PROCESS TECHNICIAN

Occupation Description
Process technicians working in manufactured mineral products industries control the
process operations of the plant and equipment used to produce ceramic, clay, glass,
cement and concrete products such as bricks, tiles, pottery, cement, lime, paving blocks
and glassware.
Process technicians may
assess what needs to be done and allocate duties to equipment operators
consult with management to coordinate activities
prepare and measure raw materials
feed raw materials and processing agents into plant machinery
set controls and operate machinery
check instruments and equipment to ensure correct operation, and be aware of any
abnormal operating conditions
monitor maintenance requirements and arrange for equipment to be serviced
take samples for testing, test products and record process data
move materials by hand or using a forklift
package products
provide written reports on plant operation and product levels
liaise with operators, technologists and management
Many manufactured mineral products plants utilize instruments and systems that are
computer-controlled.
Process technicians may specialize as a
Cement Process Technician who controls processes that produce cement, lime and
clinker (glazed brick; slag; or fused ash). These processes may involve the operation of
continuous feeding equipment such as pumps and conveyors; temperature and pressure
gauges or physical indicators such as oil levels; operate kilns or grinding equipment.
Ceramics Products Process Technician who controls processes that produce floor
and wall tiles, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, pottery and figurines. Equipment used
includes computers and a variety of devices such as sandblasters, airwipes, brick core
tips, and cutting, grinding and polishing equipment.
Clay Products Process Technician who controls processes that produce clay
products such as bricks, tiles, insulators, porcelain and pottery ware using machines to
shape and fire products. Equipment used includes dies, ores, ring and cutter assemblies;
automatic cut-off knives or wires to cut extruded clay; vertical or horizontal lathes to cut
and shape unfired clayware or similar materials; and kilns.

 Glass Products Process Technician who controls processes to make molten glass
and shape glassware products such as containers, sheet glass, structural or stained glass,
glass lenses or prisms.
Pre-cast Concrete Products Process Technician who controls processes that
produce moulded concrete products such as cement pipes and fittings, concrete railway
sleepers, concrete bricks, tiles and paving blocks, structural beams, building panels and
cast products. Equipment used includes automatic stacking machines, splitters or cubers;
rollers; concrete spreading devices; pipe moulds to harden concrete and remove water;
and slurry and clinker mills and pumps.
Pre-mixed Concrete Products Process Technician who controls processes to
produce batches of concrete from cement, sand, aggregate, water and other ingredients.

Personal Requirements
You should
be interested in practical and mechanical work
be able to work as part of a team
possess leadership ability
be able to follow written instructions
be physically fit
possess mathematical aptitude
possess good problem-solving and analytical skills
possess good communication skills
have an aptitude for computerized work
possess good hand coordination
Environment
Process technicians work in production areas that may be noisy, hot, dusty and at times
contain fumes, however the work environments are generally spacious, ventilated and
well lit. The majority of their work may be spent standing and they sometimes work
shifts.
Process technicians will usually work in a team and because of the nature of their work
safety awareness and compliance with regulations is important. They must be aware of
safety regulations and must wear supplied protective equipment.
Training
To work as a process technician you will usually require a Certificate IV in Manufactured
Mineral Products.

You can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. With experience,
and possibly further training, you can work as a technologist or at a para-professional
level assisting engineers.
Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you
in a number of senior management positions.