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Contract Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

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 ...

Cargill

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 ...

Cargill

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA

$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 ...

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

Laredo, TX · On-site

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

George West, TX · On-site

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

George West, TX · On-site

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

Laredo, TX

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

George West, TX · On-site

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

Laredo, TX · On-site

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.

Koniag, Inc.

Plant Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$40/hr

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 ...

kgs

Plant Operator

Washington, DC

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 ...

kgs

Plant Operator

Washington, DC

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 ...

kgs

Plant Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

kgs

Plant Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

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 ...

Quality Companies

Plant Operator

Jal, NM · On-site

Job Title: Plant Operator - Natural Gas Treating Location: Jal, NM Schedule: 8 & 6 Overview ... Our production operation management division offers contract labor and operations services on and ...

Action Technology LLC

Be Seen First

Plant Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Seeking Plant Operators to fill 90-day contract to hire openings in the Stony Creek, VA area - about 21 miles south of Petersburg, VA. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and expand on ...

OG&E

Plant Operator II

Fort Gibson, OK · On-site

Experience must include 1 year experience in a power plant or other process controlled environment including oil/gas/chemical refining and/or processing or manufacturing. Plant Operator I ...

OG&E

Plant Operator II

Fort Gibson, OK · On-site

Experience must include 1 year experience in a power plant or other process controlled environment including oil/gas/chemical refining and/or processing or manufacturing. Plant Operator I ...

OG&E

Plant Operator II

Fort Gibson, OK

Experience must include 1 year experience in a power plant or other process controlled environment including oil/gas/chemical refining and/or processing or manufacturing. Plant Operator I ...

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All JobsContract Refinery Plant Operator Jobs

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 Jul 14, 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 refinery operators make in the US?

Refinery plant operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, with experienced workers and those in higher-cost-of-living areas earning more. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the refinery environment.

Is being a plant operator worth it?

Contract refinery plant operators oversee the operation of refining equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency in a demanding environment. The role offers competitive pay, opportunities for overtime, and requires technical skills and certifications, making it a viable career for those interested in industrial operations. However, it involves shift work and exposure to hazardous materials, which should be considered when evaluating its worth.

Which oil refinery pays the most?

Contract refinery plant operators working at large, integrated refineries tend to earn higher wages due to the complexity of their operations and the need for specialized skills. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the refinery's size, with some of the highest-paying facilities located in regions with high cost of living or advanced refining technology.

How to be an operator at a refinery?

To become a refinery plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in refinery operations. Relevant skills include understanding process control, safety procedures, and operating complex equipment, often supported by certifications such as OSHA safety training. On-the-job experience is essential for advancing in this role, which involves monitoring and controlling refinery processes in a safety-conscious environment.
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:
Contract Refinery Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Refinery Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Refinery Superintendent

Refinery Superintendent

Cargill

Newark, CA • On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Cargill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 48 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.
This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.
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 safety, food quality, operational effectiveness and financial performance.
Key Accountabilities
• Ensures employee safety, food safety and environmental compliance program standards and goals are implemented.
• Accountable for all internal and external operating and regulatory procedures.
• Including strategic and tactical execution in alignment with corporate EH&S, food safety, quality and regulatory functions as well as government regulations.
• Lead production and quality management deliverables to ensure customer, product and quality standard requirements are met within specifications.
• Establish and deploy operational priorities for Newark Refinery plant.
• Oversee the overall operational management of a single plant and implement operational efficiency improvements which may include standardization of plant information manufacturing systems, quality control, safety, production reliability excellence and maintenance and operators best practices.
• Leads, directs and controls capital and operating budgets for a single plant to achieve medium term outlook financial performance objectives set by the business.
• Ensure and hold direct reports accountable for meeting production deliverables and controlling operating expenses and established targets.
• Lead and develop a team, coach and make decisions related to talent management, hiring, performance, and disciplinary actions.
• Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Lean six sigma
  • Two years of supervisory experience

Position information:
  • Relocation will be provided for this position
  • Work schedule:Dayshift, flexible to work on evenings and weekends as needed
  • Position is based in Newark, CA

The expected salary for this position is $124K- $160K. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.
At Cargill we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Visit: https://www.cargill.com/page/my-health/mh-health-and-wellness to learn more (subject to certain collective bargaining agreements for Union positions)
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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