Gas Compressor / Gas Pumping Station Operator

Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Compressor Operator; Compressor Station Operator; Compressor Technician; Fill Plant Operator; Filler; Liquefied Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator); Pipeline Technician; Plant Operator; Terminal Operator

Tasks

• Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
• Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
• Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
• Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
• Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
• Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
• Submit daily reports on facility operations.
• Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.
• Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
• Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
• Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools.
• Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.
• Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• Mechanical
• Public Safety and Security
• Administration and Management
• Chemistry
• English Language
• Education and Training
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics
• Engineering and Technology
• Physics
• Customer and Personal Service

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Speaking

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Near Vision
• Control Precision
• Perceptual Speed
• Information Ordering
• Reaction Time
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Far Vision
• Written Expression
• Category Flexibility
• Time Sharing
• Rate Control
• Auditory Attention
• Speech Clarity