Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-9012
• 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:

• Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
• Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
• Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
• Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
• Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
• Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
• Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
• Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
• Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
• Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
• Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable wrenches, Claw hammers, Colorimeters, Desktop computers, Email software, Gauging rods

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Food Batchmakers
• Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — 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.