Chemical, Gas, Petroleum & Power Plant Operators
Snapshot
Chemical, Gas, Petroleum & Power Plant Operators operate chemical production equipment, pump gas and oil from wellheads, refine and process petroleum products, and operate boilers, turbogenerators and associated plant to generate electrical power.
| Job stats | |
|---|---|
| How many are employed in this occupation? | 7700 |
| What are the average weekly earnings for full time workers ($ before tax)? | $1400 |
| How does unemployment compare with other occupations? | below average |
| What is the vacancy level for this occupation? | low |
| What are the job prospects for this occupation? | average |
Tasks
This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.
- controlling equipment performing continuous and batch processes to process chemicals and natural gas, manufacture refined petroleum products, and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels, lubricating oils and asphalt
- controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents such as catalysts and filtering media into plant
- patrolling and inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and setting operating controls on equipment
- analysing samples and readings and recording test data
- controlling records of production, quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations
- checking equipment for malfunctions and arranging maintenance
- operating power generation plant controls to produce required load
- monitoring operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings
- authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant
- writing reports and maintaining records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations
- carrying out routine operating tests
Job Titles
- Chemical Plant Operator
- Gas or Petroleum Operator
- Power Generation Plant Operator