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Chemical Engineering Technologist
Chemical engineering technologists work in process design, plant engineering, environmental control, engineering sales and plant operations.
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Avg. Salary $60,911.00
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Avg. Wage $30.56
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Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
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Outlook N/A
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Employed 1,800
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Engineering Technologist, Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Operations Engineering Technologist, Process Engineering Technologist, Technical Account Manager, Technical Support Representative.
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: Chemical Technologists (2211.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Chemical Technologists and Technicians (C111)
- 2011 NOC: Chemical technologists and technicians (2211)
- 2016 NOC: Chemical technologists and technicians (2211)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $25.11 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.56 |
| Top | $33.42 |
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Certification Provincially Regulated
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Strength Required Strength requirements vary
Interest Codes
The Chemical Engineering Technologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Chemical Technologists
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, to operate chemical and petrochemical pilot plants, and to conduct air and water quality testing and assessments
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in analyzing data to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
- METHODICAL
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Interest in supervising to oversee environmental monitoring and protection activities and compliance with standards; in assisting in the development of chemical engineering processes, standards, procedures and health and safety measures; in assisting in studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
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 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.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Chemical engineering technologists may work in engineering or sales offices, or in petrochemical and production facilities.
In engineering offices, they may work on process engineering, operation engineering, production engineering, or project co-ordination. In general, they work alone or as part of a team to:
- run computer-based process simulations
- provide technical engineering support
- solve problems
- improve operations
- prepare engineering drawings
- assess and prepare regulatory applications
- redesign process equipment.
In technical sales offices, they:
- connect plant engineering personnel and equipment suppliers
- prepare quotes and technical documents
- co-ordinate projects.
In petrochemical and production facilities, they:
- operate process control equipment
- gather plant operating data for design purposes
- do feasibility studies
- manage production
- supervise construction.
They may also:
- help with environmental assessments and audits
- decommission facilities
- do site reclamation work
- prepare cost estimates and construction schedules (for production facilities)
- help design new processes and plants
- assess whether to change, replace, or install new equipment or chemistries
- find ways to maximize production
- prepare process and instrument drawings
- design and apply corrosion management programs (for pressure vessels and pipelines)
- operate complex plants and processes
- make process improvements.
Chemical engineering technologists use scientific principles to solve technical problems safely and at the best cost. They may work as designers or operate small-scale equipment models (prototypes). They use these models to design or assess manufacturing processes or equipment.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Chemical engineering technologists may work in offices or plants. In production settings, they may work shifts. Their work can be physically demanding.
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Strength Required Strength requirements vary
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Chemical engineering technologists need to possess:
- the ability to pay attention to details
- persistence
- accuracy
- the ability to solve problems
- the ability to speak and listen well
- leadership and people skills
- the ability to work on a team
- the ability to supervise others
They should enjoy:
- working with people
- analyzing data
- using math to solve problems
- taking a methodical approach to their work
- being innovative.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
At minimum, a chemical engineering technologist needs a related 2-year diploma of technology.
Required Education
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
University of Calgary
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Certified Engineering Technologist
Certified engineering technologists (CETs) apply industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties supervision by a Professional Engineer / Geoscientist or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience) may be required.
Legislation
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.
What You Need
Registration requires successful completion of:
- an applied science, engineering or information technology program accredited at the technologist level by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) or equivalent
- at least 2 years of acceptable technical experience
- 3 professional references
- completion of a competency report
- successful completion of ASET’s Professional Practice Exam.
Other requirements may include:
- ASET certification exam
- proficiency in English
- proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada.
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.
Working in Alberta
Certified engineering technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated certified engineering technologists, see Electrical Engineering Technologist Certification Process and Mechanical Engineering Technologist Certification Process.
Contact Details
The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada
Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)
Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practise independently in accordance with established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.
Legislation
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must be registered as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice, or to use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience) or the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.).
What You Need
To register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience), you must have:
- A designation as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) in good standing
- At least 6 years of work experience in areas that relate to engineering or geoscience, with at least 2 years under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist in the your proposed area and scope of practice
- At least 2 years of post-secondary education in areas that relate to your proposed area and scope of practice
- At least 4 years of experience under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist or at least 10 years of experience if your post-secondary education does not match your proposed area and scope of practice
- 3 professional references
- Proof of compliance with ASET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
- Successful completion of the National Professional Practice Exam
Other requirements may include:
- ASET Certification Exam
- Demonstration of proficiency in English
- Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada
For detailed, official information, contact ASET.
Working in Alberta
Professional technologists with a license to practice engineering or geoscience are currently only recognized in Alberta. They may be eligible for a limited licence with engineering regulatory organizations in other jurisdictions. Information on obtaining a limited licence is available through the regulatory organizations.
Registered professional technologists in Alberta may transfer to another province and receive recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist by completing the process set by the local provincial regulatory organizations for technologists. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.
Contact Details
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada
Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Chemical engineering technologists usually work on teams. These teams include engineers, other technologists, and technicians. Jobs are often at industrial plants, mills or refineries. They also may work in environmental consulting or in sales of chemicals or equipment. They may work as chemical process operators.
Typical employers are:
- oil sands and heavy oil extraction plants
- pipeline companies
- chemical, fertilizer, and petrochemical producers
- oil and gas plants
- food processing companies
- pulp and paper companies
- technical sales businesses
- environmental engineering firms
- service and consulting firms.
Experienced chemical engineering technologists may advance to senior technical or supervisory roles. Some take more training and teach in technical institutes. Others work as technical writers or in sales 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 [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Chemical engineering technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $39.00 | $25.11 | $23.00 |
| Overall | $17.50 | $52.76 | $30.56 | $27.88 |
| Top | $19.60 | $52.76 | $33.42 | $32.00 |
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.
A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $79,642 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,911 |
| Manufacturing | $55,874 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $48,139 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
16%
16%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website:www.aset.ab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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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