Occupation information for Gas Plant Operators Washington

description

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

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details

Currently Employed: 130

Projected Annual Job Openings: 10

Typical Hourly Wage: $33.30 - $51.14

Typical Annual Salary: $69,270 - $106,380

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typical training

Typical education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: More than 1 year on-the-job training

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typical job duties
  • Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
  • Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
  • Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
  • Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.
  • Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
  • Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
  • Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
  • Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
  • Start and shut down plant equipment.
  • Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
tools & technology
Tools:
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Compressor control panels
  • Dehydrators
  • Gas recovery machinery
  • Heat exchangers

Technology:
  • Calendar and scheduling software
  • Data base user interface and query software
  • Electronic mail software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Industrial control software