SOUTH AFRICA 路 SALARY IN RANDS

Gas Plant Operators

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech)
  • Engine Room Operator
  • Gas Controller
  • Gas Dispatcher
  • Gas Plant Operator
  • Gas Resource Control Operator
  • Gas System Operator
  • Liquefied Natural Gas Technician (LNG Technician)
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What do Gas Plant Operators do?

Gas Plant Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the operations of gas processing plants. Their primary role involves monitoring equipment, controlling the processing of natural gas, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of gas production. They work with various systems designed to separate different components of natural gas, such as methane, ethane, and other hydrocarbons, while also managing by-products like water and impurities.

The job requires a deep understanding of the processes involved in gas extraction and processing, as well as compliance with safety regulations to prevent accidents and environmental hazards. Gas Plant Operators often use advanced computer systems to control machinery, monitor performance indicators, and maintain records of operations. This role may involve regular maintenance of equipment, troubleshooting any operational issues, and coordinating with other workers to ensure smooth operations within the plant.

Operators may also work alongside engineers and technicians to implement process improvements or upgrades to increase plant efficiency. As the demand for natural gas continues to rise, the need for skilled operators is crucial in maintaining the integrity and productivity of gas facilities, making this a vital career in the energy sector.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities

  • Perceptual Speed The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • 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.
  • Auditory Attention The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
  • Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Knowledge

  • 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.
  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Associate's degree

A normal week

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Getting Information
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Data base user interface and query software Operating log software 路 Quorum PGAS
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software SAP software

Tools

  • Gas recovery machinery Nitrogen rejection units 路 Sulfur recovery units 路 Sulfur units
  • Compressor control panels Gas compressor systems 路 Reciprocating natural gas compressors
  • Dehydrators Mole-sieve dehyrdation systems 路 Triethylene glycol TEG dehydrators
  • Gas or vapour concentration measuring instruments Gas sampling equipment
  • Multimeters Digital multimeters

Who it suits

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.

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.

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Questions people ask

How much do Gas Plant Operators earn in South Africa?

Gas Plant Operators salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Gas Plant Operators do?

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 and Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.