Overview

Petroleum laboratory specialists are primarily responsible for supervising or conducting laboratory tests on petroleum, oil and lubricant products.

Job Duties

• Evaluate test results with specification requirements and makes recommendations regarding product disposition
  
• Receive samples and conduct tests on petroleum products
  
• Report findings in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials testing methods
  
• Apply fire prevention and safety control procedures in handling volatile products

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a petroleum laboratory specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field, including practice in testing different products.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Testing methods
  
• Use of lab equipment, such as centrifuges and spectrometer

Helpful Skills

• Interest in chemistry and mathematics
  
• Ability to follow detailed procedures
  
• Interest in performing technical work

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with petroleum refineries, chemical companies, manufacturing firms or government agencies. Laboratory technicians often specialize in a particular industry, such as petroleum, food processing or medical drugs.