Pumping Station Operators

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.85
• Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.82
• Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.82
• Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.82
• Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.81
• Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.78
• Submit daily reports on facility operations.76
• Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.75
• Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.74
• Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.70
• Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools.69
• Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.64

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operations Monitoring75

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Operation and Control72

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Critical Thinking66

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Active Listening53

  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.

• Equipment Maintenance53

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Troubleshooting53

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Judgment and Decision Making50

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Quality Control Analysis50

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Production and Processing90

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Mechanical82

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Administration and Management71

  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.

• Public Safety and Security71

  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.

• Chemistry68

  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.

• English Language64

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training62

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Mathematics60

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Computers and Electronics59

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Physics54

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

• Engineering and Technology53

  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.

• Customer and Personal Service51

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness72

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Finger Dexterity72

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Manual Dexterity72

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Problem Sensitivity69

  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.

• Multilimb Coordination66

  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.

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Control Precision63

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Perceptual Speed60

  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.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Reaction Time56

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Far Vision53

  The ability to see details at a distance.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Documenting/Recording Information87

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment87

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Controlling Machines and Processes85

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Getting Information85

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events84

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems82

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings81

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment81

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards80

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge76

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability88

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness87

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Attention to Detail79

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Integrity60

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance60

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Self-Control44

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Adaptability39

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Achievement Orientation37

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Perseverance37

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Self-Confidence33

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Cooperation28

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Initiative17

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic88

  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.

• Conventional64

  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.

• Investigative22

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social9

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising8

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day100%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day86%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%

• E-Mail

  • Every day81%
  • Once a week or more but not every day19%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility87%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day76%
  • Once a week or more but not every day24%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day80%
  • Once a week or more but not every day15%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day76%
  • Once a week or more but not every day18%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day76%
  • Once a month or more but not every week21%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important69%
  • Very important15%
  • Important15%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Every day77%
  • Once a year or more but not every month13%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day67%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%
  • Once a month or more but not every week17%

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

  • Every day78%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
• Some college, no degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Facilities management software

  Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Industrial control software

  Programmable logic controller PLC software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Gas Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Miscellaneous installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including wind turbine service technicians
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• 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.
• Test materials, solutions, or samples.
• Clean machinery or equipment.
• Clean facilities or work areas.
• Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.