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 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.

Chemical engineering technologists may work in offices or plants. In production settings, they may work shifts. Their work can be physically demanding.

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.

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.

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.