Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Fuel Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Fuel Operator is a safety-focused aviation operations professional responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant receipt, storage, testing, transfer and delivery of jet fuel to aircraft and airport storage systems. This role executes aircraft refueling and hydrant operations, performs routine equipment inspections and preventative maintenance on fuel trucks and hydrant carts, conducts fuel quality sampling and field tests (per ASTM, JIG and company procedures), documents fuel transactions and manifests, and enforces environmental, hazardous materials and safety regulations (FAA, DOT, OSHA, NFPA 407). Ideal candidates combine mechanical aptitude with strict adherence to procedures, excellent communication with flight crews and ramp teams, and proven incident response capability for spills and fire hazards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Ramp Agent / Ground Operations Agent
Fuel Attendant / Refuelling Assistant
Maintenance Technician (GSE / Pumps)

Advancement To:

Lead Jet Fuel Operator / Senior Refueller
Fuel Operations Supervisor / Shift Lead
Fuel Quality Specialist / Fuel Systems Technician
Fuel Operations Manager or Terminal Manager

Lateral Moves:

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician
Safety & Compliance Coordinator (Environmental/HAZMAT)
Dispatch / Ramp Operations Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate airport refueling vehicles, hydrant dispenser carts, hydrant pits and mobile refuelers to safely deliver jet fuel to aircraft, adhering to established fueling procedures and aircraft manufacturer's requirements.
Execute aircraft refueling sequences including pre-refuel briefings with flight crews, correct fuel grade verification, connection/disconnection of fueling equipment, and final post-fueling checks.
Collect representative fuel samples from aircraft and distribution points, perform on-site checks (visual water check, filter inspection, conductivity tests, temperature checks) and prepare samples for laboratory analysis according to ASTM D1655 and company protocol.
Inspect, prepare and maintain fuel transfer equipment (truck pumps, hoses, nozzles, meters, filters, bonding/grounding cables, hydrant carts) and perform daily pre-shift checklists to identify defects or contamination risks.
Receive fuel deliveries into airport storage tanks and hydrant systems, verify delivery manifests, reconcile gauge and meter readings, and update inventory records using electronic fueling systems or fuel management software.
Monitor fuel quality indicators (color, odor, water separation, particulate contamination), operate filtration systems and change fine/coalescing filters per preventive maintenance schedules to maintain fuel purity and compliance.
Execute hydrant system operations including pit valve operation, muff/pressure checks, hydrant line flushing, and coordination with control tower and ramp operations for safe hydrant testing and isolation activities.
Maintain accurate fueling documentation including fueling tickets, aircraft signatures, chain-of-custody for samples, incident reports, and daily operational logs to support audits and regulatory reporting.
Enforce bonding and grounding protocols and use static dissipators to prevent electrostatic discharge during fueling operations; verify fuel nozzles and couplers are properly stowed and secured after each job.
Follow emergency response procedures for spills, fire, or contamination events: initiate containment, notify Emergency Response Team and airport authorities, use spill kits and absorbents, and document remedial actions.
Drive and maneuver fuel trucks safely on the ramp and public roads (when required), comply with DOT hazardous materials transport rules, and secure vehicles during fueling operations to prevent fuel loss or accidents.
Calibrate and read fuel meters, flow indicators and electronic dispensers; report meter discrepancies, perform basic troubleshooting and coordinate repairs with maintenance teams.
Participate in routine training and qualification programs (HAZMAT, fire safety, JIG/industry fueling standards, OSHA) and maintain currency on company SOPs, FAA and local airport regulations impacting fueling operations.
Coordinate with dispatch, ramp control, maintenance, and flight crew to plan fueling activities for tight turnarounds, special fueling requests (hot refuels, defueling), and irregular operations while minimizing delays and safety risks.
Conduct defueling and fuel transfer operations for aircraft or tanks as required, ensuring proper product segregation, sample verification and documentation for return to supplier or disposal.
Conduct periodic tank gauging, sump draining and water removal from storage tanks and filter housings following safe procedures and environmental controls.
Execute contamination investigations when fuel quality incidents arise: isolate suspect product, coordinate sampling and lab testing, report findings and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Maintain and service fuel storage infrastructure (valves, pumps, meters, tank vents) under the supervision of maintenance or fuel systems technicians to ensure operational readiness and reliability.
Implement and enforce environmental protection measures including secondary containment inspection, proper handling of oily waste, and adherence to airport and EPA spill prevention controls.
Participate in operational audits, safety walkarounds and continuous improvement initiatives to refine fueling SOPs, reduce risk, and improve efficiency across fueling operations.
Train and mentor junior fueling staff on safe fueling practices, sampling techniques, emergency response and accurate recordkeeping to sustain a high level of operational competence.
Liaise with suppliers, quality labs and regulatory bodies during audits, fuel acceptance, and incident investigations to resolve discrepancies and maintain regulatory compliance.

Secondary Functions

Support inventory reconciliation projects, assist fuel management with monthly reconciliations and corrective action on variances.
Maintain PPE and fueling equipment stock levels, initiate purchase requests for critical spares and consumables to avoid operational downtime.
Assist in periodic reporting for sustainability initiatives (fuel usage reports, leakage reduction efforts) and implement small operational changes to reduce waste.
Provide ad-hoc technical input to procurement or operations teams when evaluating new fueling equipment, filtration technology or fuel additives.
Participate in cross-functional emergency drills and airport-wide safety exercises to validate readiness and refine interdepartmental response plans.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aircraft refueling operations: hydrant systems, mobile refuelers, hydrant carts, and truck-mounted dispensers.
Fuel sampling and basic laboratory tests (visual water checks, filter inspections, conductivity, temperature) and chain-of-custody procedures for fuel quality testing.
Knowledge of aviation fuel specifications and standards (ASTM D1655, JIG guidelines) and ability to spot condition deviations.
Fuel system equipment maintenance: basic troubleshooting and preventive maintenance on pumps, meters, valves, hoses and filter housings.
Regulatory and compliance knowledge: FAA ramp/fueling guidance, DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), OSHA, NFPA 407 (Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing), and local airport rules.
Meter reading and calibration, fuel inventory reconciliation and use of fuel management systems / fueling software.
Hazardous materials handling, spill containment and cleanup procedures; proper disposal of oily waste and contaminated filters.
Safe driving and vehicle operation skills; CDL or airport vehicle operator certification where applicable.
Proficiency with fueling documentation: manifests, fueling tickets, incident and maintenance reports; digital and paper recordkeeping.
Use of PPE, grounding/bonding techniques, static control, and safe hot-refueling or defueling procedures when authorized.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and high personal accountability for safety and compliance.
Clear verbal communication and customer service orientation when interacting with flight crews, dispatch and ramp staff.
Teamwork and collaboration on fast-paced ramp operations with multiple stakeholders under time pressure.
Situational awareness and good judgment to prioritize safety over operational speed.
Problem-solving and basic mechanical aptitude to identify and escalate equipment issues promptly.
Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple fueling assignments and accurate paperwork.
Adaptability and composure during irregular operations and emergency situations.
Coaching and mentoring skills for training junior fuel staff and reinforcing safe habits.
Initiative to identify and report safety hazards and continuous improvement opportunities.
Conflict resolution and calm stakeholder management during service interruptions or discrepancies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (required).

Preferred Education:

Technical diploma or certificate in Aviation Operations, Mechanical Technology, or Environmental Safety.
Certifications in hazardous materials (HAZMAT), DOT shipping, or fuel handling are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation ground operations / airport services
Mechanical or electrical technology
Environmental health & safety (EHS)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of ramp fueling, fuel handling, or related ground operations experience.

Preferred:

2+ years of experience specifically in aircraft refueling, hydrant operations, or airport fuel terminal operations.
Demonstrated history of working in regulated aviation fueling environments and documented training in fuel sampling, spill response, and fueling standards (ASTM, JIG, NFPA).
Valid driver's license; CDL and airport driving permits preferred where applicable.
Prior experience using fuel management systems or electronic fueling documentation tools is highly desirable.