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Contract Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Plant Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

... actively refining a proprietary process to produce 100% recycled asphalt. This is a rare ... RESPONSIBILITIES • Oversee daily plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent ...

Maintain cleanliness of the plant area, service emulsion customers, load customer trucks as ... Work is covered under a contract with the Operating Engineers Local 3.

Noninstructional/Support - Position - Plant Operator/Custodian Job Number 3700272491 Start Date 08 ... Contract Type Full-Time Reports to PRINCIPAL Contact Person's Name Annette Mavres Contact Person ...

Noninstructional/Support - Position - Plant Operator/Custodian Job Number 3700272596 Start Date 07 ... Contract Type Full-Time Reports to PRINCIPAL Contact Person's Name Stephanie Whitaker, Principal ...

... create a contract or guarantee promotion. * The position is a DOT PHMSA covered position and ... or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to ...

... create a contract or guarantee promotion. * The position is a DOT PHMSA covered position and ... or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to ...

... create a contract or guarantee promotion. * The position is a DOT PHMSA covered position and ... or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to ...

Plant Operator

Durham, NH · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Job Summary To ensure all installed plant equipment and systems are operated safely and correctly and their operation fulfills the contract between the University of New Hampshire and EMCOR Energy ...

This is a contract opportunity with a well-established industrial operation, offering variety in ... As a Bulk Plant Operator, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient handling and movement of ...

... create a contract or guarantee promotion. * The position is a DOT PHMSA covered position and ... or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to ...

Under direction of Shift Supervisor or Plant Operator I and II, operates plant equipment including ... contract, or determination by the Attorney General. Please note Sasol will not sponsor, obtain, and ...

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Contract Refinery Plant Operator information

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$22

$39

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

As of Jul 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 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:
Infographic showing various Contract Refinery Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

$60K - $73K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

WHO WE ARE

Summit Solutions Group (SSG) provides mission-critical support services that help federal agencies maintain safe, secure, and efficient operations. As the mission support arm of Summit Point Training Facility, SSG delivers facilities, maintenance, safety, and operational support services in complex government environments. Our success is built on professionalism, accountability, safety, and a commitment to operational excellence. We take pride in supporting our customers' missions through reliable service and a highly skilled workforce.


WHY JOIN US

  •  Join a mission-driven team supporting critical federal operations and facilities infrastructure.
  •  Work alongside skilled professionals in a collaborative environment focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
  •  Apply your expertise in a dynamic setting where your work directly supports mission readiness and facility performance.
  •  Take on meaningful challenges that encourage problem-solving, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
  •  Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development.

Position Status: This position is contingent upon contract award and successful contract transition. Employment is also contingent upon the candidate's ability to satisfy all customer, contract, and security clearance requirements.

If awarded, this position is expected to be covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Compensation, benefits, and working conditions for covered positions will be administered in accordance with the applicable agreement and contract requirements.


WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting central utility plant equipment that supports facility heating, cooling, and energy distribution systems. This position helps ensure the reliable and efficient operation of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and associated mechanical systems through routine inspections, operational monitoring, preventive maintenance activities, and emergency response efforts. The Central Plant Operator plays a critical role in maintaining safe, uninterrupted utility services that support facility operations and mission requirements.


Key responsibilities include

  •  Monitor and operate boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, and associated utility plant equipment.
  •  Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, alarms, and system performance indicators to ensure proper operation.
  •  Perform routine inspections of central plant equipment and systems.
  •  Identify operational issues, equipment abnormalities, and system deficiencies and take appropriate corrective action.
  •  Support preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and corrective maintenance activities.
  •  Respond to equipment alarms, outages, emergencies, and utility system failures.
  •  Maintain accurate operational logs, inspection reports, maintenance records, and shift documentation.
  •  Assist with equipment startup, shutdown, testing, and commissioning activities.
  •  Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and operations personnel to support plant reliability and performance.
  •  Follow established operating procedures, safety requirements, and emergency response protocols.
  •  Support energy management and efficiency initiatives.
  •  Maintain compliance with applicable regulations, contract requirements, and operational standards.


Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

  •  High school diploma or equivalent.
  •  Minimum of three (3) years of experience serving as a Central Plant Operator or in a similar utility plant operations role.
  •  Experience supporting HVAC systems, central utility plants, chilled water systems, boiler systems, or related mechanical infrastructure.
  •  Demonstrated knowledge of plant operations, equipment monitoring, and utility distribution systems.
  •  Ability to read gauges, meters, control systems, and operational monitoring equipment.
  •  Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and respond appropriately to operational abnormalities and emergencies.
  •  Ability to interpret operating procedures, technical manuals, and equipment documentation.
  •  Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  •  U.S. Citizenship required.
  •  Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and communication skills.
  •  Ability to pass background check and drug screening.

Preferred:

  •  Experience supporting federal government facilities contracts.
  •  Experience supporting large campuses, industrial facilities, training centers, hospitals, universities, or mission-critical environments.
  •  Experience operating boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and related utility plant equipment.
  •  Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), or computerized plant monitoring systems.
  •  Stationary Engineer, Boiler Operator, Refrigeration Operator, or similar industry certification.
  •  Experience utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
  •  OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed primarily within central utility plants, mechanical rooms, equipment spaces, and industrial environments and requires frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, and navigating throughout facility infrastructure areas. The incumbent must be able to routinely inspect equipment, read gauges and meters, operate machinery and control systems, and respond to operational alarms and emergencies. The position frequently requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise, vibration, mechanical equipment, chemicals, steam systems, electrical equipment, and other operational hazards. The incumbent must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all applicable safety procedures. Rotating schedules, shift work, evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, and extended work hours may be required to support continuous plant operations and emergency response activities.


COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The compensation range provided for this position is intended as a general guideline. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, education, certifications, geographic location, market conditions, and business needs, consistent with applicable laws and contract requirements.

Eligible employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and other voluntary benefit offerings.

Positions covered by the Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), or other applicable contract requirements will be administered in accordance with those requirements. Compensation, benefits, and work rules for positions covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be governed by the applicable agreement.


Summit Point Raceway Associates, INC. dba Summit Solutions Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy- related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Summit Point Raceway Associates, INC.'s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.