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:

  • prepare to start up a process
  • start up a process
  • monitor and maintain a process
  • shutdown a process
  • control and monitor plant and equipment within the scope of authority
  • take non-routine field readings and diagnose faults affecting plant conditions
  • prepare the work area for maintenance and reinstate after maintenance is complete
  • carry out in-scope maintenance operations
  • 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 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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Pay and conditions:

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

Process Operators in large industrial complexes may work rotating 24/7 shifts. Others may work 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday in smaller batch chemical companies.

Process Operators may need to wear personal protective equipment including overalls, gloves, hard hat and safety goggles depending on the role.

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:

  • Reasons for and application of a variety of safety management systems such as Permit to Work, Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessment,
  • The applications and relevance of company policy, external legislation and regulation on working practices (including environmental control).
  • Essential knowledge conformance to safe working through COSHH (Control of Substances 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
  • Ability to follow recipes and identify the materials used
  • Trouble shooting

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