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Contract Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 Operator

Bellevue, OH · On-site

$29.47/hr

The Bunge North America Bellevue, Ohio location is looking for a Refinery Operator for our processing/refinery plant. Position Details: Night Shift; 4:45p-5:00a (rotating 12-hour shifts) Pay Rate ...

Refinery Operator

Bellevue, OH · On-site

$29.47/hr

The Bunge North America Bellevue, Ohio location is looking for a Refinery Operator for our processing/refinery plant. Position Details: Night Shift; 4:45p-5:00a (rotating 12-hour shifts) Pay Rate ...

The Bunge North America Bellevue, Ohio location is looking for a Refinery Operator for our processing/refinery plant. Position Details:Night Shift; 4:45p-5:00a (rotating 12-hour shifts)Pay Rate: $29 ...

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

The Plant Operator ensures safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant generation of ... a contract or guarantee promotion. Preferred Qualifications: * Degree or certificate from a ...

The Plant Operator ensures safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant generation of ... a contract or guarantee promotion. Preferred Qualifications: * Degree or certificate from a ...

The Plant Operator ensures safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant generation of ... a contract or guarantee promotion. Preferred Qualifications: * Degree or certificate from a ...

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Contract Refinery Plant Operator information

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$39

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

As of Jun 15, 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.

How hard is it to become a refinery operator?

Becoming a refinery plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or technical education. Many operators gain experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions, and certifications in safety and process control can improve job prospects. The role demands technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a safety-sensitive environment.

Which oil refinery pays the most?

Contract refinery plant operators typically earn higher wages at large, integrated refineries operated by major oil companies, especially in regions with high living costs. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and shift schedules, with some of the highest pay rates found in North American and Middle Eastern refineries. Skilled operators with specialized training and safety certifications tend to command the highest compensation.

What is the highest paying operator job?

The highest paying operator jobs in the refining industry are often senior or specialized roles such as refinery shift supervisors, plant managers, or process control engineers, which require extensive experience and advanced certifications. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to increased responsibility, technical expertise, and leadership requirements.
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:
Refinery Operator II

Refinery Operator II

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

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