A chemical technician has three areas of responsibility: processing chemicals, completing orders, and writing reports. A chemical technician can be found in a wide range of industries, ranging from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing. Typically, a chemical technician has specialized equipment and experience processing chemicals. Most chemical technicians specialize in a specific industry or type of technology, both to provide a higher level of quality service and to focus their career on a specific area. Look into the different programs and select the one that has the greatest number of job opportunities in your area.

In order to become a chemical technician, post-secondary education is required. Most technicians have completed a two- or three-year program from a community or career college. The primary focus of this program is on actual laboratory processes and methodologies. In the last year of the program, students can specialize in a specific area or industry.

People who enjoy working with details, are good problem solvers, and possess excellent research skills report the greatest satisfaction as a chemical technician. Chemical technicians typically work in laboratories and do not have much involvement with clients. Their primary focus is to complete the request received and ensure proper procedure is followed.

Regardless of the industry, the chemical technician is responsible for following all safety and testing protocols. Most firms hire dedicated chemical technicians onto their staff. The vast majority of chemical technicians are responsible for processing chemicals. This can include combining different chemicals together or separating them through a variety of methods.

The primary role of the chemical technician is to complete chemical orders. The level of work can vary significantly, ranging from a complex processing request to a simple distillation job requiring two or three hours of work. The orders are received, prioritized, and then processed.

Chemical technicians are required to write reports as part of their work. They don't normally conduct chemical analysis, but they will need to document the process used, the values recorded at different stages, and any issues with the batch. This information is very valuable and is reviewed to maintain quality control.

Career advancement opportunities for a chemical technician typically require a combination of additional education and experience. In a laboratory, the supervisor or managerial positions are usually held by processing chemists or chemical engineers. However, with a great deal of experience, candidates who have completed courses in management or advanced processing techniques can move into a senior technician or technical adviser position.