Petrol station attendant

A service station is a place selling fuels derived from oil for motor vehicles, normally petrol or diesel. Although there is no restriction on setting up and buying service stations, these are normally affiliated with large distribution companies, through exclusivity agreements which aim to make them more competitive. Petrol station attends are responsible for pumping petrol and performing the other services offered at a service station, as well as maintenance and cleaning the facilities. They are responsible for greeting customers, helping them and advising them about products (oils, lubricants, simple replacement parts) or services (car wash services, checking tyre pressure, checking water levels, etc.) provided by the establishment. They also take payment for goods. These professionals usually report to the establishment manager or site coordinator.

• Immediately greet and serve customers when they enter the shop. Identify their needs by asking any necessary questions to find out exactly what products customers want, insofar as is possible.
• Pump petrol into vehicles, although nowadays customers fill their own car tanks at a large number of service stations.
• Actively collaborate with the tasks relating to reception and unloading of the tankers that transport fuel to the establishment.
• Ensure compliance with current regulations on occupational risk prevention at all times.
• Measure the fuel levels in the storage stanks and check that the spouts are working properly.
• Take payment for all sales operations, both in cash and using debit/credit card terminals.
• Do a daily sales count and pass this on to their boss.
• Maintain all of the establishment's facilities in perfect condition: forecourt, entrances and parking areas, storage tanks, car wash devices, signs, dispensing areas, tyre pressure gauge machines, air filling and water machines, etc.
• Arrange the sales area, organising the layout of products, optimising spaces and attempting to cross merchandise complement articles, in order to draw customers' attention to special offers on products and promotional deals.
• Restock articles that have sold out, in line with the relevant shelf placement criteria and procedures.
• Ensure that price labels are up-to-date and occasionally implement advertising/promotional material, in line with instructions.
• Monitor stock, both of fuel and of the products in the shop. Identify products that need replacing on the basis of sales made, in order to constantly replenish stocks.
• In some establishments, clean vehicles, windows and windscreen wipers, as well as doing basic checks on the engine, should customers so request.
• Depending on the size of the establishment, they may perform managerial tasks, such as coordinating staff, liaising with suppliers and dialoguing with the management.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Minimum compulsory education
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Comerç i Màrqueting: Activitats auxilars de comerç (Nivell 1)
• A-levels

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Initiative: Level 2

Commitment to the organisation: Level 1

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 1

Customer service

Direct and personal interaction with people and relating to the public are highly-motivating activities for individuals who have an interest in the field of customer service. A focus on people and on satisfying customers' needs is key in the occupations included in this field. These jobs entail the need to know suitable techniques for attending to the public and being able to give appropriate service that is tailored to their needs and expectations. Good examples are activities which offer assistance and guidance during functions, trips or at facilities, and those which provide advice in relation to products and services.

Logistics

The planning, organisation, control and carrying out of logistics and administrative tasks are the focus of people who work in the field of logistics. Activities in the field of logistics include the organisation and planning of supply, storage, production and distribution systems, taking inventories, controlling stock and estimating production, as well as the organisation and/or carrying out of the administrative tasks necessary for the implementation of these activities. Knowledge of organisation, control and management techniques is essential for carrying out these activities.

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Shop assistant

Delivery person

Clothing production operator

Bellboys

Plant operator

• Work hours

  There is a wide variety of options for this occupation, where hours are concerned, because these largely depend on the area where the station is situated (city centre, peripheral neighbourhood, motorways or secondary roads). The opening hours of commercial establishments are regulated by the Law on Business Hours, which sets forth their possible opening and closing hours. Generally speaking, service stations are open for long hours, including weekends and public holidays, which makes it vital for employees to be able to work in shifts. The usual working hours of 40 hours a week can be done in intensive shifts (in the morning or afternoon) or split-shifts (morning and afternoon with a break at lunchtime).

• Salary

  Salary range: between 14.664 and 20.468 euros annum gross. Median: 17.326 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Non-specialist staff