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Chemical Technician III

Summary

Senior chemical technician.  Works under general supervision.  A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.  Relies on significant 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 coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals.  Spends less than 80% of work time on supervisory/managerial duties.

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, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits
  • Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas
  • Set up, maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment
  • Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results; give presentations that summarize those results
  • Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers
  • Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies
  • Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products
  • Operate experimental pilot facilities, assisting with experimental design
  • Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques
  • Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes
  • Direct or monitor 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 five 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.