flasks
• Laboratory funnels
• Laboratory general purpose tubing
• Laboratory glass tube
• Laboratory heat exchange condensers
• Laboratory hotplates
• Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
• Laboratory mills
• Laboratory mixers
• Laboratory presses
• Laboratory sprayers
• Laboratory staining dishes or jars
• Laboratory tongs
• Laboratory vacuum pumps
• Lasers
• Liquid chromatographs
• Liquid scintillation counters
• Magnetic stirrers
• Mainframe computers
• Manometers
• Manostats
• Mass spectrometers
• Mercury vapor lamp HID
• Metering pumps
• Monochromators
• Multi gas monitors
• Multimeters
• Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers
• Optical beamsplitters
• Organic carbon analyzers
• Pasteur or transfer pipettes
• Peristaltic pumps
• Personal computers
• Pestle or mortars
• Photoelectric sensors
• Photometer
• Pipette washers
• Polarimeters
• Polarizers
• Pressure indicators
• Prisms
• Programmable tube furnaces
• Protective gloves
• Pull spring balances
• Pycnometers
• Pyrometers
• Radiation detectors
• Refrigerated baths
• Refrigerated cooling modules
• Remote reading thermometers
• Respirators
• Rheometers
• Robotic or automated liquid handling systems
• Rotameters
• Safety glasses
• Scientific calculator
• Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
• Spectrophotometer accessories
• Spectrophotometers
• Syringe pumps
• Tensiometers
• Thermal conductivity analyzers
• Thermocouples
• Thin layer chromatography tanks
• Thinlayer chromatographs
• Titration equipment
• Triple beam balances
• Turbidimeters
• Ultracentrifuges
• Ultraviolet UV lamps
• Vacuum desiccators
• Vacuum gauges
• Vacuum or rotary evaporators
• Viscosimeters
• Voltage or current meters
• Volumetric pipettes
• Water baths
• pH meters
• Analytical or scientific software
  • Laboratory information management system LIMS
• Data base user interface and query software
  • Database software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Oracle Database
  • Structured query language SQL
• Development environment software
  • Software development tools
• Electronic mail software
  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP software
• Object or component oriented development software
  • C++
  • Oracle Java
  • Python
  • R
• Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software
  • Linux
• Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
• Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Word processing software

Employment Industries for Chemical Technicians

• Testing laboratories and services
  10,700 employed
• Chemical manufacturing (3251,2,3,9)
  9,800 employed
• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
  5,000 employed
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
  4,700 employed
• Chemical manufacturing (3255,6)
  2,800 employed
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state
  1,900 employed
• Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods (4242,6)
  1,600 employed
• Management of companies and enterprises
  1,500 employed
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals
  1,400 employed
• Petroleum and coal products manufacturing
  1,400 employed