51-8093.00Apprenticeship

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, & Gaugers

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.

Career Cluster:Energy & Natural Resources
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Build Resume

Technology Tools

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
  • Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
  • Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
  • Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
  • Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
  • Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
  • Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
  • Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
  • Read and analyze specifications, schedules, logs, test results, and laboratory recommendations to determine how to set equipment controls to produce the required qualities and quantities of products.
  • Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
  • Perform tests to check the qualities and grades of products, such as assessing levels of bottom sediment, water, and foreign materials in oil samples, using centrifugal testers.
  • Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
  • Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
  • Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
  • Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
  • Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
  • Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
  • Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
  • Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
  • Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
75%
Operation and Control
69%
Monitoring
66%
Reading Comprehension
63%
Speaking
53%
Complex Problem Solving
53%
Time Management
50%
Active Learning
50%
Writing
50%
Active Listening
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Troubleshooting
47%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Quality Control Analysis
47%
Coordination
47%
Equipment Maintenance
47%
Learning Strategies
47%
Systems Analysis
44%
Instructing
41%
Mathematics
41%
Repairing
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
38%
Equipment Selection
38%
Systems Evaluation
38%
Service Orientation
31%
Negotiation
31%
Persuasion
28%
Science
25%
Programming
22%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Operations Analysis
22%
Technology Design
13%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
65%
Production and Processing
65%
Mechanical
64%
Administration and Management
63%
Mathematics
56%
English Language
55%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Chemistry
49%
Education and Training
47%
Engineering and Technology
40%
Law and Government
39%
Transportation
37%
Customer and Personal Service
35%
Administrative
30%
Psychology
30%
Design
29%
Personnel and Human Resources
26%
Building and Construction
26%
Telecommunications
26%
Physics
25%
Economics and Accounting
17%
Biology
13%
Sales and Marketing
11%
Geography
10%
Sociology and Anthropology
9%
Foreign Language
9%
Medicine and Dentistry
7%
Communications and Media
6%
Therapy and Counseling
6%
History and Archeology
5%
Philosophy and Theology
4%
Food Production
2%
Fine Arts
0%

Build a Resume for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, & Gaugers

Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.

Create Resume

Abilities

Near Vision
69%
Flexibility of Closure
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Perceptual Speed
69%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Selective Attention
63%
Hearing Sensitivity
60%
Auditory Attention
60%
Speech Recognition
56%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Category Flexibility
53%
Oral Expression
53%
Oral Comprehension
53%
Inductive Reasoning
53%
Written Comprehension
53%
Control Precision
53%
Far Vision
50%
Manual Dexterity
50%
Visualization
50%
Reaction Time
50%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Multilimb Coordination
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Written Expression
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Extent Flexibility
47%
Mathematical Reasoning
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Rate Control
47%
Depth Perception
44%
Trunk Strength
44%
Gross Body Equilibrium
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Number Facility
44%
Wrist-Finger Speed
41%
Static Strength
41%
Memorization
41%
Response Orientation
38%
Stamina
35%
Fluency of Ideas
35%
Spatial Orientation
35%
Originality
35%
Gross Body Coordination
35%
Glare Sensitivity
28%
Sound Localization
25%
Night Vision
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Dynamic Strength
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Explosive Strength
16%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
81%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
79%
Controlling Machines and Processes
78%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
77%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Performing General Physical Activities
73%
Getting Information
72%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
66%
Documenting/Recording Information
65%
Handling and Moving Objects
63%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
60%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
60%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
60%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
60%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
59%
Processing Information
57%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
55%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
54%
Coaching and Developing Others
53%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
53%
Training and Teaching Others
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
50%
Analyzing Data or Information
50%
Developing and Building Teams
48%
Working with Computers
45%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
44%
Scheduling Work and Activities
38%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
36%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
34%
Thinking Creatively
32%
Assisting and Caring for Others
32%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
28%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
27%
Performing Administrative Activities
27%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
23%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
22%
Selling or Influencing Others
21%
Staffing Organizational Units
10%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
8%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

96%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

94%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

93%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

92%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

88%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

86%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

84%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

84%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

83%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

82%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

81%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

81%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

80%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

79%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

77%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

76%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

76%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

73%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

72%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

72%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

72%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

71%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

70%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

70%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

69%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

69%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

67%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

67%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

66%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

65%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

63%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

62%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

59%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

58%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

58%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

57%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

57%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

50%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

49%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

48%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

44%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

43%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

42%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

41%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

41%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

38%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

37%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

37%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

27%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

23%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

23%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

15%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

14%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

11%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

3%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

1%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

97%

Post-secondary certificate

2%

Some college, no degree

1%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

86

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

68

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

25

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

20

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

5

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Cautiousness
100%
Dependability
88%
Attention to Detail
81%
Integrity
63%
Stress Tolerance
62%
Perseverance
47%
Self-Control
44%
Achievement Orientation
42%
Self-Confidence
36%
Adaptability
33%
Cooperation
33%
Initiative
20%
Sincerity
9%
Optimism
7%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
7%
Leadership Orientation
6%
Intellectual Curiosity
3%
Humility
1%

Work Values

Support
78%
Independence
56%
Working Conditions
56%
Relationships
45%
Achievement
39%
Recognition
33%

Ready to pursue a career as Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, & Gaugers?

Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.

Build Your Resume Now