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Occupation AtlasPetroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

O*NET · 51-8093.00

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and 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.

Also called Absorption Plant Operator · Board Operator · Control Board Operator · Control Operator · Control Panel Operator · Control Panel Tech · Control Panel Technician (Control Panel Tech) · Crude Unit Operator
41 more

Dock Operator · Field Gauger · Fuel Distribution System Operator · Gas House Tech · Gas House Technician (Gas House Tech) · Gasoline Plant Operator · Gauger · Hydrotreater Operator · Hydrovac Operator · In-House Tech · In-House Technician (In-House Tech) · Offshore Production Worker · Oil Gauger · Oil Pipeline Dispatcher · Oil Pipeline Operator · Oil Pumper · Oil Refiner · Operator · Outside Operator · Panel Operator · Petrol Production Gauger · Petroleum Plant Operator · Petroleum Refinery Control Panel Operator · Petroleum Refinery Operator · Petroleum Refinery Worker · Petroleum Refining Equipment Operator · Petroleum Supply Specialist · Pilot Plant Operator · Pipeline Operations Technician · Plant Operator · Pressure Controller · Process Operator · Pumper · Refiner · Refinery Operator · Refining Equipment Operator · Specialty Gas Blender · Stillman · Tank Terminal Gauger · Terminal Gauger · Unit Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Gas Plant Operators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.17
  • C Conventional5.06
  • I Investigative2.44
  • E Enterprising2.24
  • S Social1.33
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent97%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses1%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (19%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (44%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Coordination2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Equipment Maintenance2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Troubleshooting2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Systems Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Instructing2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Repairing2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Systems Evaluation2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment Selection2.51.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Negotiation2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.12.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Sciencebasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Analysis1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Programming1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.50.5
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

16 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.4.3
  2. Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.4.3
  3. Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.4.3
  4. Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.4.2
  5. Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.4.2
  6. Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.4.2
  7. Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.4.1
  8. Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.4.1
  9. Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.4.1
  10. 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.4.1
  11. Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.4.1
  12. Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.4.0
Show the other 12
  1. Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.4.0
  2. Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.4.0
  3. Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.3.9
  4. Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.3.6
  5. 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.4.0
  6. 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.4.0
  7. Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.3.5
  8. Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.3.5
  9. Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.3.4
  10. Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.3.3
  11. Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.3.3
  12. Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.2.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Production and Processing3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Public Safety and Security3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Administration and Management3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • English Language3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Chemistry3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Computers and Electronics3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Education and Training2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology2.62.7
  • Law and Government2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Administrative2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Design2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Psychology2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Building and Construction2.02.4Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Physics2.02.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Telecommunications2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Biology1.51.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Foreign Language1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Geography1.4—
  • Sales and Marketing1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Communications and Media1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Flexibility of Closure3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Information Ordering3.83.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.83.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Perceptual Speed3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Selective Attention3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Auditory Attention3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.8
  • Speech Recognition3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control Precision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Far Vision3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction Time3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Extent Flexibility2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.92.9
  • Rate Control2.92.9
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Depth Perception2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Number Facility2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Closure2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Trunk Strength2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Memorization2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Static Strength2.62.6
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Response Orientation2.52.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Fluency of Ideas2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Originality2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Spatial Orientation2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Stamina2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Dynamic Strength2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Night Vision2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.62.9
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.54.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.42.8
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.12.7
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.12.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams2.91.8Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Working with Computers2.82.7
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Thinking Creatively2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.8
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.8
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Exposed to High Places4.3

Technology

7 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (3)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
  • Email software
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Programmable logic controller PLC software
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Gas Plant Operators
  2. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
  3. Wellhead Pumpers
  4. Power Plant Operators
  5. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  6. Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
  7. Biomass Plant Technicians
  8. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
  9. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  10. Biofuels Processing Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.