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.
Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones, to start and stop flows of materials or substances.
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Stress Tolerance
Dependability
Cooperation
Self Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
Attention to Detail
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
high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
Produced by 
License