Chemical Technicians

Also called : Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Chemical Analyst, Chemical Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester)

What they do

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

On the job, one would

Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.

Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.

Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.

Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.

KNOWLEDGE

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.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

SKILLS

Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

ABILITIES

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Related Occupations

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Food Science Technicians

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Chemists

Agricultural Technicians

Biological Technicians

Nuclear Technicians

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

TECHNOLOGY

Analytical or scientific software

Data base user interface and query software

Development environment software

Electronic mail software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Object or component oriented development software

Office suite software

Operating system software

Presentation software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.