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Contract Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility ... Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work ...

SALT Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee safety, food quality ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of a Glycol ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of a Glycol ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

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Contract Refinery Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do contract refinery plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract refinery plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Refinery Plant Operator vs Refinery Process Technician?

AspectContract Refinery Plant OperatorRefinery Process Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in plant operation, safety, and possibly a high school diploma or equivalentRequires similar certifications, often with additional technical training or associate degree
Work EnvironmentOperates in refinery plants, often on temporary or contract basis, handling equipment and safety protocolsWorks in refinery process units, focusing on monitoring and maintaining production processes
Employer & Industry UsageHired by contractors or staffing agencies for refinery projectsEmployed directly by refineries or oil companies

Both roles involve working in refinery environments with similar certifications, but Contract Refinery Plant Operators typically work on a contractual basis, focusing on plant operation, while Refinery Process Technicians often have a more technical focus on process monitoring and maintenance.

How much do contract refinery plant operators make in the US?

Contract refinery plant operators in the US typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to $85,000 depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. They often require technical skills, safety certifications, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
More about Contract Refinery Plant Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Refinery Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Refinery Plant Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Plant Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Refinery Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Refinery Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Refinery Plant Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Refinery Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Refinery Operator II

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description


We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while monitoring and controlling the refining/processing equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5
  • 401k with matching component
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Competitive Union wages, plus weekly overtime opportunities
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Positive and safe work environments
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

Responsibilities
  • Operate and monitor refinery plant equipment and processes according to established procedures and safety protocols.
  • Perform routine PM maintenance on refinery plant equipment and troubleshoot any issues as they arise.
  • Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Communicate with other plant personnel and management to coordinate activities and ensure safe and efficient operations
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be able to obtain a TWIC card is mandatory
  • 1-3 Years experience as a manual labor experience (industrial, refinery or construction) preferred
  • 1-3 years in a production driven environment preferred
  • 1+ years forklift experience
  • Must be able to work at heights
  • Permit writing preferred
  • Oil and gas experience is an asset!
  • Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools
  • Computer literate and can operate an IPAD
  • Punctal
  • Follow direction and take initiative
  • Must be able to work in the elements
  • Lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend, stand for long period and work at heights

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.
Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.™
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact eci@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US