Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

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

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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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
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