Natural Gas Compression Technician

Natural gas compression technicians install, commission, maintain, and repair natural gas compression equipment used to gather, store and transmit natural gas.On a typical job, natural gas compression technicians:

• read and interpret diagrams and schematic drawings and related technical information to determine work procedures,
• perform the assembly, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and overhaul of natural gas compression equipment,
• complete ignition analysis, fuel, air, exhaust and engine management systems testing, fault diagnoses and repair,
• complete reciprocating and rotating machinery analysis to determine equipment condition, prediction to failure, corrective and preventative measures, and equipment performance to design intent,
• perform visual walk-around inspections to determine the external conditions and obvious operational or safety issues;
• use a variety of electrical, mechanical and specialty diagnostic test equipment to diagnose problems and adjust engine systems,
• provide preventative and corrective field mechanical services on gas compression, processing and production equipment on-site at client locations,
• troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and general electronic control problems and all levels of compressor system failure,
• repair and rebuild natural gas equipment;
• inspect malfunctioning or damaged equipment to determine the nature and scope of the problem using applied failure analysis principles,
• perform reliability analysis and risk assessments and apply to compression systems,
• identify and develop maintenance strategies based on Reliability-centered Maintenance, Condition-based Maintenance, and Preventive Maintenance concepts, and
• adhere to regulations and standards related to natural gas compression systems to ensure the safety of all workers, the environment and equipment.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

• Sponsored Apprentices,
• Certified Journeypersons
• Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
• Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.