Operates steam, gas, gasoline, electric, or diesel pumps and auxiliary equipment to restore and control flow of oil from wells: Opens valves to regulate flow of oil from wells to storage tanks or into pipelines.
Turns valves to adjust pressure of separator which separates natural gas from oil. Reads flowmeters, gauges oil in tanks with calibrated steel tape, and prepares reports of amount and quality of oil pumped and in storage. Collects and bottles samples of oil for laboratory analysis. Lubricates and repairs pumps, using grease gun, oilcan, and handtools. Examines pipelines for leaks. Reports major breakdowns and well difficulties. May test and treat oil to reduce water and sediment content according to specifications for pipeline transportation of oil.
