Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, And Still Machine Setters, Operators, And Tenders

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Description

Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.

Tasks

Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
Monitor material flow or instruments such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters to ensure optimal processing conditions.
Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines, then turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
Examine samples visually or by hand to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, and texture.
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, and shift production, and send production information to computer databases.
Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
Measure or weigh materials to be refined, mixed, transferred, stored, or otherwise processed.
Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
Connect pipes between vats and processing equipment.
Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
Remove clogs, defects, or impurities from machines, tanks, conveyors, screens, or other processing equipment.
Assemble fittings, valves, bowls, plates, disks, impeller shafts, and other parts to equipment in order to prepare equipment for operation.
Install, maintain, or repair hoses, pumps, filters, or screens to maintain processing equipment, using hand tools.
Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
Remove full containers from discharge outlets and replace them with empty containers.
Pack bottles into cartons or crates, using machines.
Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.

Knowledge

Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Skills

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Abilities

Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed: The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Near Vision: The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Reaction Time: The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength: The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Auditory Attention: The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets: How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Exposed to Contaminants: How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable: How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Telephone: How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled: How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Face-to-Face Discussions: How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Time Pressure: How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Frequency of Decision Making: How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Contact With Others: How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions: How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Interests

Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation: Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Independence: Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Self Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Integrity: Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance: Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative: Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Analytical Thinking: Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Work Values

Support: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Relationships: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Recognition: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Achievement: Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

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Lay Titles

Absorber Operator

Absorption Operator

Acetone Recovery Worker

Acetylene Plant Operator

Acid Extractor

Acid Purifier

Almond Blancher Operator

Almond Huller

Amalgamator

Ammonium Nitrate Crystallizer

Automatic Centrifugal Station Operator

Automatic Dry Starch Operator

Barley Steeper

Basin Operator

Batch or Continuous Still Operator

Batch Still Operator

Batch Tank Controller

Bath Mix Operator

Beer Brewer

Beer Cooler

Beer Maker

Beer Runner

Black Pickler

Blender / Cook

Boiling Tub Operator

Bolter

Bone Cooking Operator

Bone Glue Maker

Bottom Precipitator Operator

Brewer

Brewer Apprentice

Brewmaster

Brewmaster Assistant

Brine Tank Separator Operator

Butter Liquefier

Butter Maker

Buttermaker

Byproducts Pump Operator

Caramel Coloring Operator

Carbonation Equipment Operator

Carbonation Equipment Tender

Carbonator

Carbonizer

Catalyst Recovery Operator

Cellar Worker

Centrifugal Drier Operator

Centrifugal Machine Tender

Centrifugal Operator

Centrifugal Station Operator

Centrifuge Operator

Centrifuge Separator Operator

Centrifuge Separator Tender

Char Filter Operator

Char Filter Tank Tender

Cheese Maker

Chemical Operator

Chemical Reclamation Equipment Operator

Cherry Pitter

Chips Screen Tender

Cider Maker

Cider Press Operator

Clarifier

Clarifier Operator

Classifier Operator

Classifier Tender

Clean Rice Grader and Reel Tender

Coagulation Operator

Coal Washer

Cocoa Bean Cleaner

Cocoa Butter Filter Operator

Cocoa Press Operator

Concentrator Operator

Condenser Tube Tender

Cone Operator

Cone Runner

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):: $18.55 hourly, $38,570 annual.

Employment (2008):: 41,430 employees