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Job Definition
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
Job Zone

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Knowledge
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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.
Skills
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
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.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Tasks
Start compressor engines, and divert oil from storage tanks into compressor units and auxiliary equipment in order to recover natural gas from oil.
Open valves to return compressed gas to bottoms of specified wells in order to repressurize them and force oil to surface.
Supervise oil pumpers and other workers engaged in producing oil from wells.
Drive trucks in order to transport high-pressure pumping equipment, and chemicals, fluids, or gases to be pumped into wells.
Prepare trucks and equipment necessary for the type of pumping service required.
Control pumping and blending equipment to acidize, cement, or fracture gas or oil wells and permeable rock formations.
Mix acids, chemicals, or dry cement as required for a specific job.
Monitor control panels during pumping operations in order to ensure that materials are being pumped at the correct pressure, density, rate, and concentration.
Operate engines and pumps in order to shut off wells according to production schedules, and to switch flow of oil into storage tanks.
Unload and assemble pipes and pumping equipment, using hand tools.
Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
Attach pumps and hoses to wellheads.
Repair gas and oil meters and gauges.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $49,590.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $28,210.00 and $69,950.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 140 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 110 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about -3 openings due to growth and about 3 replacement openings for approximately 0 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant decline.

Colleges and Training
There are currently no programs listed for this occupation.
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