Career

Chemical, Gas, Petroleum & Power Plant Operators

Mining, Resources & Energy

Career stats

Weekly pay

$2,848

Prospects

Medium

Employed in Australia

11,000

Growth

Moderate growth

Overview

Chemical Plant Operator

Job Titles

mdi-briefcase-variant Chemical Plant Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Gas or Petroleum Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Power Generation Plant Operator

Job Tasks

This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.

  • controlling equipment performing continuous and batch processes to process chemicals and natural gas manufacture refined petroleum products and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels lubricating oils and asphalt
  • controlling the preparation measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents such as catalysts and filtering media into plant
  • patrolling and inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and setting operating controls on equipment
  • analysing samples and readings and recording test data
  • controlling records of production quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations
  • checking equipment for malfunctions and arranging maintenance
  • operating power generation plant controls to produce required load
  • monitoring operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings
  • authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant
  • writing reports and maintaining records on equipment performance instrument readings and switching operations
  • carrying out routine operating tests

Training & Qualifications

Vocational education & training (VET)

  • Certificate II in Process Plant Operations 
  • Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
  • Certificate III in Competitive Systems and Practices
  • Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology
  • Certificate IV in Competitive Systems and Practices
  • Certificate IV in ESI Generation - Operations
  • Certificate IV in ESI Generation Maintenance - Electrical Electronics
  • Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
More about VET

Industry

Mining, Resources & Energy

If you are fascinated by the process of extracting minerals from the earth, are mathematically-minded with keen problem-solving abilities, would enjoy the challenge of operating big machinery, or want to be part of the discovery of the next oil field, then the Mining Industry is definitely a sector you should be exploring on your journey to discover a career.The Mining Industry has been a powerful driver of the Australian economy for some time, having experienced some of the fastest industry job-growth rates over the past ten years, and there are predictions of further growth. The Mining sector employs people from a range of skill sets, and some roles offer the chance for travel interstate, or even abroad to work for companies that have interests overseas. 

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