CAREER

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$94,580

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+3% (slower than the average)

Career

What Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers 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.

Other Job Titles Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers May Have

Board Operator, Crude Unit Operator, Gauger, Hydrotreater Operator, Operator, Outside Operator, Pumper, Refinery Operator, Stillman, Unit Operator

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • 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.
  • Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
  • Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.