Skip navigation

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, & Gaugers

Also called: Pumper, Refinery Operator, Board Operator, Gauger

What they 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.
On the job, you would:
  • Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters in order 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Safety and Government
  • public safety and security
Education and Training
  • teaching and course design

Skills

Basic Skills
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Visual Understanding
  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
  • see hidden patterns
Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • communicate by writing
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship Eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$61,260
per year, on average
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.