Essential Skills

Chemical Engineers
Introduction
Chemical engineers research, design, and develop chemical processes and equipment,
oversee the operation and maintenance of industrial chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical,
resource, pulp, and food processing plants and perform duties related to chemical quality
control, environmental protection and biochemical or biotechnical engineering. Chemical
engineers are employed in a wide range of manufacturing and processing industries,
consulting firms, government, research and educational institutions.
The

most important Essential Skills for Chemical Engineers are:

Numeracy

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Document Sections

Reading Text

Document Use

Writing

Numeracy

Oral Communication

Thinking Skills
o

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Job Task Planning and Organizing

Significant Use of Memory

Finding Information

Working with Others

Computer Use

Continuous Learning

Notes

A. Reading Text
Tasks

Complexity Level

Examples
Typical
Most Complex

Chemical Engineers

2 to 4
5

read e-mails daily, typically from co-workers or clients confirming meeting

arrangements, responding to questions or enquiring about the status and content
of projects. (2)

may refer to guidelines issued by Health Canada and by the United States
Department of Health and Human Services to verify that a new product
manufacturing procedure meets the required standards and, if not, to identify
what needs to be done to meet them. (3)

read federal and provincial environmental regulations with respect to liquid and
gas waste, soil contamination and the disposal of residual materials. They refer to
such regulations to ensure that their chemical processes and procedures are
meeting applicable standards. (3)

read equipment installation and operating manuals. They may read operating
specifications in manuals to assess equipment suitability for tasks and plan for
equipment installation and commissioning. (3)

review reports on manufacturing processes to identify successes and problems.

They use the information contained in these reports to decide what further
actions are required. For instance, they may read a validation failure report
outlining a potential problem with a blending process, resulting in a reduction in
product quality at the end of the batch. (3)

read reports from chemists documenting test results on chemical products and
processes. For example, they may read a report on using captisol modified
cyclodextrin to improve solubility and stability of insoluble drugs. They must
review and evaluate the complex data and analyses contained in each report to
decide whether or not they will support the report's conclusions or take action on
its recommendations. (4)

read a wide range of academic journals and trade publications such as Chemical
Engineering, Water Environment Research or Tablets and Capsules to stay abreast
of new chemical equipment, products and processes. They select and read
relevant articles to study alternative solutions to particular problems. They also
refer to these articles when creating test trials, developing theories or searching
supportive evidence for recommendations. (4)

may assess the quality and accuracy of scientific articles on new chemical
products or processes before they are published in academic journals. For
instance, an engineer may be asked to review an article on the advantages of
using non-ionic polymers as precipitants. Each of these assessments involves
carefully reading a dense and complex article containing specialized terminology
intended for a scientific audience, and making high-level inferences to provide
critique in the light of industrial and governmental regulations and concerns. The
results of the evaluation are summarized in a short paper and given to editorial
staff for consideration. (5)

Reading Summary
The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Purpose for Reading

Type of Text

To scan for specific To skim for overall

To read the full
information/To
meaning, to get the text to understand
locate information
'gist'
or to learn

To read the full

text to critique or
to evaluate

Forms
Labels

Notes, Letters,
Memos

Manuals,
Specifications,
Regulations

Reports, Books,
Journals

B. Document Use
Tasks

Complexity Level
Examples
Typical

1 to 4

Most Complex

Chemical Engineers

scan container labels to identify enclosed chemical products, handling instructions

and hazards. (1)

read lists of health or environmental standards to be met by engineering projects.

(1)

interpret a variety of icons to locate and navigate through manufacturing

company, professional association, university, governmental and research
institute websites. (2)

may review monthly labour and material performance tables to identify upward
and downward trending in quality, defects or efficiency. (2)

scan process schematics to understand the various chemical processes used in

the manufacturing of products and to identify how such processes could be
improved. For example, they may refer to a drawing showing how caustic soda is
used in the manufacturing of shampoo to identify process stages and chemical
reactions. (3)

analyze graphical representations of chemical test results to identify

inconsistencies in data and potential correlations between variables. This analysis
may lead them to select a certain variable for inclusion in a determination process
or to further refine the methodological approach for subsequent test trials. (3)

use information in Material Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets for a
variety of purposes. They locate information about the composition, molecular
weights, exposure limits and handling hazards of chemical products in order to
determine the best chemical product to use, design environmental controls, or
inform workers about safe chemical handling practices. Chemical engineers must
often integrate data from several sources. (3)

review the scale drawings for manufacturing or processing plants to assess the
appropriateness and safety of the design. They take measurements from
structural and mechanical system drawings to check that new and existing
equipment can be set up efficiently. (4)

may complete cross-functional evaluation forms before signing off quality

assurance investigations. When a deviation from the Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) has been brought to their attention, they have to identify
parameters (up to thirty) for investigation and each parameter requires the
completion of a SOP checklist. At each level of each checklist, chemical engineers
have to review and integrate information from several supporting documents. (5)

Examples

make sketches and hand-drawn schematic representations to illustrate proposed

chemical processes.

create tables to analyse data extracted from test results with respect to such
research issues as pH levels in the drinking water, oil degradation due to fuel
contaminates, concentration of organic compounds in blood samples or the loss of
a chemical through the formulations process.

design tables to present information to management on proposed changes to

chemical equipment, including expected costs, throughput times, target dates
and short and long term benefits.

construct graphs to identify trends in test results over time and relationships
between measured parameters such as cost and recovery. They include these
graphs in recommendation reports to justify the development of new operating
procedures for chemical quality control or environmental protection.

Document Use Summary

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Read signs, labels or lists.

Complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information
or entering words, phrases, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The
list of specific tasks varies depending on what was reported.
Read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases,
addresses, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific
tasks varies depending on what was reported.
Read tables, schedules or other table-like text (e.g., read work shift
schedules).
Create tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Plot information on graphs (e.g. line, pie, bar).
Obtain specific information from graphs or charts.
Interpret information on graphs or charts.
Construct or draw graphs or charts.
Recognize common angles such as 15, 30, 45 and 90 degrees.
Draw, sketch or form common shapes such as circles, triangles, spheres,
rectangles, squares, etc.
Interpret scale drawings (e.g. blueprints or maps).
Take measurements from scale drawings.
Read schematic drawings (e.g. electrical schematics).
Create schematic drawings.
Make sketches.
Obtain information from sketches, pictures or icons (e.g., computer
toolbars).

C. Writing
Tasks

Complexity Level
Examples

Typical
Most Complex
2 to 4

Chemical Engineers

write e-mail to other engineers, often with attached files and links to information
posted at Internet sites. (2)

write short memos to staff to give instructions regarding the operation and
maintenance of chemical equipment. For example, they provide instructions to
supervisors concerning a shutdown. (2)

write letters to the federal government justifying why pollution ratings recorded in
the National Pollution Reporting Inventory (NPRI) have changed by more than ten
percent over the last reading. These letters must use an established format and
contain an explanation of contributing factors such as excess rain or new
equipment. (3)

update the procedures to be used by technicians when implementing new mixing

formulas or manufacturing processes for products. These procedures can be one
paragraph or several pages in length, depending on the task or process. In large
manufacturing companies, chemical engineers may have up to one hundred
procedures to keep current, and all or most may need to be updated when a
manufacturing process is altered. (3)

draft documents recommending the purchase of new equipment and submit them
to management or clients for approval. These lengthy documents generally
include a cost analysis for various equipment options, environmental, health and
safety assessments, a description of all specifications, an evaluation of several
suppliers and a justification of the supplier chosen. (4)

write detailed reports for various clienteles. For example, chemical process
engineers write chemical process trial reports for the operations team and edit
summary versions for management. These reports provide a description of the
trial objectives and testing procedures, a discussion of test results and a set of
conclusions. Chemical engineering consultants write preliminary, progress and
final reports for their clients addressing the specific technical, process,
environmental and resource management issues under study. (4)

may write articles for scientific journals, conference proceedings or other research
publications. The articles usually involve explaining the research protocols,
describing the difficulties encountered in conducting the investigation and
applying scientific principles to analyze data. The writing must present a detailed
discussion of results obtained and comment on their statistical significance. For
example, a chemical engineer might report on series of experiments which
explore the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) as an alternative blowing agent for
extruded polystyrene. (5)

Writing Summary
The symbol is explained in the Use
of Symbols section.

Purpose for
Writing
Le
ng
th

Tex
t
req
uiri
ng
less
tha
n
one
par
agr
aph
of
ne

To
To
To To
pre
To
To pre
kee info
sen
org
pers sent
p a rm/
t an
aniz
uad an
To
rec to
eva
e/t
e/to anal
ent
ord req
luat
o
justi ysis
ert
/to uest
ion
rem
fy a or
ain
doc info
or
emb
requ com
um rma
crit
er
est pari
ent tion
iqu
son
e

w
text
Tex
t
rar
ely
req
uiri
ng
mor
e
tha
n
one
par
agr
aph

Lon
ger
text

D. Numeracy
The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Task

Complexity Level
Examples
Chemical Engineers

prepare expense reports for out of town business travel, taking into account the
number of days and kilometres travelled, a per kilometre rate, the chargeable
unit costs for the room and meals and the applicable taxes. (Money Math), (2)

establish and monitor schedules and budgets for short and long term projects
involving the testing and approval of chemical products and processes. They
ensure that expenses incurred for human resources, materials and equipment are
fully covered by the budget and that projects are progressing within timelines.
They frequently have to adjust schedules and budgets because of unexpected
events or unforeseen problems. (Scheduling, Budgeting & Accounting Math), (4)

time processes, such as the process of formulating and injecting a compound, to

ensure that it can be accomplished within certain time limits. (Measurement and
Calculation Math), (1)

calculate and measure out the liquid volumes that need to be added when
preparing chemical mixtures or solutions. They perform these calculations using
ratios, rates and percentages. (Measurement and Calculation Math), (2)

plan the placement of new equipment using scale drawings. This involves
measuring scale distances, converting them to actual distances and calculating
areas, volumes and perimeters. (Measurement and Calculation Math), (3)

use specialized measuring instruments and methods to monitor the values of one
or more parameters during lab experiments and trial production runs. For
example, a chemical engineer may calculate the percentage of solid contaminants
in fluids by conducting a gravimetric analysis. (Measurement and Calculation
Math), (4)

use advanced mathematical methods and control algorithms to model chemical

reactions and chemical processing equipment. For instance, they may set the
parameters of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller using the Laplace
Transform or compute the convolution of a time-delayed signal using the Fast
Fourier Transform (FFT). (Measurement and Calculation Math), (5)

compare readings of such variables as temperature or chlorine concentration to

acceptable ranges. (Data Analysis Math), (1)

analyse monthly data on labour and material performance to identify problem

areas which deserve further investigation and to depict trends over time in
quality, defects or efficiency. (Data Analysis Math), (2)

analyse data on the composition of chemical feedstocks to determine the best

product for each process or operation. For example, they may compare the
percentage by weight of calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, dolomite,
magnesium oxide and crystalline silica in Dolomitic Hydrated Lime to similar data
found for several alternative products. (Data Analysis Math), (3)

may choose a number of variables related to a process and evaluate the relative
effect of each variable through an analysis of variance. For example, for the
injection molding process, they may identify the main variables that affect the
density of an extrusion foamed polystyrene amongst the blowing agent
composition, the temperature of the molten polymer and the resin grade. (Data
Analysis Math), (4)

identify optimal measurements and testing strategies, potential sources of bias

and methodological techniques to detect the presence of chemicals. For example,
they may use the flash point technique to detect the presence of fuel
contaminants in lubricating oil or develop a test to measure the concentration of
organic compounds in blood samples. Once test results have been collected, they
have to perform statistical testing to measure the confidence level of results.
(Data Analysis Math), (5)

estimate the time required to prepare a presentation for management or clients,

based on experience. (Numerical Estimation), (1)

estimate their quarterly budgets for site or plant maintenance based on past
requirements. Most information is known however there must be an allowance
given for unexpected equipment breakdowns. (Numerical Estimation), (2)

estimate the number of extended trial runs required to obtain a valid statistical
correlation between various data. Many factors are involved in the estimate and a
fair degree of precision is required to ensure the scientific validity of results.
(Numerical Estimation), (3)

estimate the potential costs and benefits of proposed industrial processes. For
example, they may estimate the cost of building and operating a facility for
composting the sludge from waste water treatment as part of an economic
feasibility study. Estimating operating costs can be a challenge due to the
unknown quantity and characteristics of the sludge to be treated by the facility.
(Numerical Estimation), (4)

Money Math

Scheduling, Budgeting & Accounting Math

Measurement and Calculation Math

Data Analysis Math

Numerical Estimation

1 to 5

1 to 5

1 to 4

Math Skills Summary

a. Mathematical Foundations Used
The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Number Concepts
Whole Numbers
Read and write, count, round off, add or subtract, multiply or divide whole
numbers.
For example, writing days travelled on an expense report; counting the number of
control valves required for a process; multiplying trial runs when preparing
budgets.
Integers
Read and write, add or subtract, multiply or divide integers.
For example, monitoring budget deviations.
Rational Numbers - Fractions
Read and write, add or subtract fractions, multiply or divide by a fraction, multiply
or divide fractions.
For example, reading floor plan measurements in fractions of an inch from scale
drawings; subtracting the dimensions of new equipment from floor plan
dimensions to ensure sufficient clearance.
Rational Numbers - Decimals
Read and write, round off, add or subtract decimals, multiply or divide by a
decimal, multiply or divide decimals.
For example, reading molecular weights on Material Safety Data Sheets;
calculating labour costs for site maintenance using hourly rates.
Rational Numbers - Percent
Read and write percents, calculate the percent one number is of another,
calculate a percent of a number.
For example, reading and writing the percentage by weight of calcium hydroxide
in chemical feedstock; calculating the percentage of active ingredients in a
tablet.
Equivalent Rational Numbers
Convert between fractions and decimals or percentages.
Convert between decimals and percentages.
expressing component vapour pressure as a fraction or percentage of total
pressure.
Other Real Numbers
Use powers and roots, scientific notation, significant digits.
For example, reading the exposure limits of chemical components expressed in
mg/m3; reporting only hundreds of micrograms in chemical analysis reports.

Patterns and Relations

Equations and Formulae
Solve problems by constructing and solving equations with one unknown.
Use formulae by inserting quantities for variables and solving.
Write, simplify and solve two variable algebraic problems.
Write, simplify and solve quadratic equations.
For example, constructing a formula to calculate the required volume for the
precipitation of a solute as a function of its molecular weight; resolving a system of
differential equations to simulate the injection cycle of a moulding process; solving
systems of equations with multiple unknowns using numerical or computational
methods.
Use of Rate, Ratio and Proportion
Use a rate showing comparison between two quantities with different units.
Use a ratio showing comparison between two quantities with the same units.
Use a proportion showing comparison between two ratios or rates in order to solve
problems.
For example, mixing chemical solutions to an mg/ml concentration; comparing the
duration of two processes using a ratio; scaling chemical components for different
production volumes.
Using scale drawings.

Shape and Spatial Sense

Measurement Conversions
Perform measurement conversions.
For example, converting foreign product and equipment dimensions and capacities from
Imperial to SI measuring units.
Areas, Perimeters, Volumes
Calculate areas.
Calculate perimeters.
Calculate volumes.
For example, calculating the available floor space for new equipment; calculating the
liquid volume when mixing solutions.
Geometry
Use geometry.
For example, calculating the slope angle from field measurements to ascertain optimum
drainage.
Trigonometry
Use trigonometry.
For example, using trigonometry to decompose the response of a fluid to a deformation
into real and imaginary components.
Recognizing common angles.
Drawing, sketching and forming common forms and figures.

Statistics and Probability

Summary Calculations
Calculate averages.
Calculate rates other than percentages.
Calculate proportions or ratios.
For example, calculating averages across sets of readings of variables such as
temperature, pH or chlorine concentration; determining specific gravity or bulk density
by calculating the mass/volume ratio; calculating cost in dollars per unit; calculating the
proportions of budget amounts assigned to labour, materials and equipment.
Statistics and Probability
Use descriptive statistics (e.g. collecting, classifying, analyzing and interpreting data).
For example, calculating medians, means, standard deviations and confidence intervals
when analysing the results of tests to detect the presence of chemicals; using linear
regression to derive a simple mathematical model between two variables, such as
temperature and pressure, monitored during a chemical reaction; designing experiments
using accepted practices such as the analysis of variance to provide the required
information while minimizing the number of trials.
Using tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Using graphical presentations.

b. How Calculations are Performed

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Using a pen and paper.

Using a calculator.
Using a computer.

c. Measurement Instruments Used

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Time. For example, using a clock, a watch, a stopwatch or an instrument timer.

Weight or mass. For example, using a scale.
Distance or dimension. For example, using a tape measure, a ruler or a
micrometer.
Liquid volume. For example, using a test tube, a graduated cylinder, a syringe or
a flow meter.
Temperature. For example, using a thermometer, an infrared sensor or a
thermocouple.
Pressure. For example, using a gauge or a transducer.
Angles. For example, using a protractor or calliper.

pH, surface tension or viscosity. For example, using a wide range of specialized
measuring equipment.
Resistance and amperage. For example, using an ammeter or multimeter.
Use the SI (metric) measurement system.
Using the imperial measurement system.

E. Oral Communication
Tasks

Complexity Level

Examples
Typical
Most Complex
1 to 4

Chemical Engineers

talk to suppliers to obtain quotes and specification sheets on raw materials. (1)

speak to technicians, technologists, tradespeople, maintenance workers and

process operators to give routine instructions and exchange information about
site operation and maintenance. (1)

interact with other engineers and scientists to share information on testing

equipment, materials and data, or to discuss budget, staffing requirements,
scheduling and deadlines for common projects. (2)

communicate with chemists and other laboratory workers to monitor the progress
in testing operations, to clarify test results and to ensure that everyone is staying
within established testing parameters so as to generate useable data. (3)

participate in regular meetings with staff to discuss a wide range of topics

including environment, health, safety, production and quality. At these meetings,
they may present information on increases or decreases in yields, process or
production incidents, and quality control results. (3)

facilitate meetings to review technical reports proposing changes to chemical

processes, equipment or products to resolve issues related to environmental
protection. They present their findings and recommendations in a concise and
persuasive manner and then open the floor to questions. There may be a variety
of stakeholders involved in the meeting such as clients, plant managers and
chemical engineers from partner organizations, research institutes, educational
institutions, consulting firms, professional associations or government
departments. (4)

lead problem-solving and process improvement sessions with small and large
groups of employees. The chemical engineer's role is to monitor and support the
group, through a variety of exercises and settings, in discovering and analyzing
problems and developing solutions. At the end of each session, the engineer
facilitates the synthesis of information and guides the group in the development
of a series of process improvement recommendations which can be presented to
clients, plant managers and co-workers. The engineer's team building and
management skills may be evaluated based on the success of these meetings. (4)

Modes of Communication Used

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

In person.
Using a telephone.
Others e.g. video conferencing, public address system.

Environmental Factors Affecting Communication

Some of the equipment used in processing plants can be quite noisy creating difficult
environments for oral communication.

Oral Communication Summary

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Purpose for Oral Communication (Part I)

Type

To greet

To take
messages

To
provide/receive To seek,
information,
obtain
explanation,
information
direction

To coordinate
work with
that of
others

Listening (little or no
interaction)
Speaking (little or no
interaction)
Interact with coworkers

Interact with those

you supervise or
direct

Interact with
supervisor/manager

Interact with peers

and colleagues from
other organization

Interact with
customers/clients/
public

Interact with
suppliers, servicers

Participate in group
discussion

Present information
to a small group

To
reassure,
comfort

Present information
to a large group

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Purpose for Oral Communication (Part II)

Type

To discuss
(exchange
information,
opinions)

To instruct,
To negotiate,
To facilitate, instill
To
To persuade
resolve
animate
understanding,
entertain
conflict
knowledge

Listening (little or
no interaction)
Speaking (little or
no interaction)
Interact with coworkers

Interact with those

you supervise or
direct

Interact with
supervisor/manager

Interact with peers

and colleagues from
other organization

Interact with
customers/clients/
public

Interact with
suppliers, servicers
Participate in group
discussion

Present information
to a small group

Present information
to a large group

Other Information
Chemical Engineers in bilingual communities may be required to speak in both official
languages.

F. Thinking Skills
1. Problem Solving
Tasks

Complexity Level

Examples
Typical
Most Complex

Chemical Engineers

2 to 4
4

encounter human resource problems in their project teams such as skill

shortages. They meet with senior management to outline the issue and find
solutions. For example, they may discuss whether funding can be made available
to recruit team members with the expertise needed. (2)

discover that projects as designed do not meet their objectives. For example,
they may realize near the end of a process validation project that the number of
trials left will not be sufficient to create a statistically valid analysis. They
estimate the number of extended trial runs required to obtain a valid correlation
between the data and ask management or clients to extend the life of the project.
If they cannot obtain a project extension, they have to find ways of extrapolating
existing data to increase their validity. (3)

may receive complaints that governmental regulations are not being met. For
example, plant employees may complain that specific chemical processes do not
respect current health and safety regulations. In such instances, engineers
promptly meet with the workers, the union stewards and supervisors. They listen
carefully to the workers' complaints and to the other parties' points of view on the
matter. They guide the group in coming up with a workable solution that will
satisfy health and safety regulations. (3)

may observe in processing plants that batch quality is decreasing or has reached
unacceptable levels that will result in batch failure. They review all inputs to the
process, check schematic diagrams of the plant's piping, discuss processes with
operators and co-workers and review maintenance records. They identify the
source of the failure and determine protocols required to test the validity of any
changes made. They ensure that all operating and maintenance protocols
requiring revision are updated and that appropriate training occurs. (4)

2. Decision Making
Tasks

Complexity Level
Examples
Typical
Most Complex
2 to 3

Chemical Engineers

select software to simulate chemical reactions or processing conditions, predict

potential problems and test solutions. For each available option, they have to
review underlying hypotheses prior to making their decision. (2)

decide which jobs to assign to the various engineers, technicians and

technologists on staff. They make their decisions based on individual strengths
and weaknesses, experiences and abilities to meet deadlines. (2)

choose types of graphs to use to display information relevant to chemical

processes or products. They consider the strengths and limitations of each graph
for expressing particular types of data, the message they want to emphasize and
the level of technical expertise of their audience. (2)

decide which chemical product to use for various projects. Their decisions are
based on a review of information found in Material Safety Data Sheets and

technical data sheets relating to the composition, molecular weights, exposure

limits, handling hazards and other characteristics of chemical products. A
selection error may have significant cost implications. (3)

decide how end users and maintenance employees will be trained to use new
equipment safely and efficiently. Before making their decisions, they have to
study several options for training resources, location, duration and delivery based
on cost and availability. They may have to take into account employee overtime
needs in terms of off-shift training or replacement. Past training decisions provide
only limited guidance since they do not relate to the same equipment. (3)

3. Critical Thinking
Tasks

Complexity Level

Examples
Typical
Most Complex
2 to 4

Chemical Engineers

evaluate the conformity of a chemical product with specifications submitted to the

supplier. They review quality control reports and perform statistical analyses of
data to verify aspects such as the colour, viscosity and purity of the product. They
may refuse a product as a result of their evaluation. (2)

evaluate the performance of salaried employees using pre-established evaluation

grids. As part of the assessment, they determine the extent to which employees
have met their various project objectives and respected health, safety and
environmental policies and procedures. Their conclusions may lead to
recommendations for new job assignments, further training or salary increases.
(2)

assess the appropriateness of the installation and configuration of new

equipment. Their assessments are based on a review of drawings representing
the equipment layout; estimation of expected downtime; and a detailed analysis
of how the changes will affect equipment users and maintenance employees. (3)

assess the adverse health, personnel safety and environmental effects of

proposed process technologies. They have to review all the laws, regulations,
standards and industry codes relevant to this process technology. They have to
estimate the increased or reduced emissions which this technology would
generate. They then have to determine if adequate measures could be designed
to address the noise level, dust and heat generation, physical exertion and
ergonomic issues resulting from the implementation of this process technology.
(4)

evaluate the adequacy of measures proposed to remedy a decrease in the quality

of chemical products. When a deviation from acceptable ranges has been brought
to their attention, they identify several parameters and request that each of them

be investigated by their staff. Once the investigation has been conducted, they
review all supporting documents to ensure that all factors have been evaluated,
that the source of the problem has been identified and that plans have been
designed to provide corrective actions and preventative measures for the future.
(4)

may be asked to judge the quality and completeness of articles for publication in
journals and trade magazines. For instance, a chemical engineer may be asked by
a peer to review an article on the advantages of using non-ionic polymers as
precipitants. The engineer evaluates the article based on the soundness of the
methodological approach, the validity of research outcomes, the consistency of
explanations and results obtained, the clarity of text and the appropriateness of
conclusions made in the light of health, safety and environmental regulations. (4)

4. Job Task Planning and Organizing

Complexity Level
Description
Own job planning and organizing

Chemical engineers work in a dynamic environment with many conflicting

demands on their time. Their work is team-oriented so that they must integrate
their own tasks and work schedules with those of a team of engineers and
scientists to develop and monitor action plans, processes and procedures to
optimize production, maintain or improve quality and address health, safety and
environmental protection issues. Their ability to work on several projects at the
same time and determine priorities is critical to their jobs. Breakdowns,
emergencies and changing corporate priorities can affect their work resulting in
their re-prioritizing and re-sequencing of job tasks.

Planning and organizing for others

Chemical engineers may contribute expertise to long-term and strategic planning

for their organizations and play a central role in organizing, planning and
scheduling day to day operations in chemical processing units or plants. They are
also responsible for training and assigning tasks to technicians and technologists
assisting them with the operation and maintenance of such facilities.

5. Significant Use of Memory

Examples

remember security codes to access several computers.

remember formulations to prepare regularly used chemical mixtures.

remember toxic properties of chemicals to take precautionary steps.

recall the names of the many engineers, scientists, technicians and technologists
working with them to facilitate communication.

remember the acceptable range of values for each parameter to be controlled

during process experiments.

6. Finding Information
Tasks

Complexity Level
Examples
Typical
Most Complex
1 to 4
4

Chemical Engineers

refer to textbooks to find formulas such as evaporation and heat transfer

formulas. (1)

refer to chemical abstracts, Material Safety Data Sheets and manufacturers' data
sheets to find technical information about chemical products. They may refer to
several sources when selecting a product for a project. (3)

find solutions to manufacturing and chemical processing problems by reading

research papers and technical reports. They need to critically evaluate, analyse,
synthesize and integrate information from a wide range of sources, including the
Internet, to develop innovative solutions. (4)

G. Working with Others

Complexity Level
Description
3
Chemical engineers perform some tasks independently but more generally work with a
team of technicians, technologists, engineers, chemists and other scientists. They may
work independently when simulating changes to a process or analyzing test data, but
their other tasks are carried out with team members. They work closely with
management to realize corporate objectives. They collaborate with process operators and
maintenance personnel to enhance processes, improve operating parameters and
complete shutdown maintenance. They coordinate their own work with that of other
engineers and scientists to perform experiments and trials on chemical materials,
engineering processes and equipment and to find solutions to problems related to
optimization, quality control, health, safety or environmental protection. They consult
and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders such as manufacturers, research
institutes, educational institutions, consulting firms, law firms, national and provincial
professional associations or guilds and government departments to ascertain that
chemical products, equipment and processes are safe and in conformity with standards.
They supervise technicians and technologists in the operation and maintenance of
chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, resource, pulp, and food or other processing units or

plants. They may also mentor engineering students and junior engineers in internship
programs and cooperative initiatives as well as on work teams.

Participation in Supervisory or Leadership Activities

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

Participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.

Have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.
Monitor the work performance of others.
Inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.
Orient new employees.
Make hiring recommendations.
Make hiring decisions.
Select contractors and suppliers.
Assign routine tasks to other workers.
Assign new or unusual tasks to other workers.
Identify training that is required by, or would be useful for, other workers.
Deal with other workers' grievances or complaints.

H. Computer Use
Tasks

Complexity Level
Examples
Typical
Most Complex
2 to 4
4
Chemical Engineers

use Internet exploration software. For example, they use Internet Explorer or
Netscape to locate chemical manufacturer websites and search scientific articles
on chemical engineering topics. (2)

use communications software. For example, they use Outlook or WebMail to send
e-mail messages with attached documents to project team members on their
distribution list. (2)

use word processing software. For example, they use Word to write lengthy
operating, maintenance and investigation reports. To create these reports, they
import tables and graphics from other applications and use formatting features
such as page numbering, heading levels, indices, columns and footnotes. (3)

use database management software. For example, they use Access or FoxPro to
create data entry forms, enter and retrieve data from trial test runs and run data
queries, interfacing the database with a spreadsheet to observe trending. (3)

use spreadsheet software. For example, they use Excel to create scheduling and
budgeting spreadsheets, establish project timelines, monitor the progress of
project activities and tasks and track project expenditures. (3)

use graphics software. For example, they use PowerPoint to design presentations
for management or clients which outline process changes and analyze production
data. To create these presentations, they import process layouts drawn with Visio,
photographs prepared with Photoshop, as well as word processing files and
spreadsheet tables generated with other software. (4)

may use statistical analysis software. For example, they may use KaleidaGraph or
SigmaPlot to analyse trial or test results, plot linear functions, calculate means,
medians, standard deviations, confidence intervals and perform linear
regressions. (4)

may use specialized and industry-specific simulation and modeling software. For
example, they may use software to simulate specific processes, such as the
biological treatment of waste water, to predict potential problems and to test
solutions. (4)

I. Continuous Learning
Complexity Level
Description
4
Chemical engineers are required to continually update their skills and knowledge of
chemical products, equipment and processes to keep up with technological progress and
changes in health, safety and environmental regulations. On a day-to-day basis, they
acquire new learning by discussing with co-workers and colleagues and by reading
information found in scientific journals, newsletters, magazines, textbooks, CD-ROMs
and websites, as well as in research reports and governmental publications. Chemical
engineers are governed by the engineering society or guild of the province in which they
practice. They may be required to develop their own learning plan and attend
conferences, seminars, workshops or university courses.

How Learning Occurs

Learning may be acquired:
The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.

As part of regular work activity.

From co-workers.
Through training offered in the workplace.
Through reading or other forms of self-study
o

at work.

on worker's own time.

using materials available through work.

using materials obtained through a professional association or union.

using materials obtained on worker's own initiative.

Through off-site training

o

during working hours at no cost to the worker.

partially subsidized.

with costs paid by the worker.

J. Other Information

In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with
job incumbents also asked about the following topics.

Physical Aspects
Chemical Engineers are required to sit and analyse data for a portion of their time. They
stand, walk, bend and crouch to observe machinery or testing equipment. Chemical
Engineers use upper limb coordination to enter data onto computers, operate cameras
and video equipment and move testing materials in and out of machines. Chemical
Engineers require medium strength to move and lift various pieces of equipment.
Depending on product, manufacturing process, or field of practice, chemical engineers
may depend on colour, smell or touch to carry out chemical assays or complete quality
control tests.

Attitudes

In order to find solutions to problems related to the optimization of chemical processes

and to the safety of chemical products, chemical engineers must be detail-oriented,
mathematically inclined and creative team players who are able to capitalize on coworkers' skills and knowledge and to synthesize information from a wide range of
sources.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

Computer software programs are increasingly used by chemical engineers to simulate
chemical processes, predict potential problems and test solutions. The constant evolution
in automation will place an increasing demand on them to continue to develop high-level
computer skills, while maintaining the necessary critical analysis skills required to
evaluate simulation results. Moreover, as chemical engineers become more involved in
multi-disciplinary teams with physicians, chemists and other scientists, they will need
enhanced skills in oral communication, writing and working with others.