Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, & Gaugers

Gauger, Operator, Pumper, Refinery Operator

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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics

Business

  • management

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
  • see hidden patterns

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • notice when problems happen

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology In Demand

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Industrial control software

  • Programmable logic controller PLC software In Demand
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Education

high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Certifications
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Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Salary:

$85,090
$52,920
$107,810
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