How to Be Petroleum Storage System Operator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The petroleum storage system operator has an important role in the energy industry. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the system, which ensures the safe and efficient transportation of petroleum products to end consumers. This includes monitoring tank levels, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed, and ensuring that fuel is delivered to customers in a timely manner.

The operators ability to do this job efficiently has a direct effect on the consumer, as it impacts the availability of fuel and its cost. it affects the environment, since fuel that is not transported properly can lead to spills and other pollutants in the air or water. As such, this position is essential to maintain the smooth functioning of the energy industry while protecting the environment.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Diploma or GED. In order to become a Petroleum Storage System Operator, you will need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Obtain a Petroleum Storage System Operator Certification. Most employers require Petroleum Storage System Operators to obtain a certification in the field. To obtain a certification, you will need to complete an approved training program and pass a test. Training programs can be found at community colleges, trade schools, or online.
Get On the Job Training. Once you have obtained your certification, you will need to gain on the job experience in order to become a skilled Petroleum Storage System Operator. On the job training is typically provided by employers and consists of supervised work experience.
Obtain Industry Certifications. Many employers require Petroleum Storage System Operators to obtain additional certifications in order to perform their job duties. Certifications can be obtained from organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute, National Fire Protection Association, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Obtain a Professional License. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a professional license in order to work as a Petroleum Storage System Operator. Licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.

As a petroleum storage system operator, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest technological advances and safety regulations related to the storage and handling of petroleum products. Keeping up with changes in the industry and meeting all safety requirements helps ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the storage system. Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to verify that the system is operating correctly and up to code.

operators must be adequately trained to respond quickly and correctly to any system malfunctions or emergency situations. Investing in the necessary training and equipment will help keep the system capable of handling petroleum products safely and efficiently.

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Job Description

Monitor petroleum storage systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Maintain and update records of system operations, including inventory and tank levels.
Perform maintenance and repairs on storage systems and equipment.
Monitor and adjust pressure, temperature, and flow rates in the system.
Inspect tanks and pipelines for leaks, corrosion, or other damage.
Monitor fuel tank levels to optimize system performance.
Calculate fuel consumption and transfer rates.
Operate valves and pumps to control flow of petroleum products.
Monitor system alarms and take appropriate action.
Troubleshoot system problems and take corrective action.
Work with other personnel to ensure smooth system operations.
Maintain safety protocols and comply with environmental regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of petroleum storage system operations, procedures and regulations
Ability to operate and troubleshoot the petroleum storage system
Familiarity with safety protocols and risk management procedures
Understanding of fuel storage and distribution systems
Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to petroleum storage systems
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation
Familiarity with computerized control systems and related software
Ability to use basic hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication skills
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
Attention to detail and accuracy
Good organizational skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Being a Petroleum Storage System Operator requires a great deal of expertise and knowledge. Having a strong understanding of the principles of petroleum storage and handling is essential to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of petroleum storage systems. This knowledge must include a detailed understanding of the regulations, safety procedures, and maintenance protocols that are necessary to maintain the highest standards of operation.

effective communication and problem-solving skills are also critical to this role, as they help operators identify potential issues quickly and take corrective action. Finally, the ability to work well with others is also necessary, as operators must often coordinate with other workers to ensure that the storage and handling process is carried out properly.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in operating petroleum storage systems?
How familiar are you with safety protocols for handling petrol and hazardous materials?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy of fuel measurements?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with a storage system.
How do you stay up to date on industry best practices and regulations?
What strategies do you employ to ensure that tanks are properly maintained?
How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively?
What would you do if there was a spill or contamination of fuel?
Describe a time when you had to work with a team of engineers to develop a solution to a problem.
How do you troubleshoot errors with computerized systems related to petroleum storage?

Common Tools in Industry

SCADA Systems. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems are a type of automated process control system used to monitor and control remote equipment and systems. (Example: Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk SCADA platform)
Tank Gauging Systems. These systems measure the amount of liquid or gas stored in a tank. (Example: Varec Tank Gauging System)
Pipeline Management Software. This software is used to monitor and control pipelines, including flow rate, pressure, and tank levels. (Example: Bentley Pipeline Toolset)
Leak Detection Systems. These systems detect and monitor potential leaks in a storage system. (Example: Hach Leak Detection System)
Automated Inventory Management Systems. These systems are used to track and manage the inventory of stored petroleum products. (Example: SAP Automated Inventory Management System)
Safety and Risk Management Software. This software is used to assess and manage the risk of any potential hazards or incidents that may occur in a petroleum storage system. (Example: Avetta Safety and Risk Management Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Petroleum Institute (API)
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC)
National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM)
Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA)
Association of Fuel and Petroleum Equipment Professionals (AFPEP)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA)
International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE)
Tank Storage Association (TSA)
Energy Institute (EI)

We also have Petroleum Quality Assurance Technician, Petroleum Refinery Manager, and Petroleum Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tank Gauging. The process of measuring the level of liquid in a storage tank.
Tank Farm. A group of tanks used for the storage of petroleum products.
Overfill Protection System. A system used to prevent tanks from being filled beyond a predetermined level.
Leak Detection System. A system used to detect the presence of leaks in storage tanks.
Vapor Recovery System. A system used to capture and collect vapors released from storage tanks.
Overpressure Protection System. A system used to prevent tanks from exceeding the maximum allowable pressure rating.
Loading/Unloading System. A system used to transfer petroleum products into and out of storage tanks.
SCADA System. A system used to monitor and control all aspects of the storage system.
Fire Protection System. A system used to detect and suppress fires in the storage system.
Tank Integrity Testing. A process used to evaluate the structural integrity of tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Petroleum Storage System Operator? A1: A Petroleum Storage System Operator is an organization that is responsible for the safe and efficient storage and distribution of petroleum products. Q2: What are the responsibilities of a Petroleum Storage System Operator? A2: The responsibilities of a Petroleum Storage System Operator include ensuring compliance with safety regulations, inspecting storage tanks and equipment, monitoring product quality, and controlling the flow of product from storage tanks. Q3: How many storage tanks can a Petroleum Storage System Operator manage? A3: A Petroleum Storage System Operator can manage up to several hundred storage tanks. Q4: What type of products does a Petroleum Storage System Operator store and distribute? A4: A Petroleum Storage System Operator stores and distributes a variety of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, heating oil, and fuel oils. Q5: What safety regulations must be followed by a Petroleum Storage System Operator? A5: Petroleum Storage System Operators must follow safety regulations set by federal, state, and local governments, as well as industry-specific standards such as API RP 1162 and NFPA 30.

Web Resources

Petroleum storage UVA Environmental Resources - University pollutionprevention.virginia.edu
Petroleum Bulk Storage | Environment, Health and Safety ehs.cornell.edu
Petroleum Storage Tank Program - University of Texas at Austin ehs.utexas.edu