Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Applied chemical technologists and technicians may work independently or provide support in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental monitoring. They are employed in research and development and quality control laboratories; consulting engineering companies; chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical companies; and in a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries. They may also work in utilities, health, education and government establishments.

Nature of Work

Applied chemical technologists and technicians may work independently or provide support in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental monitoring. They are employed in research and development and quality control laboratories; consulting engineering companies; chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical companies; and in a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries. They may also work in utilities, health, education and government establishments.

Duties

Applied chemical technologists set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses using such techniques as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy. Their other duties may include operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and apparatus; preparing solutions, reagents, and sample formulations; and compiling records and interpreting experimental or analytical results.

Applied chemical technologists also develop and conduct sampling and analysis to maintain the quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products, and for operating experimental chemical or petrochemical pilot plants. They may also assist in the development of chemical engineering processes, standards, procedures and health and safety measures and in the study of construction, inspection, maintenance and chemical engineering procurement. Some technologists may also assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.

Applied chemical technicians assist in setting up and conducting chemical experiments, tests and analyses and operation and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions, reagents and sample formulations. They may also compile records for analytical studies, assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus, and assist in developing and conducting programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards.

Example Titles

• chemical analyst
• food technologist
• analytical technician, chemical
• chemical laboratory analyst
• chemical research technician
• formulation technician
• industrial hygiene technologist
• laboratory technician, biochemistry
• mass spectrometer technician
• pilot plant technician
• laboratory technician, chemical
• laboratory technologist, chemical
• quality control technician - food processing
• chemical technologist
• chemical technician
• chemical engineering technologist
• chemical engineering technician
• quality control technician - chemical processing
• geochemical technician
• paint technician
• biochemistry technologist
• master dyer, textiles

Training Paths

Programs related to this field of work include Bachelor of Science degree programs in Chemistry, Geology or Physics at either U of R or U of S. University of Regina also offers a Bachelor of Science degree program in Chemical Technology. This program is available to graduates of SIAST's two-year diploma program in Chemical Technology SIAST also offers a one-year certificate program for Chemical Laboratory Technicians and related training in Medical Laboratory Technology.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: good

The number of applied chemical technologists and technicians in Saskatchewan decreased steadily during the nineties. Things turned around in the years that followed, however. In 2005, there were 420 more Saskatchewan residents working in these occupations than there were five years earlier. This amounts to an increase of over 90%. While it is unlikely that this increase will continue at this rate, job seekers should not expect an abundance of employment opportunities in these fields over the next few years.

It should also be noted that this is an extremely young work force. In 2006, only 25% of all applied chemical technologists and technicians were age 45 or older. Consequently, not many replacement positions will become available in the next five to ten years as a result of retirement. Most of the jobs that do open in these occupations will be in the manufacturing, educational services and public administration industries.

Applied chemical technologists and technicians are generally well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income for technologists and technicians in this field was $50,200 per year, well above the provincial average for all occupations the same year ($42,300 per year). Incomes in this field are fairly consistent throughout the province.

There is a high incidence of part-time employment in this occupational group; only 61% of all applied chemical technologists and technicians in the province worked full time in 2005. Employment is rarely seasonal, and self-employment is uncommon. Employment in this field is not very sensitive to overall economic conditions.

The majority of all applied chemical technologists and technicians are male; 67% in 2001. Employment is distributed fairly evenly throughout the province; 62% of the work force in these fields was employed in the city or area surrounding Regina or Saskatoon that same year; over 45% in Saskatoon alone.

Knowledge in the physical sciences often advances rapidly, and it is crucial that professionals in these fields keep abreast of developments within their area of expertise. A career in any of this field will involve periods of retraining and professional development. Applied chemical technicians and technologists who continually upgrade their skills have an advantage over others seeking employment in this field.

Professional Associations

Applied chemical technologists and technicians in the province may choose to become registered with Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (SASTT). SASTT members usually have an advantage over others seeking work in these fields. At present, however, SASTT is a regulatory organization, and SASTT membership is not compulsory for applied chemical technologists. Applicants for membership as applied science technologist must have a Diploma in Applied Science/Engineering Technology from an accredited technical institute and have at least two years of practical experience under the direction of a member of SASTT or another professional association. Applicants for membership as a certified technician must have completed one year of Applied Science/Engineering Technology at an accredited technical institute and have two years of practical experience satisfactory to the Registration Board. SASTT also offers Associate and Student Memberships. All application and annual registration fees are payable directly to SASTT. For more information, visit the SASTT website at http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/sastt/ or contact:

Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians

363 Park Street

Regina, SK

S4N 5B2

Telephone: (306) 721-6633

Fax: (306) 721-0112

E-mail: sastt@sk.sympatico.ca

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