Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Independence
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
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.
- Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
Work Activities
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
- Word processing software
Abilities
- Flexibility of Closure
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Perceptual Speed
- Problem Sensitivity
Skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Pipeline Construction InspectorCertifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Advanced
Certifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Specialty
Certifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Core
Certificate name
Qualification of Ultrasonic Testing Examiners (Cracking Size)Certifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Refractory Personnel CertificationCertifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $50,067 |
| Median (50%) | $59,836 |
| High (90%) | $73,260 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | N/A |
| Mid Level | N/A |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 33,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 32,800 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -2%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -2%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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