Unit Group
2211 Chemical technologists and technicians
Chemical technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection. They are employed by research and development and quality control laboratories, consulting engineering companies, in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries, and by utilities, health, educational and government establishments.
Example Titles
analytical technician, chemical
biochemistry technologist
chemical analyst
chemical engineering technician
chemical engineering technologist
chemical laboratory analyst
chemical research technician
chemical technician
chemical technologist
food technologist
formulation technician
geochemical technician
industrial hygiene technologist
mass spectrometer technician
master dyer – textiles
paint technician
pilot plant technician
quality control technician – chemical processing
quality control technician – food processing
View all titles
Main duties
Chemical technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
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Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy
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Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations
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Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
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Develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
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Assist in the development of chemical engineering processes, studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance and the development of standards, procedures and health and safety measures
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Operate experimental chemical or petrochemical pilot plants
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Conduct or assist in air and water quality testing and assessments, environmental monitoring and protection activities, and development of and compliance with standards
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Assist in synthesis of small molecules for the purpose of creating drug candidates
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Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
Chemical technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
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Assist in setting up and conducting chemical experiments, tests and analyses
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Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
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Compile records for analytical studies
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Assist in developing and conducting programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards
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Carry out a limited range of other technical functions in support of chemical research, tests and analyses, and environmental air and water quality monitoring and protection
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Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
Employment requirements
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Chemical technologists usually require completion of a two- or three-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology or a closely related discipline.
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Chemical technicians usually require completion of a one- or two-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology.
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National certification for chemical technologists and technicians is available through the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology.
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Certification in chemical engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers.
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In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
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A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Additional information
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Considerable mobility is possible among jobs within this occupational group.
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Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
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Some chemical technologists and technicians working in support of fundamental research in chemistry or biochemistry are university graduates.
Classified elsewhere
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Biochemistry technologists working as medical laboratory technologists (in 3211 Medical laboratory technologists )
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Process technicians who operate the controls of chemical or petrochemical processing plants (in 9232 Petroleum, gas and chemical process operators )
