Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Also called: Acetylene Gas Compressor, Air Compressor Technician, Butadiene Compressor Operator, Butane Compressor Operator, Compressor

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Varies

estimated salary

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators operate steam, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion engine-driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.

  • Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
  • Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
  • Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
  • Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
  • Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
  • Submit daily reports on facility operations.
  • Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.
  • Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
  • Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
  • Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools.
  • Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.
  • Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
  • Control pumps or pumping equipment.
  • Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Control pumps or pumping equipment.
  • Record operational or production data.
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Knowledge

Production and Processing
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security
  • Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Skills

Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Troubleshooting
  • Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Abilities

Manual Dexterity
  • The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Finger Dexterity
  • The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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