Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gauger

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  Career Profile

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gauger

What they do

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.

Also Called: Board Operator, Crude Unit Operator, Gauger, Hydrotreater Operator, Operator, Outside Operator, Pumper, Refinery Operator, Stillman, Unit Operator, Board Operator, Crude Unit Operator, Gauger, Hydrotreater Operator, Operator, Outside Operator, Pumper, Refinery Operator, Stillman, Unit Operator

$57,970
Starting Salary (2023)
$94,580
Median Salary (2023)
-2.3%
Projected Job Growth
33,360
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
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.
Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Independence
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Self-Control

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

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

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

More Info

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