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Occupation AtlasBiofuels Processing Technicians

O*NET · 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.

Also called Biodiesel Process Control Technician · Biodiesel Processing Technician · Biodiesel Production Associate · Biodiesel Production Technician · Biofuels Data Scientist · Biofuels Processing Technician · Biofuels Production Associate · Biofuels Production Technician
9 more

Biomass Plant Technician · Board Operator · Chemical Operator · Ethanol Operator · Mash Preparatory Operator · Process Operator · Process Technician · Production Operator · Systems Technician

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Nuclear Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.87
  • C Conventional5.33
  • I Investigative3.28
  • E Enterprising2.13
  • A Artistic1.00
  • S Social1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma2%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent71%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate18%
  • Some College Courses3%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%
Related work experience
None (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (38%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Equipment Maintenance3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Writingbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23
  • Troubleshooting3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Repairing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Complex Problem Solving2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Mathematicsbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Systems Evaluation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Sciencebasic2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment Selection2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Material Resources2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Installation1.50.9
  • Technology Design1.50.8
  • Operations Analysis1.1—

Tasks

18 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.4.7
  2. Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.4.7
  3. Monitor and record biofuels processing data.4.7
  4. Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.4.7
  5. Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.4.5
  6. Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.4.5
  7. Operate chemical processing equipment for the production of biofuels.4.4
  8. Inspect biofuels plant or processing equipment regularly, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.4.4
  9. Monitor and record flow meter performance.4.4
  10. Measure and monitor raw biofuels feedstock.4.3
  11. Calculate, measure, load, or mix refined feedstock used in biofuels production.4.2
  12. Monitor stored biofuels products or secondary by-products until reused or transferred to users.4.2
Show the other 7
  1. Preprocess feedstock in preparation for physical, chemical, or biological fuel production processes.4.2
  2. Assess the quality of biofuels additives for reprocessing.4.1
  3. Clean biofuels processing work area, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.4.0
  4. Perform routine maintenance on mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment or instruments used in the processing of biofuels.4.0
  5. Calibrate liquid flow devices and meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.3.9
  6. Rebuild, repair, or replace biofuels processing equipment components.3.9
  7. Coordinate raw product sourcing or collection.4.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Public Safety and Security3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Chemistry3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Computers and Electronics3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training2.92.9
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Physics2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Transportation2.72.8
  • Administration and Management2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Administrative2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Building and Construction2.52.9
  • Biology2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Communications and Media2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Design2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Law and Government2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Telecommunications2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Food Production2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Economics and Accounting1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Geography1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Psychology1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Oral Comprehension3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Recognition3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.43.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision3.43.8
  • Perceptual Speed3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Reaction Time3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Selective Attention3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Clarity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Finger Dexterity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Written Expression3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Auditory Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.13.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Rate Control3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Time Sharing3.12.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Extent Flexibility3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Far Vision3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Explosive Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.9
  • Number Facility2.83.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Response Orientation2.82.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Depth Perception2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speed of Closure2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static Strength2.62.9
  • Memorization2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Originality2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Stamina2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Peripheral Vision2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Night Vision1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.5—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.54.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.54.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Getting Information4.33.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
Show all 41
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Processing Information4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.75.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.75.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Working with Computers3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.63.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Training and Teaching Others3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.02.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.02.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.7
  • Thinking Creatively2.72.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.62.8
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.7
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.8
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.8
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4

Technology

11 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • Tableau
Other tools (5)
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Data visualization software
  • Digital control systems DCS
  • Human machine interface HMI software
  • Inventory control software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Biomass Plant Technicians
  2. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  3. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
  4. Power Plant Operators
  5. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
  6. Gas Plant Operators
  7. Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  8. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
  9. Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
  10. Geothermal Technicians

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.