Gas station operator

Description

Gas station operators process gases for compression, transmission or recovery by using gas, steam or electric engine compressors. They perform chemical tests on gases and are responsible for pumps and pipelines operations.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to gas station operator:

butadiene compressor operator
gas-compressor operative
gas compressor and gas pumping station operator
gas compressor and gas pumping station operative
gas pumping station operative
butane compressor operator
ethylene compressor operator
gas compressor station operator
gas-compressor operator
gas pumping station operator

Minimum qualifications

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a gas station operator.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Gas station operator is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Gas station operator career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to gas station operator.

gas processing plant supervisor
air separation plant operator
chemical processing plant controller
gas processing plant operator
chemical processing supervisor

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of gas station operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of gas station operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

gas production engineer
fragrance chemist
analytical chemist
assayer
gas distribution engineer

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of gas station operator.

  • Pipeline transport regulations: Know about pipeline transport regulations and their application in pipeline fields. Apply pipeline transport regulations in the construction of new sites.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of gas station operator.

  • Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
  • Operate pumping equipment: Operate pumping equipment; oversee gas and oil transport from wellheads to refineries or storage facilities.
  • Read gas meter: Read gas measuring meter, recording the relevant information such as the amounts of gas dispensed and received.
  • Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
  • Tend compressor engine: Tend the gas compression engines by starting them, monitoring the process of gas compression and performing small maintenance tasks.
  • Ensure correct gas pressure: Ensure the necessary, usually constant, pressure of gas which is part of a machine or tool, such as torching equipment, used to process metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
  • Operate gas extraction equipment: Operate the equipment used for oxygen and nitrogen extraction equipment such as compressors, fractionating columns, heat exchangers and purifying towers.
  • Use chemical analysis equipment: Use laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equipment, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
  • Record production data: Keep a record of data such as name, colour and quantity of the produced goods.
  • Test oxygen purity: Test the purity and the moisture content of the processed oxygen making use of the burette moisture meter.
  • Monitor valves: Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of gas station operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Gas chromatography: The principles of gas chromatography used to analyse and separate specific compounds which go to vaporisation without decomposition.
  • Types of pipelines: Know various types of pipelines and their different usages. Differentiate between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and understand their respective feeding systems.
  • Office software: The characteristics and functioning of software programs for office tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, email and database.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of gas station operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Inspect pipelines: Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
  • Manage emergency procedures: React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.
  • Adhere to standard procedures: Adhere to and follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
  • Clean equipment: Perform cleaning routines after equipment use.
  • Test chemical samples: Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schemes.
  • Manage chemical testing procedures: Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.
  • Prepare chemical samples: Prepare the specific samples such as gas, liquid or solid samples in order for them to be ready for analysis, labeling and storing samples according to specifications.

ISCO group and title

3133 – Chemical processing plant controllers


References
  1. Gas station operator – ESCO
Last updated on March 10, 2023