Control the operation of 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.

• Control-Panel Operator
• Gauger
• Pumper
• Refinery Operator

• Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
• Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
• Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
• Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
• Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
• Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
• Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
• Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
• Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
• Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
• Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters in order to detect and report any possible problems.
• Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
• Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
• Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
• Perform tests to check the qualities and grades of products, such as assessing levels of bottom sediment, water, and foreign materials in oil samples, using centrifugal testers.
• Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, utilizing knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
• Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
• 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.
• Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
• Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
• Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
• Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
• Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
• Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.

• adjust production equipment/machinery setup
• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• analyze test data
• clean equipment or machinery
• collect samples for testing
• compile equipment operational data
• compute product or materials test results
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• control operation of compressors
• distinguish colors
• inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
• maintain consistent production quality
• maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
• maintain production or work records
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
• operate chemical processing equipment
• operate gas, petroleum, or power distribution equipment
• operate petroleum pumping equipment
• operate power driven pumps
• perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting
• plan production processes
• read specifications
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• signal directions or warnings to coworkers
• test materials or solutions
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use hand or power tools
• use laboratory equipment
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use two-way radio or mobile phone