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Career Exploration

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Also called: 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.
On the job, you'll need:

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

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

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

Realistic

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

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

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Industrial control software

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

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $85,090

Education

High school diploma/GED is usually needed.