Gas Plant Operators

What the job really is

Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8092
• 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 equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
• Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
• Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
• Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.
• Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
• Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
• Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
• Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
• Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
• Start and shut down plant equipment.
• Read logsheets to determine product demand and disposition, or to detect malfunctions.
• Contact maintenance crews when necessary.

Tools and technology

Google Android, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Acid gas compressors, Adjustable hand wrenches, Amine treating plant, AspenTech HYSYS, Centrifugal pumps

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Power Plant Operators
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Wellhead Pumpers

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

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Gas Plant 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.