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Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

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.

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.

Realistic

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.

Conventional

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.

Enterprising

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.

Investigative

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

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.

Artistic

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

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.

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.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators

Production Occupations

Plant and System Operators

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.

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Overview

Career

What Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Do

Other Job Titles Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Overview

Career

What Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Do

Other Job Titles Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Related Careers

Related Leaders