Mixing / Blending Machine Setter / Operator / Tender

Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Batchmaker; Blender; Blending Technician (Blending Tech); Ink Blender; Issuing Operator; Machine Operator; Mixer; Mixer Operator; Operator; Stock Preparation Operator (Stock Prep Operator)

Tasks

• Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
• Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.
• Observe production or monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Mix or blend ingredients by starting machines and mixing for specified times.
• Stop mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
• Compound or process ingredients or dyes, according to formulas.
• Examine materials, ingredients, or products visually or with hands to ensure conformance to established standards.
• Operate or tend machines to mix or blend any of a wide variety of materials, such as spices, dough batter, tobacco, fruit juices, chemicals, livestock feed, food products, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
• Dump or pour specified amounts of materials into machinery or equipment.
• Record operational or production data on specified forms.
• Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory testing.
• Unload mixtures into containers or onto conveyors for further processing.
• Clean work areas.
• Add or mix chemicals or ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.
• Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps or conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Speaking

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Control Precision
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Far Vision
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Finger Dexterity
• Response Orientation
• Rate Control
• Static Strength
• Trunk Strength
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Speech Clarity