Chemistry Technician

Overview

Chemistry Technicians perform laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals, analyse test data and carry out technical functions in support of Chemists or Chemical Engineers in a wide variety of areas such as fuels, agricultural products, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, metals, plastics, textiles, detergents, paper, fertilisers and cosmetics.

Day-to-day

• prepares materials for experimentation, including freezing and slicing specimens and mixing chemicals
• collects information and samples
• conducts field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses
• presents results in graphic or written form by preparing maps charts, sketches, diagrams and reports
• performs routine mathematical calculations and computations of measurement
• controls the quality and quantity of laboratory supplies by testing samples and monitoring usage
• checks, calibrates and maintains test equipment
• participates in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met.