Petroleum Laboratory Specialist - Army National Guard

Be the force that propels the Army forward. As a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist for the Army National Guard, your main responsibility will be to ensure the quality, purity, and durability of all fuels used in Army operations.

As a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist, you will supervise or conduct laboratory tests on petroleum, oil, and lubricant products. Specific duties may include: obtaining or receiving petroleum product samples; conducting laboratory tests for contaminants strength, and toxic qualities; evaluating test results against specification requirements; making recommendations regarding product disposition; following fire prevention and safety control procedures; testing on clothing, food, paints, and plastics; and keeping detailed laboratory records and files.

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Use of lab equipment, such as centrifuges and spectrometers

Helpful Skills
• Interest in chemistry and mathematics
• Ability to follow detailed procedures
• Interest in performing technical work

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy 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 pharmaceuticals.

Earn While You Learn
Get paid to learn! In the Army National Guard, you will learn valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and approximately 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in testing different products. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.