Pump operators run pumps that move everything from oil and gas to runoff slurry from mining operations, and even powdered material used in manufacturing. Pump operators are responsible for transferring products from one place to another; they move products through different stages of processing, into storage tanks, and onto shipping units. Much of their time is spent monitoring gauges and inspecting equipment to ensure that tank levels, temperatures, and chemical proportions are at correct levels. Every day, pump operators rely on their knowledge of pipeline and tank capacities, how valves function, and how the pump systems connect with each other. Record keeping and communication are an essential part of the job, to ensure that mix-ups don’t delay production or cause an accident. Pump operators typically work outdoors, often with high noise levels and exposure to hazardous materials, which require workers to wear safety equipment and pay close attention to safety guidelines. Pump operators typically work over 40 hours a week. Pump operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
What they do:
Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.
On the job, you would:
Monitor gauges and flowmeters and inspect equipment to ensure that tank levels, temperatures, chemical amounts, and pressures are at specified levels, reporting abnormalities as necessary.
Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, stocks used, gauging results, and operating times.
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of interconnections and capacities of pipelines, valve manifolds, pumps, and tankage.
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
see hidden patterns
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Independence
Dependability
Cooperation
Achievement/Effort
Analytical Thinking
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
high school diploma/GED or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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