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Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $49K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $62K
Median Salary: $78K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $94K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $104K
Demand
Core Tasks
Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
Read and analyze specifications, schedules, logs, test results, and laboratory recommendations to determine how to set equipment controls to produce the required qualities and quantities of products.
Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
Perform tests to check the qualities and grades of products, such as assessing levels of bottom sediment, water, and foreign materials in oil samples, using centrifugal testers.
Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
74%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
68%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security
67%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Education and Training
62%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics
53%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Production and Processing
53%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Telecommunications
52%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology
51%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry
48%
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
48%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
83%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring
75%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
70%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension
70%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
68%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
68%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis
68%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing
68%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning
60%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Top 10 Abilities
Perceptual Speed
78%
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Problem Sensitivity
78%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Auditory Attention
73%
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Information Ordering
73%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision
73%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Selective Attention
73%
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Flexibility of Closure
70%
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Hearing Sensitivity
70%
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Deductive Reasoning
68%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision
68%
The ability to see details at a distance.
Top 10 Work Activities
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
92%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
92%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
85%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information
84%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers
79%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
78%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information
78%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
Operate pumping systems or equipment.
Operate energy distribution equipment.
Signal others to coordinate work activities.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Record operational or production data.
Direct operational or production activities.
Monitor equipment fluid levels.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Repair production equipment or tools.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Inspect production equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Clean work areas.
Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Calculate weights, volumes or other characteristics of materials.
Clean production equipment.
Seal gaps or cracks to prevent leakage or moisture intrusion.
Analyze test results.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Consequence of Error
How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
62%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
34%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Investigative
24%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social
19%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic
15%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Top 10 Work Styles
Dependability
93%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail
91%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
84%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
81%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Achievement/Effort
80%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Initiative
79%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility
78%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Cooperation
76%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Persistence
75%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self Control
74%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Work Values
Support
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
