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Chemical Technician II

Summary

Intermediate chemical technician.  Works under minimal supervision.  A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.  Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Familiar with standard concepts, practices, procedures, and instrumental techniques within a particular field.  Typically reports to a supervisor or manager (a chemist or chemical engineer) who directs the work and evaluates the results.  May use communication and organizational skills to assist in coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others to accomplish goals.

Prepares materials for laboratory examination.  Conducts a variety of chemical and physical laboratory tests using special instruments and techniques to assist scientists and engineers in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of physical, organic, or inorganic chemistry and related sciences.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

  • Monitor chemical processes and test the quality of products to make sure that they meet standards and specifications
  • Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy
  • Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials
  • Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs and by conducting laboratory safety audits
  • Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas; provide input for creating experimental formulas
  • Set up, maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment
  • Assist in writing technical reports or preparing graphs or charts to document experimental results
  • Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers
  • Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies
  • Conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products
  • Operate experimental pilot facilities
  • Assist in developing new chemical engineering processes or production techniques
  • Assist in designing or fabricating experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes
  • Assist in directing or monitoring other workers producing chemical products

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree in applied science or chemical technology or two years of postsecondary education with a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines: chemistry, chemical technology, and/or food science.  At least three years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position may include supervisory responsibility.

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.