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

Jan 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

When it comes to the petroleum industry, a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician plays an important role in ensuring equipment remains in optimal condition, as any breakdowns can lead to costly delays and production losses. These technicians inspect and test equipment, diagnose and troubleshoot problems, repair and replace parts, and carry out preventative maintenance. By doing so, they help to reduce the risk of major breakdowns, and increase the longevity of the equipment.

The skills of a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician are vital in avoiding disruptions, as they are able to identify potential problems before they arise. their knowledge of the industry standards and procedures help to ensure that all safety requirements are met.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is typically required to become a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician.
Enroll in a college or technical school program. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed an accredited college or technical school program in petroleum equipment maintenance.
Get on-the-job training. Under the supervision of an experienced technician, gain hands-on experience in the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of petroleum equipment.
Obtain certification. Become certified as a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician through a recognized organization such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Develop your skills. Participate in continuing education courses and seminars to stay up-to-date on new technologies and best practices in the field.

Maintenance of petroleum equipment is essential to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Failure to properly maintain petroleum equipment can lead to costly repairs, breakdowns, and even fires and explosions. To ensure optimal performance and safety, it is important to hire a qualified and experienced petroleum equipment maintenance technician.

A competent technician can inspect, repair, and maintain equipment to ensure it is in top condition. They can also identify potential issues before they become major problems, helping to minimize the likelihood of any costly accidents or repairs. Investing in a qualified technician can save money in the long run by preventing costly repairs or downtime, making for a more efficient operation.

You may want to check Petroleum Inspector, Petroleum Production Engineer, and Petroleum Pump System Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect and test petroleum equipment to ensure proper functionality.
Troubleshoot and repair petroleum equipment in a timely manner.
Diagnose and fix mechanical and electrical issues related to petroleum equipment.
Install and configure new or replacement equipment in accordance with manufacturers specifications.
Maintain records of maintenance activities, parts used and any repairs completed.
Assist with preventative maintenance activities such as lubrication, cleaning and inspections.
Perform safety checks on all equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Monitor inventory levels of parts and supplies to ensure adequate stock is available for maintenance repairs.
Review blueprints, diagrams and schematics to identify and resolve mechanical issues.
Develop and implement plans for preventive maintenance programs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems in relation to petroleum equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and electrical malfunctions
Understanding of safety protocols and procedures when working with petroleum equipment
Proficiency in reading and understanding technical drawings, schematics, and diagrams
Working knowledge of personal computers and software programs used for data collection and analysis
Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and other specialized tools used in the maintenance and repair of petroleum equipment
Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy objects
Ability to follow directions precisely and adhere to safety regulations
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Ability to complete assigned tasks on time and within budget

As a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician, the most important skill to have is the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and repair complex mechanical systems. This includes being able to accurately diagnose issues with engines, pumps, motors, and other equipment used in the oil and gas industry. The technician must also have a thorough understanding of safety protocols and preventive maintenance techniques to keep equipment running at optimal levels.

Having the proper knowledge of these systems and techniques will help to ensure that equipment is functioning properly, preventing costly repairs and extended downtime. In addition, the technician should possess good communication and organizational skills in order to be successful in this role. By having these skills, technicians can effectively communicate with other team members and easily organize their work to ensure that all tasks are completed to the highest standards.

Petroleum Distribution Manager, Petroleum Reservoir Analyst, and Petroleum Environmental Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with petroleum equipment maintenance?
How would you troubleshoot an issue with a piece of equipment?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing maintenance on petroleum equipment?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest technology in the industry?
Do you have experience with computerized maintenance management systems?
How do you prioritize tasks related to the maintenance of petroleum equipment?
Explain your approach to preventative maintenance.
What are your strategies for resolving complex issues with petroleum equipment?
Describe a time you successfully identified and repaired a malfunctioning piece of equipment.
How do you keep organized and track maintenance records?

Common Tools in Industry

Wrenches. Wrenches are used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: Adjustable wrench)
Pliers. Pliers are a type of hand tool used for gripping and cutting wires. (eg: Long nose pliers)
Socket sets. Socket sets are used to turn nuts and bolts with various sizes and shapes. (eg: Deep socket set)
Allen keys. Allen keys are used for driving screws and bolts with hexagonal sockets. (eg: Hex key set)
Screwdrivers. Screwdrivers are used to drive screws into and out of surfaces. (eg: Phillips screwdriver)
Hammers. Hammers are used to drive nails into surfaces or to break apart objects. (eg: Claw hammer)
Drill bits. Drill bits are used to drill holes in materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. (eg: Masonry drill bit)
Torque wrenches. Torque wrenches are used to tighten nuts and bolts to a specific torque value. (eg: Digital torque wrench)
Power saws. Power saws are used to cut wood, metal, and other materials. (eg: Circular saw)
Pipe cutters. Pipe cutters are used to cut pipes to a specific length. (eg: Ratcheting pipe cutter)

Professional Organizations to Know

Petroleum Equipment Institute
National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals
American Petroleum Institute
Petroleum Equipment & Services Association
Association of Energy Service Companies
International Fuel Quality Center
Society of Petroleum Engineers
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
International Fluid Power Society

We also have Petroleum Drilling Supervisor, Petroleum Quality Assurance Technician, and Petroleum Geoscience Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Petroleum Engineering. The branch of engineering that deals with the exploration, production, processing and transportation of oil and gas.
Petroleum Equipment. Tools, machinery, and supplies used in the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas.
Maintenance Technician. A technician who performs maintenance and repair of petroleum equipment.
Troubleshooting. Analyzing and diagnosing problems and then finding solutions to them.
Calibration. Adjustment of an instrument to a standard level of accuracy.
Welding. Joining two pieces of metal together by melting and fusing them.
Instrumentation. The use of instruments for measuring and controlling systems.
Pumps. Mechanical devices used to move fluids from one place to another.
Valves. Mechanical devices used to regulate the flow of fluids in a system.
Piping. A system of pipes and fittings used to transport fluids from one place to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician?

The primary role of a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician is to maintain and repair fuel pumps, tanks, and other petroleum equipment.

What qualifications are needed to become a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician?

To become a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least two years of experience in the field, and knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) standards for fuel dispensing systems.

What type of safety equipment is required for a Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician?

A Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technician must wear protective clothing such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots, as well as use specialized tools to ensure safety when working with fuel pumps and tanks.

How often should petroleum equipment be inspected and maintained?

Petroleum equipment should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis in accordance with the NFPA standards. Generally, this includes an annual inspection and maintenance of all fuel pumps, tanks, and other related equipment.

What type of certifications are available for Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technicians?

There are a variety of certifications available for Petroleum Equipment Maintenance Technicians. These include certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Web Resources

Petroleum Technology/Technician - Weatherford College wc.edu
Petroleum Service Technology Certificate Level II - Lone Star ¦ www.lonestar.edu
Maintenance Technician Training in California www.sjvc.edu