Petroleum Pump System Operator / Refinery Operator / Gauger

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Board Operator; Crude Unit Operator; Gauger; Hydrotreater Operator; Operator; Outside Operator; Pumper; Refinery Operator; Stillman; Unit Operator

Tasks

• 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.
• Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
• Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
• Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• Public Safety and Security
• Administration and Management
• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• English Language

Skills

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

Abilities

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