Chemical Plant Operator (ANZSCO 399211)
Updated
What a Chemical Plant Operator does
Controls the operation of chemical production plant.
- Specialisations
- Chemicals Distiller, Chemicals Fermentation Operator, Industrial Gas Production Operator, Paint Maker, Pharmaceutical Plant Operator, Pilot Plant Operator
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 399211
- Skill level
- 3Certificate IV, or Certificate III with on-the-job training
- Assessing authority
- TRA
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
Main tasks
- controlling equipment performing continuous and batch processes to process chemicals and natural gas, manufacture refined petroleum products, and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels, lubricating oils and asphalt
- controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents such as catalysts and filtering media into plant
- patrolling and inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and setting operating controls on equipment
- analysing samples and readings and recording test data
- controlling records of production, quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations
- checking equipment for malfunctions
- inspecting, repairing, servicing and maintaining equipment
- operating power generation plant controls to produce required load
- monitoring operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings
- authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant
- writing reports and maintaining records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations
- carrying out routine operating tests
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICNo shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Chemical Plant Operator do?
Controls the operation of chemical production plant. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Chemical Plant Operator on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Chemical Plant Operator (ANZSCO 399211) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 482 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Chemical Plant Operator?
399211. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Chemical Plant Operator migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Chemical Plant Operator for the Subclass 186, Subclass 482 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Chemical Plant Operator for an Australian visa?
TRA, the skills assessing authority listed for 399211.
Is Chemical Plant Operator in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.