Chemical Engineering Technologist

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: Chemical Technologists (2211.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Chemical Technologists and Technicians (C111) 
• 2011 NOC: Chemical technologists and technicians (2211) 

Chemical engineering technologists may work in engineering offices, sales offices or production facilities.

In engineering offices, they may work on process engineering, operation engineering, production engineering or project co-ordination. In general, they work independently or as part of a team to:

• run computer based process simulations
• provide technical engineering support
• troubleshoot problems and optimize operations
• prepare engineering drawings
• evaluate and prepare regulatory applications
• redesign process equipment.

In technical sales offices, chemical engineering technologists:

• act as liaisons between plant engineering personnel and equipment suppliers
• prepare quotes and technical documents
• co-ordinate projects.

In production facilities, they:

• operate process control equipment
• gather plant operating data for design purposes
• do feasibility studies
• co-ordinate production
• supervise construction activity.

Chemical engineering technologists also may:

• assist with environmental impact assessments and environmental audits, decommission facilities and do site reclamation work
• prepare cost estimates and construction schedules for production facilities
• assist in the design of new processes and production plants
• evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of modifying, replacing or installing new plant equipment
• trouble-shoot and solve problems to maximize production
• prepare process and instrument drawings
• design and implement corrosion management programs for pressure vessels and pipelines
• operate complex plants and processes, and make process improvements.

Chemical engineering technologists use scientific principles to solve technical problems in a safe and cost effective manner. They may work in design or operate small scale models of equipment (prototypes) created to design or evaluate manufacturing processes or equipment.

Chemical engineering technologists may work in office environments or industrial plant facilities. In production environments, they may work shifts.

Chemical engineering technologists need the following characteristics:

• the ability to pay attention to details
• persistence and a desire to be accurate
• strong problem solving skills
• the communication and interpersonal skills required to work in a team environment and possibly supervise others.

They should enjoy working with people, analyzing data and performing calculations to solve problems, and taking a methodical approach to their work.

Chemical engineering technologists usually are members of operating teams that include engineers, other technologists and technicians involved in the operation of industrial plants, mills and refineries. They also may work in environmental consulting, chemical or equipment sales, or as chemical process operators.

Typical employers include:

• tar sand and heavy oil extraction plants
• pipeline companies
• chemical, fertilizer and petrochemical production facilities
• oil and gas plants
• food processing companies
• pulp and paper companies
• technical sales organizations
• environmental engineering firms
• service and consulting firms.

Experienced chemical engineering technologists may advance to senior technical supervisor or staff supervisor positions. Some chemical engineering technologists take additional training and teach in technical institutes. Others work as technical writers or as salespersons for chemical products.

Chemical engineering technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical Technologists and Technicians. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET website: www.aset.ab.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.