How to Be Petroleum Environmental Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 24, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The burning of petroleum products releases emissions that can have detrimental effects on the environment. As a petroleum environmental technician, it is my responsibility to ensure that the emissions released by these products are properly monitored and mitigated. To accomplish this, I must understand the composition of released gases, use testing methods to measure their concentrations, and make sure that they meet regulatory standards.

I must also be proactive in recommending technologies and strategies to reduce the environmental impact of petroleum products. By doing so, I can help keep our air and water clean while protecting human health and the environment.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The minimum educational requirement for a petroleum environmental technician is typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related field.
Obtain Licensure. Many states require environmental technicians to have a professional license. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically involve completing an accredited program and passing an exam.
Gain Experience. Most employers look for petroleum environmental technicians with at least two years of experience in the field. During this time, technicians may work with hazardous materials, chemical spills, air and water quality monitoring, and other environmental issues.
Acquire Certifications. Many employers prefer to hire petroleum environmental technicians with certifications in hazardous materials management, hazardous waste operations, or other related fields. Certifications can be obtained through organizations such as the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the American Board of Environmental Health (ABEH).
Obtain Necessary Skills. Petroleum environmental technicians should be familiar with hazardous materials handling, regulations and procedures, as well as safety protocols. They should also possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Staying ahead and efficient as a Petroleum Environmental Technician requires staying informed about the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices. Keeping up with industry developments can be achieved by attending conferences, subscribing to industry publications, and networking with other professionals. it is important to stay organized and develop a system for tracking data and records.

This will ensure that deadlines are met and tasks are completed in a timely manner. Lastly, staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning and developing new skills in order to stay current with changing industry trends. With these strategies in place, a Petroleum Environmental Technician can remain ahead and efficient in their field.

You may want to check Petroleum Production Engineer, Petroleum Quality Assurance Technician, and Petroleum Inspector for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and inspect petroleum production sites for environmental compliance with federal and state regulations.
Collect samples of air, water, and soil from production sites to test for contaminants.
Prepare reports of findings and develop strategies for remediation of any environmental non-compliance issues.
Develop environmental protocols for the safe disposal of hazardous materials.
Develop and implement safety protocols for personnel working in areas of potential environmental risk.
Monitor the use of hazardous chemicals and materials, ensuring that proper safety and disposal procedures are followed.
Educate personnel on the importance of environmental protection, safe work practices, and waste disposal procedures.
Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Participate in emergency response activities when necessary to mitigate environmental hazards.
Track and monitor all equipment and materials used in petroleum production to ensure proper disposal or recycling.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of environmental regulations related to petroleum production and storage
Ability to conduct sampling and analysis of petroleum products
Familiarity with safety procedures related to petroleum extraction and storage
Proficiency in data management and analysis for environmental compliance
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proficiency in communication, both verbal and written
Knowledge of hazardous waste management and disposal
Knowledge of computer systems and programs relevant to environmental data management
Ability to interpret and apply environmental regulations
Knowledge of risk assessment and risk management strategies
Ability to develop and implement environmental management plans
Ability to monitor, inspect, and audit petroleum operations for compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Being a Petroleum Environmental Technician requires an array of skills, but the most important is an understanding of the environment and its impact on the oil and gas industry. This includes having knowledge of environmental law and regulations, as well as the ability to monitor environmental conditions, perform environmental sampling, and analyze data. the ability to effectively communicate with others is essential, as this role often involves interacting with government agencies, industry partners, and the public.

By having a comprehensive understanding of the environment and its regulations, technicians can help ensure that operations comply with all applicable standards, while at the same time minimizing their environmental impact. This will not only benefit the environment, but also benefit the company in terms of cost savings, increased productivity, and improved public relations.

Petroleum Exploration Technician, Petroleum Pump System Operator, and Petroleum Economics Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have your previous experiences prepared you for this role as a Petroleum Environmental Technician?
What specific environmental regulations and standards do you have experience in?
Describe a difficult environmental project you worked on and how you overcame the challenges.
How do you stay up to date with the latest environmental regulations and standards?
What methods do you use to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards?
What do you find most challenging about working as a Petroleum Environmental Technician?
How do you collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance?
Describe a situation where you identified and addressed an environmental risk.
How would you handle an emergency spill or incident?
What measures do you take to ensure the safety of yourself and your team during an environmental project?

Common Tools in Industry

Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. This tool is used to identify and measure the composition of petroleum products. (e. g. Analysis of oil samples for contamination)
Infrared Spectrometer. This tool is used to measure the infrared absorption of the components of a sample. (e. g. Determining the composition of a sample)
Total Organic Carbon Analyzer. This tool is used to measure the amount of organic carbon in a sample. (e. g. Testing for contamination in water samples)
Gasoline Vapor Analyzer. This tool is used to measure the amount of gasoline vapor in the air. (e. g. Measuring fuel emissions from a refinery)
pH Meter. This tool is used to measure the acidity or basicity of a sample. (e. g. Testing water quality in a nearby river)
Soil and Water Analysis Kit. This kit is used to analyze soil, air and water samples for contaminants. (e. g. Testing soil samples for petroleum contamination)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Petroleum Institute (API)
International Association for Oil & Gas Producers (OGP)
International Council of the Exploration and Production of Oil and Gas (ICEPG)
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP)
Society of Petroleum Environmental Professionals (SPEP)
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
American Chemistry Council (ACC)
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)

We also have Petroleum Distribution Manager, Petroleum Refinery Manager, and Petroleum Storage System Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Petroleum System. A petroleum system is a geological model describing the origin, migration, accumulation and alteration of petroleum within the Earth's crust.
Hydrocarbon Exploration. The process of searching for oil and gas deposits beneath the earths surface.
Oil and Gas Production. The process of extracting petroleum products from beneath the earths surface.
Reservoir Engineering. The use of engineering principles to maximize the production of oil and gas from a reservoir.
Drilling Technology. The use of machines and tools to bore a hole into the earths surface to access petroleum deposits.
Pipeline Construction. The installation of pipelines to transport petroleum products from one point to another.
Offshore Drilling. The use of machines and tools to access oil and gas reserves located beneath the ocean floor.
Refinery Operations. The process of processing petroleum products to produce usable fuels and other products.
Environmental Monitoring. The regular assessment of the environment to detect changes in air, water, and soil quality in order to protect public health and safety.
Risk Management. The use of strategies to reduce potential losses that may arise due to environmental damage caused by petroleum activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Petroleum Environmental Technician?

A Petroleum Environmental Technician is a professional who works in the oil and gas industry to assess, monitor, and manage environmental issues associated with the exploration, extraction, and production of petroleum products.

What qualifications are required to become a Petroleum Environmental Technician?

To become a Petroleum Environmental Technician, one must have a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field as well as knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

What tasks does a Petroleum Environmental Technician perform?

The primary tasks of a Petroleum Environmental Technician include conducting environmental assessments, developing and implementing environmental protection plans, monitoring air and water quality, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

What are the benefits of working as a Petroleum Environmental Technician?

Working as a Petroleum Environmental Technician offers many benefits, including the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to protect the environment, the potential for career advancement and higher salaries, and a sense of accomplishment from making an important contribution to society.

What is the average salary of a Petroleum Environmental Technician?

The average salary of a Petroleum Environmental Technician is around $60,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Petroleum Technology - AS | University of Pittsburgh at Bradford www.upb.pitt.edu
Petroleum Technology/Technician - Weatherford College wc.edu
Petroleum Technology - Navarro College www.navarrocollege.edu