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Petroleum Testing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... for petroleum testing laboratories to perform analytical research to ensure the nature and degree of contamination and/or deterioration of fuels and lubricants being received or stored; and 5) ...

Prior fuel, petroleum, or hazardous material transportation experience preferred. * Ability to successfully complete DOT required pre-employment drug testing. * Subject to random drug and alcohol ...

... petroleum and fuel system equipment * Install, maintain, and support POS systems, tank monitoring systems, and payment equipment * Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and system testing

Removal and Safe disposal of Petroleum Compacted Water from tanks and catch basins * Hydrostatic Testing - Sumps and Spill Buckets * Line Repairs - Including FRP, Flexible Fiberglass, Steel * Sump ...

Removal and Safe disposal of Petroleum Compacted Water from tanks and catch basins * Hydrostatic Testing - Sumps and Spill Buckets * Line Repairs - Including FRP, Flexible Fiberglass, Steel * Sump ...

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Petroleum Testing information

See Virginia salary details

$41.6K

$79.3K

$134.8K

How much do petroleum testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum testing in Virginia is $79,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is petroleum testing?

A Petroleum Testing job involves analyzing crude oil, refined products, and other petroleum-based substances to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards. Professionals in this field use specialized laboratory equipment to measure properties such as viscosity, density, flash point, and sulfur content. They work for refineries, testing laboratories, and regulatory agencies to verify that petroleum products meet specifications. This role is critical in maintaining fuel efficiency, environmental standards, and operational safety across the industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in petroleum testing?

Professionals in petroleum testing are responsible for collecting and preparing samples of crude oil, fuels, and other petroleum products, conducting a variety of standardized laboratory analyses, and meticulously recording results for quality assurance. They often work closely with operations and engineering teams to report findings, troubleshoot quality issues, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. Attention to detail and accuracy are vital, as results directly impact product quality and regulatory compliance. Additionally, petroleum testers may regularly calibrate instruments and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable test outcomes. This role offers valuable laboratory experience and exposure to industry-leading testing protocols, supporting future advancement in laboratory management or quality assurance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in petroleum testing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Petroleum Testing, you need a solid understanding of chemistry, laboratory procedures, and industry regulations, often supported by a relevant degree such as chemistry or chemical engineering. Proficiency with lab equipment such as gas chromatographs, spectrometers, and specialized petroleum analysis software is commonly required, and certifications like ASTM or ISO training can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate test results, compliance with safety and quality standards, and smooth collaboration within technical teams.

What are popular job titles related to Petroleum Testing jobs in Virginia? For Petroleum Testing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Petroleum Testing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,339 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

CHEMIST (PETROLEUM)

Commander, Navy Installations Command

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site, Remote

$102K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Commander, Navy Installations Command rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Chemist in the Quality Division of the Naval Petroleum Office of NPO FORT BELVOIR.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • You will provide expertise in evaluation of laboratory test data and methodology for testing performed in support of Navy remediation efforts.
  • You will review laboratory corrective action plans for findings and recommends acceptance/rejection of the corrective actions.
  • You will conduct briefings that detail findings for management of the laboratories being assessed.
  • You will review proposed findings of less experienced assessors and determine validity of findings.
  • You perform laboratory assessments to ensure appropriate quality and analytical systems are in place to allow laboratories to perform testing of regulated materials that meet the requesting agency's stated Quality Objective.
  • You will review quality control and analytical test data submitted by laboratories to determine data validity and evaluate facility compliance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Generally, current federal employees applying for GS jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower grade level. This requirement is called time-in-grade. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.

Qualifications
For GS-13:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as performing professional principles, concepts, practices, and methodologies of chemistry, chemical engineering or petroleum engineering to anticipate the effects of changes to petroleum product specifications, standards and test methods to document the effects of the changes on the behavior of the products in the operational use/storage. Examples of specialized experience must include: 1) Provide supply logistics support to assist in the operational and policy decisions in the procurement, transportation, storage, delivery, and use of fuels and lubricants; 2) Provide support to other personnel concerning technical and quality-related aspects of petroleum; 3) Evaluate and advise the procurement activity of the technical acceptability of alternate or equal bids, contract specification requirements, or contractor wavier requests relating to the petroleum products or test methods offered by the contractor; 4) Assist in establishing guidelines for petroleum testing laboratories to perform analytical research to ensure the nature and degree of contamination and/or deterioration of fuels and lubricants being received or stored; and 5) Experience of the fuel and lubricant systems for boilers, gas turbines and diesels, POL storage and handling on ships, aircraft and shore stations to serve the operating forces (ships/aircraft/shore facilities) with proper quality fuels/lubricants throughout the DOD logistics System.
For GS-12:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as performing professional principles, concepts, practices, and methodologies of chemistry, chemical engineering or petroleum engineering to anticipate the effects of changes to petroleum product specifications, standards and test methods to include technical and business practices/procedures of the petroleum industry. Examples of specialized experience must include: 1) Document the effects of the changes on the behavior of the petroleum products in use or storage; 2) Utilize statistical analysis to determine the validity of test methods through the analysis of test results; 3) Provide costs and other analyses to procurement and research; 4) Experience of the fuel and lubricant systems for boilers, gas turbines and diesels, POL storage and handling on ships, aircraft and shore stations to serve the operating forces (ships/aircraft/shore facilities) with proper quality fuels/lubricants throughout the DOD logistics system.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Chemistry Series, 1320 (opm.gov)
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess:
  1. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
    or
  2. Combination of education and experience course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
    A transcript is required and must be submitted with your application.

Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
During the application process you will have the option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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