Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

What the job really is

Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-7071
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adjustable pipe wrenches, Computerized maintenance management system CMMS, Cordless drills, Electrically powered compressors, Gas engine driven compressors, Gas pressure gauges, Grease dispensing guns, Heating boilers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Gas Plant Operators
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Power Plant Operators
• Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.