Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
What is a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators?
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators are specialized professionals responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of gas compressor stations and pumping facilities. These facilities are critical components of the natural gas supply chain, as they ensure the efficient transportation of gas from production sites to distribution networks. Operators monitor and control the flow of gas through pipelines and compressors, adjusting equipment as necessary to optimize performance and maintain safe operating conditions. They also conduct routine inspections, perform maintenance tasks, and troubleshoot equipment issues to minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, these operators must adhere to stringent safety regulations and environmental standards, ensuring that all processes are conducted safely and responsibly. Their role is vital in supporting the energy infrastructure and delivering reliable natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Facilities management software
- Office suite software
- Word processing software
Tools Used
- Gas compressors
- Screwdrivers
- Grease guns
- Ratchets
- Hammers
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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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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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Abilities
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 that there is a problem.
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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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.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
- Control pumps or pumping equipment.
- Record operational or production data.
- Direct maintenance or repair activities.
- Collect samples for analysis or testing.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36480.0 - $93450.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.