Chemical equipment operator, Kaiwhakamahi taputapu matū
Also known as
- Chemical production operator, pharmaceutical production operator, chemical operator, machine operator, spray dryer, water treatment operator, evaporator operator
Chemical equipment operators maintain and operate equipment that controls chemical reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products.

Your pay could be
$50K
Lower
$60K to $100K
Most common
$131K
Upper
How does this pay compare?
Pay is before tax
Your training could be
0-1 year
Chemical equipment operators
- usually work shifts, including evenings and weekends
- usually work in plants, factories, and may travel locally
- may work in noisy, hot and hazardous conditions
- may do physically demanding work
- need to be practical, methodical and safety conscious
Tasks
- operate equipment that controls chemical reactions
- monitor equipment gauges
- adjust controls to manage gas flow
- adjust temperatures for chemical processes
- monitor machines for problems
- inspect equipment before and after use
- test products for quality
- record production information
- follow safety rules
Practical
Organised
Investigative
Interests that fit this job
Interest quiz,
Kairoro Kaingākau
Do the Interest quiz to find out how well your interests fit with this job.
Do the quizYou learn on the job to become a chemical equipment operator and a qualification or experience may be useful.
You may need
- a New Zealand Certificate in Energy and Chemical Process Operations (Level 3)
- a New Zealand Certificate in Energy and Chemical Field Operations (Level 4)
- experience in similar work
- a driver licence
If you’re in school
You usually don’t need specific NCEA levels for this job, but Level 2 may be useful.
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