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Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Occupation Detailed Description

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

The main tasks and work activities of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers are to 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. In general, for the Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers, operation Monitoring, monitoring, operation and Control, reading Comprehension and other 13 skills are required.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Job Description
EducationThese occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related ExperienceSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job TrainingEmployees 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.
ExampleThese 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.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers jobs. 72.34% of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 0.46% of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
3.28%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
72.34%
Post-Secondary Certificate
0.46%
Some College Courses
6.05%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
17.87%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
0.00%

Tasks and Work Activities of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

  • 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.
  • Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
  • Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
  • Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
  • 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.
  • Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesUsing either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing 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 SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Processing InformationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • 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.
  • Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
  • Repair production equipment or tools.
  • Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
  • Lubricate production equipment.
  • Inspect production equipment.
  • Clean work areas.
  • Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
  • Clean production equipment.

Skills and Abilities for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Active ListeningGiving 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.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Learning StrategiesSelecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Problem SensitivityThe 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.
  • Perceptual SpeedThe 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.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Information OrderingThe 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).
  • Auditory AttentionThe ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
  • Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • Hearing SensitivityThe ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
  • Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Far VisionThe ability to see details at a distance.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Reaction TimeThe ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Visual Color DiscriminationThe ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Adjustable wrenchese.g. Adjustable handwrenches
  • Allen wrenche.g. Allen wrench sets
  • Hydrometerse.g. Calibrated hydrometer
  • Load binderse.g. Chain boomers
  • Compressor control panelse.g. Compressor control panels
  • Feeler gaugese.g. Digital feeler gauges
  • Centrifugese.g. Electric centrifuges
  • Combination plierse.g. Fencing pliers
  • Cold chiselse.g. Flat cold chisels
  • Rulerse.g. Gauge lines
  • Slip or groove joint plierse.g. Groove joint pliers
  • Hacksawe.g. Hacksaws
  • Centrifugese.g. Hand centrifuges
  • Handheld thermometere.g. Handheld digital thermometers
  • Notebook computerse.g. Laptop computers
  • Wellhead flow linese.g. Lease automatic custody transfer LACT units
  • Tape measurese.g. Measuring tapes
  • Pry barse.g. Moving bars
  • Hammerse.g. Multipurpose hammers
  • Screwdriverse.g. Multipurpose screwdrivers
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge 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 TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.