# Tasks & work activities — starch extraction operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-9012.00 (Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 8160; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
- **[Core]** Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
- **[Core]** Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
- **[Supplemental]** Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure or weigh materials to be refined, mixed, transferred, stored, or otherwise processed.
- **[Core]** Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
- **[Core]** Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
- **[Core]** Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
- **[Supplemental]** Connect pipes between vats and processing equipment.
- **[Core]** Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
- **[Core]** Remove clogs, defects, or impurities from machines, tanks, conveyors, screens, or other processing equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Install, maintain, or repair hoses, pumps, filters, or screens to maintain processing equipment, using hand tools.
- **[Core]** Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
- **[Supplemental]** Remove full containers from discharge outlets and replace them with empty containers.
- **[Core]** Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
- **[Core]** Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
- **[Core]** Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
- **[Core]** Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
- **[Core]** Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
- **[Supplemental]** Assemble fittings, valves, bowls, plates, disks, impeller shafts, or other parts to prepare equipment for operation.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
- Assess compliance with environmental laws.
- Clean production equipment.
- Clean work areas.
- Clear equipment jams.
- Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
- Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools.
- Exchange information with colleagues.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Install mechanical components in production equipment.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Maintain safety.
- Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
- Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
- Operate mixing equipment.
- Operate pumping systems or equipment.
- Position containers to receive materials or workpieces.
- Record operational or production data.
- Repair production equipment or tools.
- Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.