Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8093
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
• 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.
• Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
• Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
• Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adjustable handwrenches, Allen wrench sets, Calibrated hydrometer, Chain boomers, Compressor control panels, Digital feeler gauges, Electric centrifuges, Email software, Fencing pliers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Gas Plant Operators
• Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
• Wellhead Pumpers
• Power Plant Operators
• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.