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Biofuel Plant Technician, Biofuel Technician, Biofuel Plant Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
*This NOC group is considered similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.
Biofuel is a renewable energy source. It’s made from biomass (biological / biogenic materials). Biomass could come from wood, sugarcane, corn starch, or farm waste. Biofuels processing technicians convert biomass into liquid biofuels (such as ethanol and biodiesel). In some cases, biofuel technicians could also create gaseous or solid biofuels.
Biofuels processing technicians:
Some biofuels processing technicians may also:
Biofuels processing technicians may be supervised by production managers. In turn, they may supervise manufacturing assistants.
Biofuels processing technicians work in biofuels generation facilities or labs. They most often do shift work since generation facilities operate 24 hours a day.
They often work with hazardous materials and chemicals. They must follow safety rules and wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE can include gloves, goggles, respirator, hard hat, steel-toed boots, coveralls, hearing protection, and gas detectors / monitors.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
Interest in compiling records for analytical studies; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, and to assist with environmental air and water quality monitoring and protection
Interest in assisting to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards; and in carrying out a limited range of other technical functions in support of chemical research, tests and analyses
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Biofuels processing technicians need:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 70 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 37 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 33 |
| Tasks: MS Office | 31 |
| Tasks: Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis | 30 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 28 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 28 |
| Tasks: Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments | 27 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 27 |
| Tasks: Compile records for analytical studies | 27 |
| Tasks: Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results | 26 |
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
Employers prefer candidates who have completed high school. Some may require a relevant college or technical school program.
Biofuels processing technicians need to know about:
They also may need to know about:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.
Biofuels processing technicians may work for:
Prospects for advancement come with time on the job and further education. Biofuel processing technicians can become technologists or senior operators. They may move into quality assurance or management.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Chemical technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2211*
80.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.50 | $50.24 | $34.14 | $35.90 |
| Overall | $20.52 | $63.59 | $42.15 | $41.28 |
| Top | $21.08 | $86.31 | $46.60 | $43.73 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $81,510 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $86,125 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $78,710 |
| Public Administration | $85,175 |
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
