Operates equipment to pump oil and gas from wellheads, and refine and process petroleum products.

Controls equipment that performs continuous and batch processes to process natural gas, manufacture refined petroleum products, and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels, lubricating oils and asphalt; controls the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents into plant; patrols and inspects equipment to ensure proper operation and sets operating controls on equipment; analyses samples and readings and records test data; controls records of production, quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations; checks equipment for malfunctions and arranges maintenance; writes reports and maintains records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations; carries out routine operating tests.</

• Works indoors and outdoors at natural gas and petroleum facilities.
• Works in noisy and smelly environments with a range of gas and/or petroleum processing machinery and equipment. When indoors work areas are likely to be adequately heated and ventilated.
• Wears appropriate protective clothing and equipment including gloves, ear and eye protection when necessary.

• Medium physical work.
• Stands frequently on concrete floors and walks about the work areas. Sits at control room switchboard and uses computerised control systems to monitor and make required adjustments to processing machinery.
• Occasionally stretches up and across when working on equipment, adjusting machines and inspecting them for malfunctions. Squatting, crouching or kneeling may be required when inspecting gas lines and other equipment or machinery. Bending is required occasionally. Twisting of the body or neck may be required but is not a significant component of the job. There is an occasional requirement for lifting and carrying equipment and tools to complete manual work on-site.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements are likely for the setting of operation machinery and data entry.
• Driving is not required.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, technical and problem-solving skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.