Petroleum pump system operators tend pumps that keep the circulation of oil and derived products running smoothly. They monitor the flow within the pipes at a refinery and test the equipment to ensure minimum disruptions. Pump systems operators work from a highly automated control room, where they communicate with other workers to coordinate pump activities. Pump system operators undertake minor repairs and maintenance, and report as called for.
Check yourself in a minute: petroleum pump system operator
Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
inspect pipelines
synchronise pumphouse activities
troubleshoot
monitor the transfer of oil
control pumping operations in petroleum production
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (14)
mechanical toolsmechanical toolsVarious type of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...inspect pipelinesinspect pipelinesWalk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.synchronise pumphouse activitiessynchronise pumphouse activitiesEnsure synchronicity between pump houses; pursue continuous product flow and minimal product contamination.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.monitor the transfer of oilmonitor the transfer of oilEnsure that no oil is spilled or leaked while being transferred into the lightering vessel. Oversee the connection of hoses and the manoeuvring of the vessels when the operation is completed.control pumping operations in petroleum productioncontrol pumping operations in petroleum productionControl plant operations and gas and oil pumping equipment. Monitor gauges and monitors and control the equipment to make sure the extraction proceeds efficiently and safely.manage emergency proceduresmanage emergency proceduresReact quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.set equipment controlsset equipment controlsManipulate equipment controls to produce required volumes and required product quality. Take into account lab recommendations, schedules and test results.verify oil circulationverify oil circulationEnsure that incoming and outgoing oil circulates through correct meters. Ensure that meters work properly.coordinate remote communicationscoordinate remote communicationsDirect network and radio communications between different operational units. Receive and transfer further radio or telecom messages or calls. These might include messages from the public, or the emerg...operate hydraulic pumpsoperate hydraulic pumpsOperate hydraulic pumping systems.monitor fuel storage tanksmonitor fuel storage tanksMonitor on site above ground diesel or gasoline. Location and management according to commonly accepted industry practice. Ensure underground storage tanks are regularly tested and found to be leak-pr...
Optional (8) — show
mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.manage fuelling systemmanage fuelling systemContribute to the operation of fuel system and oil transfer operations, including: preparations for fuelling and transfer operations, procedures for connecting and disconnecting fuelling and transfer ...keep task recordskeep task recordsOrganise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.write production reportswrite production reportsMake up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.contribute to bilge and ballast operationscontribute to bilge and ballast operationsHelp operate and service the bilge and ballast systems. Report incidents during or after transfer operations. Correctly measure and report tank levels.maintain mechanical equipmentmaintain mechanical equipmentObserve and listen to machinery operation to detect malfunction. Service, repair, adjust, and test machines, parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical principles. Maintain...adjust tightness of pump componentsadjust tightness of pump componentsTighten or unscrew pump parts using hand and power tools. Maintenance of tubing, casing and pump rods.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Petroleum pump system operators tend pumps that keep the circulation of oil and derived products running smoothly. They monitor the flow within the pipes at a refinery and test the equipment to ensure minimum disruptions. Pump systems operators work from a highly automated control room, where they communicate with other workers to coordinate pump activities. Pump system operators undertake minor repairs and maintenance, and report as called for.
What skills does a petroleum pump system operator need?
A petroleum pump system operator needs 14 essential skills, including mechanical tools, electronics, chemistry, inspect pipelines, synchronise pumphouse activities.
Will AI replace petroleum pump system operator jobs?
The AI disruption score for petroleum pump system operator is 36/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: write production reports, keep task records, monitor fuel storage tanks. Most resilient: maintain mechanical equipment, manage emergency procedures, adjust tightness of pump components.