Petroleum Pump System and Refinery Operators
On the Job
Petroleum Pump System and Refinery Operators run systems that refine petroleum. They may specialize in certain types of systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Monitor equipment fluid levels.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Operate energy distribution equipment.
- Operate pumping systems or equipment.
- Analyze test results.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
- Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
- Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Typical Working Conditions
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Working outdoors exposed to weather.
- Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Working with a group or team.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 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.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.