Biofuels Processing Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8099
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.
• Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.
• Monitor and record biofuels processing data.
• Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.
• Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.
• Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.
• Operate chemical processing equipment for the production of biofuels.
• Monitor and record flow meter performance.
• Inspect biofuels plant or processing equipment regularly, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
• Measure and monitor raw biofuels feedstock.
• Preprocess feedstock in preparation for physical, chemical, or biological fuel production processes.
• Calculate, measure, load, or mix refined feedstock used in biofuels production.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Python, R, SAS, Tableau, Adjustable hand wrenches, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Agitators, Air compressors, Air monitoring equipment, Autotitrators

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Power Plant Operators
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Gas Plant Operators
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Biofuels Processing Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.