Pumper I

Kern Energy; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 42,403 - 60,392; Full time

Job summary

Kern Energy is seeking a Pumper to monitor refinery storage tank activity, blend products, and coordinate truck loading/unloading at the Bakersfield refinery. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork to minimize downtime and optimize production.

The ideal candidate will have a GED or equivalent, experience with pumps, and proficiency in CMMS, with strong attention to detail and communication skills to collaborate with maintenance and operations teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• Experience operating and maintaining pumps in an industrial setting, preferably refinery or petrochemical.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and drawings.
• Proficiency with CMMS or similar maintenance reporting software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in monitoring pump operations.
• Effective communication to collaborate with teammates and report on issues.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pumps, valves, and related equipment to ensure proper flow and pressure.
• Inspect pumps and systems for wear, leaks, or malfunctions and take corrective actions.
• Adjust pump controls, valves, and flow meters to maintain performance and parameters.
• Perform preventive maintenance: lubrication, alignment checks, filter replacements.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Maintain safety protocols, operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Identify safety hazards and report them promptly.
• Participate in safety meetings, drills and training.
• Maintain records of pump operations, maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Generate shift and incident reports as required.
• Communicate updates on pump performance and maintenance to supervisors.
• Identify opportunities to optimize pump performance, energy efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Pump systems

Safety regulations

Reading technical manuals

CMMS software

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

GED or equivalent

High school diploma

Technical training or certification

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Job Details: Level – Experienced; Location – Corporate Office – Bakersfield, CA 93307; Position Type – Full Time; Education Level – G.E.D or Equivalent; Salary Range – $37.31 – $37.31 Hourly; Travel Percentage – None; Job Shift – Rotating 12‑hour Shift; Job Category – Operations

Kern Energy is seeking a Pumper who will monitor refinery storage tank activity, physically blend petroleum products, and coordinate the loading and unloading of trucks in the refinery. The role requires keen attention to detail, technical expertise, and a commitment to safety to minimize downtime, optimize production, and prevent accidents or spills. The successful candidate will embody Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection.

Job Function

• Operate and monitor pumps, valves, and related equipment to ensure proper flow rates and pressures in accordance with operational requirements.
• Regularly inspect pumps and associated systems to identify signs of wear, leaks, or malfunctions and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Adjust pump controls, valves, and flow meters to maintain optimal performance and adherence to operational parameters.
• Conduct routine maintenance activities, including lubrication, alignment checks, and filter replacements, to keep pumps and associated equipment in good working order.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks on pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to prevent unexpected breakdowns and maximize uptime.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to troubleshoot and repair equipment issues, ensuring minimal disruptions to refinery operations.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe working environment.
• Identify potential safety hazards and promptly report them to the appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Participate in safety meetings, drills, and training programs to enhance personal and team safety awareness.
• Maintain accurate records of pump operations, maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs.
• Generate shift reports, log entries, and incident reports as required, documenting any abnormalities, incidents, or noteworthy observations.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues, providing updates on pump performance, maintenance activities, and potential issues.
• Identify opportunities to optimize pump performance, energy efficiency, and reliability through data analysis and monitoring trends.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement improvement initiatives, such as upgrading equipment, enhancing procedures, or implementing new technologies.

Qualifications – Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of pump systems, valves, pipelines, and associated control mechanisms.
• Familiarity with safety regulations, procedures, and best practices in the petroleum industry.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Proficiency in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or similar software for documenting maintenance activities and generating reports.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and precision in monitoring and recording pump operations.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and communicate technical information clearly.

Education / Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification in mechanical, electrical, or a related field is preferred.
• Proven experience operating and maintaining pumps and related equipment in an industrial setting, preferably in a refinery or petrochemical plant.