After determining these changes, one should operate pumps and open valves for regulating the product flow. He must communicate with other employees and provide information regarding pump operation, closing and opening of valves or checking the temperatures. The operator should record, compile, report and document the operating data along with repairing and maintaining equipment, monitoring instruments, process indicators, meters and gauge for detecting and reporting any problems that can take place.
Whenever there is a major problem, the operator has to effectively coordinate shutdowns along with performing tests so that the product grade and quality can be checked. Once the product is approved, the operator prepares calculations for deliveries and receipts along with clamping down required seals around the valves for securing tanks.
Requirements
Academic
Most of the employers ask for the basic qualification of "high school diploma". An undergraduate or associate degree is not necessary but would be an advantage when a person applies for jobs.
Skill Sets
The operator should be exceptionally skilled in time-management. Besides, one should have a thorough knowledge on troubleshooting, monitoring, equipment maintenance and critical thinking along with chemical and mechanical knowledge. Basic mathematics knowledge would be a mandatory skill requirement. Since one has to deal with equipments that utilize high technology, the operator should have a strong mechanical aptitude. Most of the employers look for excellent language skills. It is also necessary to have a scientific knowledge on the methods used for solving problems in the industry.
Training
It is advantageous if the candidate has completed any training in the field along with having the basic qualification.
Prior Experience
Like in any other field, prior experience in the field would be beneficial in obtaining a good employment.
Employment Outlook
Career Prospects
According to various sources, it is estimated that in the year 2006, the number of people employed as the panel operator were 42,000. It is found out that between the years 2006 and 2016 there will be a demand for 12,000 more employees. So if you try hard, it will not be difficult for you to get employed as an operator in the refinery control sector.
Salaries
The salary of a refinery operator depends on his experience and is generally about $22. 14 for an hour for newly recruited people. With experience, a person can look forward to a better pay package. As of 2006, the median rate for an operator was $25.18 for an hour. This was irrespective of the experience possessed by a refinery operator.
The refinery operator jobs come with good payment along with a better career prospective and would be the best option for people having the basic educational qualification and the required skills and knowledge.
