Details Report for:
51-8099.01 - Biofuels Processing Technicians
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Calculate, measure, load, or mix refined feedstock used in biofuels production.
- Operate chemical processing equipment for the production of biofuels.
- Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.
- Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.
- Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.
- Assess the quality of biofuels additives for reprocessing.
- Calibrate liquid flow devices and meters including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
- Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.
- Inspect biofuels plant or processing equipment regularly, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
- Measure and monitor raw biofuels feedstock.
- Monitor and record biofuels processing data.
- Monitor and record flow meter performance.
- Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.
- Monitor stored biofuels products or secondary by-products until reused or transferred to users.
- Preprocess feedstock in preparation for physical, chemical, or biological fuel production processes.
- Clean biofuels processing work area, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Coordinate raw product sourcing or collection.
- Perform routine maintenance on mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment or instruments used in the processing of biofuels.
- Rebuild, repair, or replace biofuels processing equipment components.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Air dryers — Materials dryers |
| Air samplers or collectors — Air monitoring equipment; Emissions monitoring systems |
| Control valves — Flow control valves FCV; Throttle control valves TCV |
| Distillation pipings or columns or fittings — Distillation columns; Stripper columns |
| Front end loaders — Wheeled front end loaders |
| Globe valves — Stop valves |
| Hoists — Chain hoists |
| Infrared imagers — Infrared temperature guns |
| Laboratory mechanical convection ovens — Gravity convection ovens |
| Laboratory mixers — Agitators |
| Pressure transmitters — Pressure gauges |
| Standard fermentation units — Fermentation processing vessels |
| Titration equipment — Autotitrators; Titrators |
| Two way radios — Mobile radios |
| Water tube boiler — Steam boilers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Facilities management software — Computerized maintenance management system CMMS software |
| Industrial control software — Digital control systems DCS software; Human machine interface HMI software |
| Inventory management software — Inventory control software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
50   |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 45 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 45 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 28 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 28 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 28 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Plant and System Operators, All Other.
Employment data collected from Plant and System Operators, All Other.
Industry data collected from Plant and System Operators, All Other.
| Median wages (2012) | $25.55 hourly, $53,130 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 11,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 3,700 |
| Top industries (2010) | Government (36% employed in this sector)
Manufacturing (28%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
