Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Overview
SaveJob 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, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
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.
Yearly Salary
| High: | $104K |
| Median: | $78K |
| Low: | $49K |
Demand
Core Tasks
- Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
- Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
- Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
- Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
- 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.
- Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
- Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
- 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.
- Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
- Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
- 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.
- Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
- Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
- Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
- Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
- Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
- Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
- Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
- Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
73%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Public Safety and Security
72%
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.
Administration and Management
71%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mechanical
71%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
65%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
64%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
60%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Chemistry
59%
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.
Education and Training
58%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology
53%
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.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
80%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
75%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
73%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
70%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
63%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
63%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
60%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening
60%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Top 10 Abilities
Flexibility of Closure
75%
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering
75%
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
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Perceptual Speed
75%
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
73%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention
70%
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Auditory Attention
68%
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity
68%
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Deductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Recognition
65%
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Top 10 Work Activities
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
85%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
83%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes
82%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
82%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
81%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Performing General Physical Activities
79%
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Getting Information
78%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
73%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information
72%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Handling and Moving Objects
71%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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.
Education
Interests
Realistic
89%
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
73%
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative
36%
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising
32%
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social
19%
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic
15%
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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.