Summary Report

Updated 2006

Summary Report for:
51-9012.00 - Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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.

Sample of reported job titles: Chemical Operator, Cellar Worker, Cheese Maker, Refinery Operator, Blender / Cook, Brewer, Digester Cook, Paper Machine Tender, Plant Operator, Dryer Operator

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks

Set or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, and pressure.
Monitor material flow and instruments such as temperature and pressure gauges, indicators, and meters, in order 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, and hydrometers.
Measure or weigh materials to be refined, mixed, transferred, stored, or otherwise processed.
Clean and sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, and equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
Inspect machines and equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, and leaks.

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Adjustable wrenches

Floor or platform scales — Industrial platform scales; Platform scales

Hammers — Claw hammers

Ratchets

Screwdrivers — Phillips screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers

Socket sets

Technology used in this occupation:

Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software

Electronic mail software — Email software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

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.

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.

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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.

Skills

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

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.

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.

Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.

Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Work Activities

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.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

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.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

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.

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?

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?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Overall Experience	Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

There are 4 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Buttermaker; Fourdrinier-Machine Operator; Recovery Operator (Paper and Pulp); Purification Operator II

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website.

Interests

Interest code: RC

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.

Work Styles

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.

Related Occupations

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51-4193.00	Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-5023.00	Printing Machine Operators
51-6091.00	Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
53-7011.00	Conveyor Operators and Tenders
53-7071.00	Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages (2006)	$16.81 hourly, $34,970 annual
Employment (2006)	44,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016)	Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
Projected need (2006-2016)	10,000 additional employees

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006 wage data and 2006-2016 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Summary Report for: 51-9012.00 - Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders