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Emerging Occupations

Biofuels Processing Technician

In general, biofuels processing technicians work in the lab to produce biofuels. Biofuels include ethanol and biodiesel.

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or emerged in response to consumer needs or technological advances.

Also Known As

Biofuel Plant Technician, Biofuel Technician, Biofuel Plant Operator

NOC Codes

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

  • 2211.2: Chemical Technicians*

2006 NOC-S

  • C111: Chemical Technologists and Technicians*

2011 NOC

  • 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians*

2016 NOC

  • 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians*

2021 NOC

  • 22100: Chemical technologists and technicians*

2023 OaSIS

  • 22100.02: Chemical technicians*

*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.

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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:

  • Read and interpret instructions or technical drawings (related to production equipment or processes)
  • Assess the quality of liquid biofuels or biomass (feedstock)
  • Prepare feedstock for fuel production
  • Perform lab tests using wet chemistry methods and analytical instrumentation (for quality control)
  • Calibrate lab equipment and maintain records
  • Test product shipments and create certificates of analysis

Some biofuels processing technicians may also:

  • Calculate, measure, mix, and load feedstock into production equipment
  • Operate industrial production / processing equipment
  • Monitor and control production processes and flow levels
  • Manage parts and supplies for production equipment or processes
  • Inspect, maintain, and make minor repairs to production equipment

Biofuels processing technicians may be supervised by production managers. In turn, they may supervise manufacturing assistants.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Chemical Technicians*

2006 NOC: 2211.2

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in compiling records for analytical studies; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, and to assist with environmental air and water quality monitoring and protection

innovative

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

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Biofuels processing technicians need:

  • Math and science skills
  • Fine motor skills
  • Mechanical skills
  • Writing and speaking skills
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to follow instructions and plans exactly
  • Attention to detail
  • The ability to work on their own

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Chemical technologists and technicians*

2016 NOC: 2211

*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 50 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Apr 23, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Construction Specialization: Organized
Health benefits: Dental plan
Health benefits: Health care plan
Other benefits: Free parking available
Tasks: MS Office
Tasks: Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
Tasks: Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments
Tasks: Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis
Tasks: Compile records for analytical studies
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

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:

  • Chemistry and chemical processes
  • Lab tests and procedures (using various chemicals)
  • Safe handling of hazardous materials
  • Use of scientific instruments and production equipment

They also may need to know about:

  • Industrial plant operation
  • Instrument control and automation
  • Materials handling, preprocessing, quality testing, postprocessing
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) documentation
  • Chemical management software, such as CHEMATIX or other chemical inventory systems

Related Education

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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

  • An increased human need
  • Technological advances
  • Greater specialization within an occupation

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:

  • Commercial or industrial energy producers
  • Ethanol or biogas plants
  • Producers of biomass, such as forestry or agricultural companies

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

In the 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians* occupational group, 80.6% of people work in:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment

Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.

In Alberta, the 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians* occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

Chemical technologists and technicians*

2016 NOC: 2211

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Biofuels Processing Technician occupation.

Average Wage
$42.15
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,510.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2211 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
19%
19%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
5%
5%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training

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.

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