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Occupation AtlasGas Plant Operators

O*NET · 51-8092.00

Gas Plant Operators

Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

Also called Bulk Gas Specialist · Compressor Tech · Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech) · Engine Room Operator · Field Gauger · Field Tech · Field Technician (Field Tech) · Fuel Attendant
46 more

Gas Controller · Gas Dispatcher · Gas Distribution Plant Operator · Gas Maker · Gas Operator · Gas Plant Dispatcher · Gas Plant Operator · Gas Plant Specialist · Gas Plant Tech · Gas Plant Technician (Gas Plant Tech) · Gas Processing Plant Operator · Gas Producer · Gas Resource Control Operator · Gas Specialist · Gas System Operator · Gas Systems Worker · Gas Tech · Gas Technician (Gas Tech) · Gas Treater · Heat Plant Specialist · High Pressure Operator · Landfill Gas Tech · Landfill Gas Technician (Landfill Gas Tech) · Liquefaction and Regasification Plant Operator · Liquefaction Plant Operator · Liquefied Natural Gas Operator (LNG Operator) · Liquefied Natural Gas Technician (LNG Technician) · Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator) · LNG Operator · LNG Plant Operator · LNG Technician · Load Dispatcher · Natural Gas Plant Tech · Natural Gas Plant Technician (Natural Gas Plant Tech) · Oil and Gas Specialist · Operation Specialist · Operator · Oxygen Plant Operator · Plant Operator · Plant Specialist · Pressure Controller · Pressure Dispatcher · Regasification Plant Operator · Tank Terminal Gauger · Terminal Gauger · Water Gas Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.65
  • C Conventional5.19
  • I Investigative2.58
  • E Enterprising2.28
  • S Social1.46
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent58%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate31%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (51%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (40%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (46%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Troubleshooting3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
Show the other 23
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Active Learningbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Maintenance2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Mathematicsbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Repairing2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Instructing2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Persuasion2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Evaluation2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Selection2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Service Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Sciencebasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design1.90.9
  • Programming1.60.8
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

15 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.4.7
  2. Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.4.6
  3. Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.4.5
  4. Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.4.5
  5. Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.4.4
  6. Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.4.4
  7. Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.4.4
  8. Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.4.3
  9. Start and shut down plant equipment.4.3
  10. Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.4.3
  11. Read logsheets to determine product demand and disposition, or to detect malfunctions.4.2
  12. Clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using hand tools, or request that repair and maintenance work be performed.4.0
Show the other 7
  1. Test gas, chemicals, and air during processing to assess factors such as purity and moisture content, and to detect quality problems or gas or chemical leaks.4.0
  2. Contact maintenance crews when necessary.4.0
  3. Signal or direct workers who tend auxiliary equipment.3.9
  4. Control fractioning columns, compressors, purifying towers, heat exchangers, and related equipment to extract nitrogen and oxygen from air.4.2
  5. Calculate gas ratios to detect deviations from specifications, using testing apparatus.3.8
  6. Operate construction equipment to install and maintain gas distribution systems.3.4
  7. Change charts in recording meters.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Mechanical3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Engineering and Technology3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Production and Processing3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administrative3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Law and Government2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Physics2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Transportation2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Design2.72.9
  • Telecommunications2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Geography2.62.9
  • Administration and Management2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Building and Construction2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry2.42.9
  • Communications and Media2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Biology1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Sales and Marketing1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.6—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Perceptual Speed3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Near Vision3.83.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Auditory Attention3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Selective Attention3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.5Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
Show all 52
  • Oral Comprehension3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Information Ordering3.13.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Reaction Time3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Written Comprehension3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Category Flexibility3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control Precision3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.9
  • Oral Expression3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Rate Control3.02.8
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Visualization3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Multilimb Coordination2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Depth Perception2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Response Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Closure2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Trunk Strength2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Originality2.32.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Static Strength2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Spatial Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Stamina2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Night Vision2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.33.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Processing Information3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Training and Teaching Others3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.14.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.12.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Thinking Creatively3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.92.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.72.7
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.4
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Consequence of Error4.3
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.3
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.3

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Google Androidhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot

Hot (3; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (5)
  • AspenTech HYSYS
  • Operating log software
  • Quorum PGAS
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Work scheduling software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Power Plant Operators
  2. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
  3. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
  4. Biomass Plant Technicians
  5. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  6. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  7. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
  8. Wellhead Pumpers
  9. Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
  10. Power Distributors and Dispatchers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.