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The presence of water or other contaminants in the fuels and oils used by the Army can possibly hinder the safety of Army vehicles. It’s up to the Petroleum Laboratory Specialist to ensure the quality, purity and durability of all fuels and oils to be used in Army vehicles. Petroleum Laboratory Specialists are primarily responsible for supervising or conducting laboratory tests on petroleum, oil and lubricant products. Some of your duties as a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist may include:
Receive samples and conducts tests on petroleum products
Report findings in accordance with ASTM test methods
Evaluate test results with specification requirements and makes recommendations regarding product disposition
Apply fire prevention and safety control procedures in handling volatile POL products
Training
Job training for a Job training for a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practice in testing different products. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
Testing methods
Use of lab equipment, such as centrifuges and spectrometers
Advanced Responsibilities
Advanced level Petroleum Laboratory Specialist provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Petroleum Laboratory Specialist, you may be involved in:
Identify sources and types of contamination and deterioration
Make recommendations for recovery and disposal
Furnish required quality surveillance reports to higher headquarters
Perform organizational and preventive maintenance and calibration on lab equipment
Perform fire and safety inspections
Related Civilian Jobs
The skills you learn as a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist will help prepare you for a civilian career with petroleum refineries, chemical companies, manufacturing firms or government agencies. Civilian laboratory technicians often specialize in a particular industry, such as petroleum, food processing or medical drugs.
Related Army Positions
Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F)
Water Treatment Specialist (92W)