Gas Plant Operator

Answer 1

Fully trained gas plant operators are in demand, in the industry. This is a solid career path with regular hours and opportunities for overtime. The average gas plant operator works through a 40 hour week, but this will depend on the individual position and employer.

Gas Plant Operator Duties and Responsibilities

Gas plant operators may be expected to travel, and this could be both in and out of state. Primarily gas plant operators are responsible for collecting data about process units, analyzing and reviewing information, developing operating procedures (startup, shutdown and commissioning) and creating/editing process flow diagrams. Gas plant operators can also be involved in troubleshooting exercises, crew emergency response drills and on site training. Senior positions will involve some management and supervisory responsibilities, typically for small teams.

Gas Plant Operator Skills

To be a gas plant operator, you will need to be adept at using the latest industry technology and computer operating systems. A good knowledge of industry best practices is a key requirement. This is why most positions call for at least five years experience working in the gas, refinery or chemical process industries. Gas plant operators need to have highly developed analytical and problem solving skills to enable them to develop new procedures and respond quickly to data stream inputs.

Gas plant operators also need to have excellent skills in both written and oral communication. This job role requires liaising between on site teams, managers, and clients. As a result, gas plant operators need to have excellent interpersonal skills.

Required Qualifications

Gas plant operators may require a minimum education level of a BS Degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering and experience in midstream gas plant operations. Some companies may also be willing to accept candidates without degrees if they have at least 5 years experience in key process operations roles.

Some companies may provide funding for trainee gas plant operators to achieve a BS level degree. This is a terrific way to progress in this career as trainees will be able to study whilst working in the industry. This means that when they graduate they will have both the experience and qualifications they need to start work straight away in their new role.

Salary Expectations

Salary will depend on the individual role and the level of qualifications and experience of each job holder. Typically a gas plant operator can expect to earn from between $40,000 to $65,000 per annum. Gas plant operators can spend some parts of the working week traveling so there will be additional expenses benefits.