Fertiliser mixer

Fertiliser mixers operate and maintain machines that mix chemical ingredients in order to produce fertilisers, making sure the end product is according to specifications.

The duties of a fertiliser mixer typically include:

• Pulling lever to feed dry materials from storage hopper into mixer.
• Observing gauges and turning valves to admit specified amounts of liquids, such as ammonia and sulfuric acid, into mixer.
• Stopping mixer after specified time and turns handwheel or pulls lever to dump batch onto conveyor.

The following job titles also refer to fertiliser mixer:

fertiliser mixing machine operator
mixer of fertilizer
fertilizer mixing machine operator
mixer of fertiliser
fertilizer mixer
fertilizer mixing machine operative

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a fertiliser mixer.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Fertiliser mixer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to fertiliser mixer.

pesticide mixer
paint mixer
wax bleacher
precast moulder
soap chipper

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of fertiliser mixer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of fertiliser mixer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

gas station operator
incinerator operator
viticulture adviser
fire inspector
occupational health and safety inspector

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of fertiliser mixer.

• Pollution legislation: Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.

These skills are necessary for the role of fertiliser mixer.

• Dump batches: Dump the batches into conveyors making sure the specifications such as the mixing time are followed.
• Tend fertiliser mixer: Tend the machines that mix chemicals such as nitrogen or phosphate in order to produce fertilizers.
• Feed fertilizer mixer: Feed the fertiliser mixer with dry materials from the storage hopper by pulling the lever.
• Monitor valves: Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of fertiliser mixer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Synthetic fertilisers: The description and chemical composition of synthetic fertilisers such as phosphatic, nitrogen and potassium fertilisers.
• Natural fertilisers: The composition and action of natural/organic fertilisers such as mineral fertilisers or fertilisers from animal or plant sources.
• Fertiliser catalysts: The description, composition and action of the catalysts used in fertilisers industry such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid or ammonia production.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of fertiliser mixer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manage delivery of raw materials: Receive raw materials from the suppliers. Check their quality and accuracy and move them into the warehouse. Make sure that raw materials are adequately stored until they are required by the production department.
• Package purchases in bags: Packet purchased items and place them in shopping bags.
• Deliver fertiliser: Deliver ferilisers to clients.
• Monitor powdered ingredients: Monitor the batch and the ingredients, ensuring the weights and measures are conforming to the specified formula.
• Advise on nitrate pollution: Advise on the impact and consequences of pollution (including land pollution due to fertilisers) caused by nitrous oxide emissions which contribute to depletion of the ozone layer and suggest solutions to mitigate such actions.
• Clean mixer: Perform the cleaning of mixers in order to prepare them for mixing different types of compounds.

8131 – Chemical products plant and machine operators

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References

1. Fertiliser mixer – ESCO
2. Fertilizer Mixer: Job Description – CareerPlanner.com