Description
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
Alternative labels
field of chemicals
science of chemistry
processes of chemistry
science of chemicals
principles of chemicals
processes of chemicals
principles of chemistry
field of chemistry
Skill type
knowledge
Skill reusability level
cross-sector
Relationships with occupations
Essential knowledge
Chemistry is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:
Petroleum pump system operator: Petroleum pump system operators tend pumps that keep the circulation of oil and derived products running smoothly. They monitor the flow within the pipes at a refinery and test the equipment to ensure minimum disruptions. Pump systems operators work from a highly automated control room, where they communicate with other workers to coordinate pump activities. Pump system operators undertake minor repairs and maintenance, and report as called for.
Mine geologist: Mine geologists locate, identify, quantify and classify mineral resources and their geological characteristics and structure. They provide advice to mine managers and engineers at existing and prospective mineral operations.
Science teacher secondary school: Science teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, science. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of science through assignments, tests and examinations.
Chemical application specialist: Chemical application specialists develop chemical products according to the needs and expectation of the clients. They conduct development of formulas and processes of formulation as well as evaluation of the efficiency and performances of the formulations.
Biomedical scientist: Biomedical scientists perform all laboratory methods required as part of medical examination, treatment and research activities, particularly clinical-chemical, haematological, immuno-haematological, histological, cytological, microbiological, parasitological, mycological, serological and radiological tests. They perform analytical sample testing and report the results to the medical staff for further diagnosis. Biomedical Scientists may apply these methods in particular in the infection, blood or cellular sciences.
Distillation operator: Distillation operators run and oversee the oil distillation process and assist with troubleshooting. They operate distillation equipment to separate intermediate products or impurities from oil. They turn control valves and gauges to attain temperatures, material flow rate, pressure, etc.Â
Environmental mining engineer: Environmental mining engineers oversee the environmental performance of mining operations. They develop and implement environmental systems and strategies to minimise environmental impacts.
Chemical engineering technician: Chemical engineering technicians transform raw materials in order to develop and test chemical products. They also work on improving chemical plant operations and processes.
Explosives engineer: Explosives engineers design drilling patterns and determine the amount of explosives required. They organise and supervise controlled blasts and report and investigate misfires. They manage explosives magazines.
Corrosion technician: Corrosion technicians monitor the integrity from a pipeline and provide repairs to it if needed. They ensure that the pipelines are properly connected and are in line with the health and safety regulations. Corrosion technicians inspect cathodic protection systems and pipeline connection points for corrosion. They may also assist in the designing of pipelines, analyse soil and write reports on technical issues.
Dewatering technician: Dewatering technicians install and operate pumps, spares, pipe ranges, and vacuum dewatering systems to collect and remove liquids and chemicals.
Liquid fuel engineer: Liquid fuel engineers evaluate liquid fuel extraction sites. They design and develop methods for extracting liquid fuels from underneath the earth’s surface, these fuels include petroleums, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, non-petroleum fossil fuels, biodiesel and alcohols. They maximise the recovery of hydrocarbon at a minimum cost, pursuing minimal impact on the environment.
Materials engineer: Materials engineers research and design new or improved materials for a diverse number of applications. They analyse the composition of materials, conduct experiments, and develop new materials for industry-specific use that can range from rubber, to textiles, glass, metals, and chemicals. They advise companies in damage assessments, quality assurance of materials, and recycling of materials.
Food technologist: Food technologists develop processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles and technology. They design and plan layouts or equipment, oversee staff, engage in controlling, and improve food technologies in food production processes.
Analytical chemist: Analytical chemists research and describe the chemical composition of substances. Moreover, they draw conclusions related to the behaviour of such substances in different conditions.
Mineral processing engineer: Mineral processing engineers develop and manage equipment and techniques to successfully process and refine valuable minerals from ore or raw mineral.
Textile, leather and footwear researcher: Textile, leather and footwear researchers combine knowledge of material sciences, chemistry, physics, process technologies, management, and engineering to contribute to future innovations within the fields of textile, wearing apparel, leather, and footwear. They collaborate in multidisciplinary projects in order to combine findings from a diverse array of science fields for product development.
Petroleum engineer: Petroleum engineers evaluate gas and oil fields. They design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underneath the earth’s surface. They maximise the recovery of hydrocarbon at a minimum cost, pursuing minimal impact on the environment.
Groundwater monitoring technician: Groundwater monitoring technician monitor the environment, gathering data in the form of samples and performing tests in a laboratory or field, to investigate potential sources of pollution. They also perform maintenance tasks on the monitoring equipment.
Refinery shift manager: Refinery shift managers supervise staff, manage plant and equipment, optimise production and ensure safety at the oil refinery on a day-to-day basis.
Assayer: Assayers test and analyse precious metals such as silver and gold to determine the value and properties of components using chemical and physical techniques. They also seperate precious metals or other components from other materials.
Sensory scientist: Sensory scientists carry out sensory analysis in order to compose or improve flavours and fragrances for the food, beverage and cosmetics industry. They base their flavour and fragrance development on sensory and consumer research. Sensory scientists carry out research and analyse statistical data to meet customers expectations.
Dietitian: Dietitians assess specific nutritional requirements of populations or individuals throughout their lives and translate this into advice which will maintain, reduce risk to, or restore people’s health. Using evidence-based approaches, dietitians work to empower individuals, families and groups to provide or select food which is nutritionally adequate, safe, tasty and sustainable. Beyond healthcare, dietitians improve the nutritional environment for all through governments, industry, academia and research.
Nanoengineer: Nanoengineers combine the scientific knowledge of atomic and molecular particles with engineering principles for applications in a varied array of fields. They apply findings in chemistry, biology, and materials engineering, etc. They use technological knowledge for the improvement of existing applications or the creation of micro objects.
Industrial waste inspector: Industrial waste inspectors conduct controls in companies to ensure they comply with waste and environmental regulations. They check the documentation related to waste management, they collect samples for analysis and observe the industrial practices. They may advise or preventive or corrective actions to improve industrial waste management and disposal.
Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers integrate environmental and sustainable measures in the development of projects of various natures. They seek to preserve natural resources and natural sites. They work together with engineers from other fields to envision all the implications that projects might have in order to design ways to conserve natural reserves, prevent pollution, and deploy sanitary measures.
Cytology screener: Cytology screeners examine under a microscope samples of human cells obtained from various body parts such as the female reproductive tract, the lung or gastrointestinal tract, assist in identifying cell abnormality and disease such as cancer or infectious agents under supervision, following the orders of the doctor of medicine.The abnormal cells are being transferred to the pathologist for medical diagnosis. They may also work under the supervision of a biomedical scientist. They do not treat patients or assist in medical treatments.
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Mud logger: Mud loggers analyse the drilling fluids after they have been drilled up. They analyse the fluids in a laboratory. Mud loggers determine the position of hydrocarbons with respect to depth. They also monitor natural gas and identify lithology.
Pharmaceutical engineer: Pharmaceutical engineers design and develop technologies used in pharmaceutical research and drugs manufacture, advising the pharmaceutical manufacturing plants to maintain and operate those technologies and ensuring the customers` and workers` safety requirements are met. They may also be involved in the conception and design of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and research centers.
Chemistry lecturer: Chemistry lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, chemistry, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants
for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for leading laboratory practices, grading papers and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their field of chemistry, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
Environmental technician: Environmental technicians investigate sources of pollution and aid in the development of pollution prevention and environment protection plans. They take samples of soil, water or other materials and perform tests to analyse the pollution level and identify its source.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.
Chemical processing supervisor: Chemical processing supervisors coordinate the activities and the staff involved in the chemical production process, ensuring the production goals and deadlines are met. They control quality and optimize chemicals processing by ensuring defined tests, analysis and quality control procedures are performed.
Air pollution analyst: Air pollution analysts conduct field and lab tests to examine the pollution of air in different areas. They also identify sources of pollution.
Chemistry teacher secondary school: Chemistry teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, chemistry. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of chemistry through assignments, tests and examinations.
Optional knowledge
Chemistry is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.
Hydrogenation machine operator: Hydrogenation machine operators control equipment to process base oils for manufacture of margarine and shortening products.
Foundry manager: Foundry managers coordinate and implement short and medium term casting production schedules, and coordinate the development, support and improvement of casting processes, and the reliability efforts of the maintenance and engineering departments. They also partner with ongoing remediation initiatives.
Oil and gas production manager: Oil and gas production managers coordinate and implement short and medium term oil and gas production schedules and plans, such as drilling, extraction operations and waste management. They steer one or more units and oversee the implementation of technical and human means, within the framework of objectives of volume, quality and planning. Oil and gas production managers design and ensure that the production plans and schedules are met.
Stringed musical instrument maker: Stringed musical instrument makers create and assemble parts to create stringed instruments according to specified instructions or diagrams. They sand wood, measure and attach strings, test quality of strings and inspect the finished instrument.
Mine manager: Mine managers control, direct, plan and coordinate mining production activities. They have statutory responsibility for safety and are also responsible for environmental impact. They oversee the acquisition, installation, maintenance and storage of mining plant and equipment. They lead and manage according to the organisation’s code of conduct.
Environmental scientist: Environmental scientists identify problems and find solutions in order to minimize environmental hazards by performing analysis on samples such as air, water or soil. They advise on or develop environmental policies and aim to improve water supplies preservation and manage waste disposal sites. Environmental scientists perform environmental risk assessments and analyse the environmental impact of new solutions, construction sites or environmental changes ensuring the environmental regulations are followed.
Product development manager: Product development managers coordinate the development of new products from beginning to end. They receive briefings and start envisioning the new product considering design, technical and cost criteria. They conduct research on market needs and create prototypes of new products for untapped market opportunities. Product development managers also improve and boost technological quality.
Spark erosion machine operator: Spark erosion machine operators set up and tend spark erosion machines designed to cut excess material from a metal workpiece by the use of electrical discharges, or sparks, caused by electric voltage and separated by a dielectric liquid, which removes pieces of metal from the electrodes These applications can involve transmission and optical microscopy.
Water treatment systems operator: Water treatment system operators treat water to ensure safety for drinking, irrigation, or other use. They operate and maintain water treatment equipment and ensure the water is safe for bottling and use in food production by thoroughly testing before distribution, and by meeting environmental standards.
Agricultural technician: Agricultural technicians collect and conduct experiments and tests on agriculture and aquaculture specimens. They provide support to scientists and farmers and also analyse and report on conditions in the collected specimens’ environments.
Gauger: Gaugers test oil during the processing and before dispatch. They control pumping systems and regulate the flow of oil into the pipelines.
Tyre builder: Tyre builders build pneumatic tyres from rubber components. They operate machines and handtools.
Botanical technician: Botanical technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing different plant species to monitor their properties such as growth and structure. They collect and analyse data using laboratory equipment, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock. Botanical technicians also study plants to research their use in areas such as medicine, food and materials.
Biology technician: Biology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and analysing the relationship between living organisms and their environment. They use laboratory equipment to examine organic substances such as bodily fluids, medicines, plants and food. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
Pipeline environmental project manager: Pipeline environmental project managers ensure the accomplishment of environmental preservation within pipeline transport projects. They, together with a group of managers and specialists, analyse the sites and routes of pipelines in order to advice on environmental issues to be considered and addressed.
Starch converting operator: Starch converting operators control converters to change starch into glucose or corn syrup. After processing, they test products to verify their purity.
Fisheries adviser: Fisheries advisers provide consultancy on fish stocks and their habitats. They manage the costal fishing business modernisation and provide improvement solutions. Fisheries advisers develop plans and policies for fisheries management. They may provide advice on protected farms and wild fish stock.
Derrickhand: Derrickhands guide the positions and movements of drill pipes. They control the automated pipe-handling equipment. They are often responsible for the condition of drilling fluids, or “mud”.
Metallurgical manager: Metallurgical managers coordinate and implement short and medium term metallurgical or steel-making production schedules, and coordinate the development, support and improvement of steel-making processes, and the reliability efforts of the maintenance and engineering departments. They also partner with ongoing remediation initiatives.
Herbal therapist: Herbal therapists use herbal medicine to relief pain and treat illnesses such as allergies, chronic physical conditions or stress-related conditions. They study the properties and benefits of plants and create a personalised treatment plan for the patients.
Oceanographer: Oceanographers study and perform research on matters related to the sea and oceans. Oceanographers divide their expertise in four main branches of research which are physical oceanographers whose research focus on waves and tides, chemical oceanographers whose study address the chemical constitution of sea waters, marine biologists whose focal point is the study of living organisms, ecosystems and  their interaction underwater, and geological oceanographer whose research refers to the bottom of seas and their plaques.
Fire prevention and protection engineer: Fire prevention and protection engineers study, design, and developed innovative solutions aimed to the prevention of fire and the protection of people, natural sites, and urban areas. They propose suitable materials for construction, clothing, or other applications and they design detection systems aiming to prevent fire or the propagation of it.
Scientific laboratory technician: Scientific laboratory technicians carry out laboratory-based research, analysis and testing and support life science professionals. They sample, test, measure, research and analyse in areas such as biology, biotechnology, environmental science, forensic science and pharmacology. Scientific laboratory technicians also observe and monitor laboratory activities, record test sequences and analyse the results.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Pipeline engineer: Pipeline engineers design and develop the engineering aspects for the construction of pipeline infrastructures in various kinds of sites (e.g. inland, maritime). They envision and create the specifications for pumping systems and for the general transport of goods through pipelines.
Environmental programme coordinator: Environmental programme coordinators develop programmes for the improvement of environmental sustainability and efficiency within a organisation or institution. They inspect sites in order to monitor an organisation’s or institution’s compliance with environmental legislation. They also ensure education for the public on environmental concerns.
Oxy fuel burning machine operator: Oxy fuel burning machine operators set up and tend machines designed to cut, or rather burn off, excess material from the metal workpiece using a torch that heats the metal workpiece to its kindling temperature and subsequently burns it into a metal oxide upon its reaction with an emitted stream of oxygen, flowing out of the workpiece’s created kerf as slag.
Secondary school teacher: Secondary school teachers provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually specialist subject teachers, who instruct in their own field of study. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary and evaluate their knowledge and performance through assignments, tests and examinations.
Geneticist: Geneticists study and focus their research on genetics. They analyse the fashion in which genes interact, operate, and inherit traits and characteristics. Based on their research, they attend patients with inherited diseases and conditions, congenital malformations, and genetic matters at large.
Drill operator: Drill operators supervise a team during rigging and drilling operations. They monitor well activity and take measures in case of emergencies.
Hydrogeologist: Hydrogeologists in mining study the distribution, quality and flow of water in order to keep mine workings free of nuisance water and to ensure an adequate supply of process water. They supply and evaluate information which will protect ground and surface water from contamination.
Mineral processing operator: Mineral processing operators operate a variety of plants and equipment to convert raw materials into marketable products. They provide the appropriate information on the process to the control room.
Photographic developer: Photographic developers use chemicals, instruments, and darkroom photographic techniques in specialised rooms in order to develop photographic films into visible images.
Palaeontologist: Palaeontologists research and analyse forms of life that existed in ancient eras of the planet Earth. They strive to define the evolutionary path and the interaction with different geological areas of all kinds of once organisms and such plants, pollen and spores, invertebrate and vertebrate animals, humans, traces such as footprints, and ecology and climate.
Chemistry technician: Chemistry technicians monitor chemical processes and conduct tests to analyse chemical substances for manufacturing or scientific purposes. They work in laboratories or production facilities where they assist chemists in their work. Chemistry technicians perform laboratory activities, test chemical substances, analyse data and report about their work.
Ecologist: Ecologists carry out assessments of the health and distribution of organisms, namely people, plants, and animals, and the relationship between organisms and their environment. Ecologists usually have a specialisation area, e.g. freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna, and flora about which they conduct research and perform relating tasks.Â
Roughneck: Roughnecks make or break connections when the drill pipe is tripped in or out of the drilling hole. They assemble and disassemble pipes and drills, and collect core samples. They maintain and repair the equipment on the drilling floor.
Coking furnace operator: Coking furnace operators monitor the operation of a usually automatic industrial oven that takes in crushed, washed, and blended bituminous coal and heats it to temperatures between 1000 and 2000 °C without the presence of oxygen in order to obtain cokes. The finished cokes are then quenched with water or air and prepared for transport.
Environmental geologist: Environmental geologists study how mineral operations may impact the composition and physical characteristics of the earth and its resources. They provide advice on issues such as land reclamation and environmental pollution.
Environmental health inspector: Environmental health inspectors carry out investigations to ensure that areas, organisations and companies comply with environmental and public health legislation. They evaluate environmental complaints, provide reports on their findings and work to prevent future hazards or noncompliance with current policies. Environmental health inspectors perform consultations to promote public health and safety.
Health and safety engineer: Health and safety engineers design objects and programs by combining engineering principles and health and safety requirements. They envision the protection and well-being of the people using designed objects or performing work under designed health and safety programs. They assess facilities and the risks that they might pose (e.g. contaminant materials, ergonomics, handling of dangerous substances, etc.) in order to design and improve health and safety measures.
Taxidermist: Taxidermists mount and reproduce deceased animals or parts of animals such as trofy heads for the purpose of public display and education, such as in a museum or monument, or for other sources of scientific study, or for a private collection.
Exploration geologist: Exploration geologists examine and prospect for mineral deposits. They identify, define and obtain legal title to an economically viable mineral deposit.  They are responsible for design, management and execution of the exploration programme.
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Motion picture film developer: Motion picture film developers develop film material into visible videos and material. They develop the footage into different formats, such as 65-70mm and 8mm, and presentations, such as black and white and colour. They work small cine-films per request of clients.
Biomedical scientist advanced: Biomedical scientists advanced undertake advanced translational research in the biomedical science field and perform as educators of their professions or as other professionals.
Electroplating machine operator: Electroplating machine operators set up and tend electroplating machines designed to finish and coat the metal workpieces’ (such as future pennies and jewelry) surface by using electric current to dissolve metal cations and to bond a thin layer of another metal, such as zinc, copper or silver, to produce a coherent metal coating to the workpiece’s surface.
Research manager:
Research managers oversee the research and development functions of a research facility or program or university. They support the executive staff, coordinate work activities, and monitor staff and research projects. They may work in a wide array of sectors, such as the chemical, technical and life sciences sector. Research managers can also advise on research and execute research themselves.
Complementary therapist: Complementary therapists use a range of complementary and alternative therapies to work simultaneously with the clients` body, mind, and spirit in a holistic approach. They offer practices and services for holistic wellbeing, health maintenance, health education, health promotion and prevention of illness, along with the sustainable treatment of certain illnesses, especially chronic illnesses. Their practices include but are not limited to acupuncture, aromatherapy, banotherapy, homeopathy, and herbal medicine.
Keyboard musical instrument maker: Keyboard musical instrument makers create and assemble parts to create keyboard instruments according to specified instructions or diagrams. They sand wood, tune, test and inspect the finished instrument.
Geochemist: Geochemists study the characteristics and chemical elements in minerals, rocks and soils, and how they interact with hydrological systems. They coordinate the collection of samples and indicate the suite of metals to be analysed.
Mine rescue officer: Mine rescue officers coordinate mine rescue operations and need to be trained to work underground. They are the first line of response in emergency situations.
Perfume production machine operator: Perfume production machine operators tend machinery for the manufacturing of perfumes by setting up the machines and tools, cleaning and maintaining the equipment and abiding by the production schedule.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Surface engineer: Surface engineers research and develop technologies for manufacturing processes that assist in altering the properties of the surface of bulk material, such as metal, in order to reduce degradation by corrosion or wear. They explore and design how to protect surfaces of (metal) workpieces and products utilising sustainable materials and testing with a minimum of waste.
Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists manage the quality of specific forests, parks and other natural resources. They protect the wildlife habitat, biodiversity, scenic value, and other unique attributes of preserves and conservation lands. Conservation scientists perform field work.
Foam rubber mixer: Foam rubber mixers tend the machine that mixes foam rubber particles with liquid latex. They weigh the right amount of ingredients and pour mixtures into moulds to make cushions and matresses.
Anodising machine operator: Anodising machine operators set up and tend anodising machines designed to provide otherwise finished metal workpieces, usually aluminum-based, with a durable, anodic oxide, corrosion-resistant finishing coat, by a electrolyctic passiviation process that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer of the metal workpieces’ surface.
Material testing technician: Material testing technicians perform a variety of tests on materials such as soils, concrete, masonry and asphalt, in order to verify conformance to intended usage cases and specifications.
Refining machine operator: Refining machine operators tend machines to refine crude oils, such as soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and peanut oil. They tend wash tanks to remove by-products and remove impurities with heat.
Biologist: Biologists study living organisms and life in its broader extent in combination with its environment. Through research, they strive to explain the functional mechanisms, interactions, and evolution of organisms.
Mine safety officer: Mine safety officers oversee health and safety systems at mining operations. They report workplace accidents, compile accident statistics, estimate risks to employee safety and health, and suggest solutions or new measurements and techniques.
Gemmologist: Gemmologists value precious stones by analysing their characteristics, cut, and provenience either for trading or for further polishing efforts. They asses stones and gems to give them a market value.
Desalination technician: Desalination technicians operate, monitor and maintain desalination plant equipment. They ensure compliance with legal regulations and safety and health requirements.
Zoology technician: Zoology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing animal species using laboratory equipment. They aid in research concerning animals as well as their environments and ecosystems. They collect and analyse data, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
Cosmetics production machine operator: Cosmetics production machine operators tend machinery for the manufacturing of cosmetic products by setting up the machines and tools, cleaning and maintaining the equipment and abiding by the production schedule.
References
- Chemistry – ESCO