93101

Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 93 › 931 › 9310

Definition

Central control and process operators in petroleum, gas and chemical processing monitor and operate petroleum, petrochemical and chemical plants and monitor, adjust and maintain processing units and equipment in these plants. They are employed by petroleum and natural gas processing, pipeline and petrochemical companies and industrial, agricultural and specialty chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate electronic or computerized control panel from a central control room to monitor and optimize physical and chemical processes for several processing units
Control process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting
Monitor outside process equipment
Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment
Authorize or co-sign maintenance work orders
Shut down, isolate and prepare process units or production equipment for maintenance
Sample products, perform tests, record data, carry out statistical process control on process operations, and write production logs
Develop operating procedures for normal operation, start-up or shut-down of unit
Participate in safety audits and programs and provide emergency response when required
Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations
May rotate between different processing units during shift cycles
May work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers
May be cross-trained in a skilled trade and work in the trade during shift cycles.

Example job titles

•acid plant operator
•chemical process operator
•chemical processing chief technician
•chlor-alkali plant cell room operator
•gas field production operator
•gas plant operator
•gas recovery operator
•master operator - chemical processing

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 93101 covers central control and process operators in petroleum, gas, and chemical processing. This occupation is classified under TEER 3, making skilled workers in this field eligible for various Canadian economic immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry and several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These professionals operate, monitor, and maintain multi-function process control systems from a centralized control room in chemical, petroleum, gas, or petrochemical plants.

Key duties for NOC 93101 include adjusting control systems to regulate variables, analyzing instrument readings, coordinating activities of other operators, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. Employment requirements generally demand completion of secondary school, often combined with a college diploma in chemical engineering technology or a related discipline. Several years of experience as a process operator in the same industry are typically required, and specific provincial certifications, such as for power engineers, may be mandatory depending on the jurisdiction.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and up-to-date guidance, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated immigration practitioner.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.