Job: Petroleum Laboratory Specialist (92L)

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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

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

Helpful attributes include:

* An interest in chemistry and mathematics
* An interest in performing technical work
* An interest in working with chemicals and lab equipment
* An ability to follow detailed procedures

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

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.

* Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F)
* Water Treatment Specialist (92W)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.