According to Education Portal, process operators are responsible for overseeing the production process of a chemical plant facility. The goal of a process operator is to monitor equipment and improve the quality, efficiency and safety of the manufacturing plant.
Process operators supervise staff members and coordinate maintenance efforts to ensure control instruments are working properly. They also perform other administrative tasks such as recording test results and other data about the plant's operation. In addition, process operators are responsible for reporting problems with the production process or equipment to shift managers and maintenance engineers. In some cases, project managers may need to carry out minor maintenance work and transport various items for shipment.
According to The National Careers Service, a person does not need any particular qualifications to become a chemical plant process operator. However, he does need to have an understanding of math and be able to pass an aptitude test and medical exam at the interview stage. A person can also become a process operator by completing an apprenticeship or taking a college course related to the skills and knowledge needed in the job. According to Apprentice Search, process operators "usually work full-time, sometimes shift-work, often with benefits, for companies involved in the petroleum, agricultural and pharmaceutical industry."