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Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Also called: Compressor Station Operator, Compressor Technician, Filler, Plant Operator

What they do:

Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.

On the job, you would:
  • Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
  • Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
  • Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

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

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Controlled Movement

  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat

Visual Understanding

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

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Realistic

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

  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Attention to Detail
  • Persistence
  • Achievement/Effort

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Facilities management software

  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

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: $59,990

Education

High school diploma/GED or associate's degree is usually needed.

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