What You'll Do

  • 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.
  • Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
  • Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
  • Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
  • Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
  • Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
  • Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
  • 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.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5
Operation and Control 3.75/5
Monitoring 3.62/5
Reading Comprehension 3.5/5
Speaking 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Writing 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Active Learning 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Attention to Detail, Independence, Integrity, Analytical Thinking

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Information Ordering 3.75/5
Flexibility of Closure 3.75/5
Perceptual Speed 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.75/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.62/5
Selective Attention 3.5/5
Hearing Sensitivity 3.38/5
Auditory Attention 3.38/5

Technologies & Tools

Email software Inventory tracking software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Programmable logic controller PLC software Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.33/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.12/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 4.08/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.07/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 3.98/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Absorption Plant Operator Board Operator Control Board Operator Control Operator Control Panel Operator Control Panel Technician (Control Panel Tech) Crude Unit Operator Dock Operator Field Gauger Fuel Distribution System Operator Gas House Technician (Gas House Tech) Gasoline Plant Operator Gauger Hydrotreater Operator Hydrovac Operator 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