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Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

... oil absorbent pads. Wage: $27.74 Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5: * ... Assists other operators. * Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery. * Loads and unloads ...

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

... Entry-level job classification • Union-represented (USW) • Ability to progress through the ... oil and refined products within the refinery (Valves up to 12-16" size) • Monitor processes to ...

Operator Trainee

Destrehan, LA · On-site

$27.10/hr

The Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and overseeing multiple functions of the soybean ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

Operator Trainee

Destrehan, LA · On-site

$27.10/hr

The Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and overseeing multiple functions of the soybean ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

Operator Trainee

Destrehan, LA · On-site

$27.10/hr

The Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and overseeing multiple functions of the soybean ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Utica, MI

$14.75 - $18/hr

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Leola, AR · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Machine Operator Trainee Our Machine Operator Trainee is an entry-level role with the expectation that self-motivated individuals will advance into progressively skilled positions. What you will do:

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do entry level oil refinery operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level oil refinery operator trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level oil refinery operator trainee do?

An Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee assists in monitoring and controlling the equipment and processes that convert crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Trainees learn to operate machinery, follow safety protocols, perform routine inspections, and record data under the guidance of experienced operators. The role involves hands-on training to understand plant operations, respond to alarms or system changes, and maintain efficiency and safety standards. Over time, trainees gain the skills and experience needed to advance to more senior operator positions.

What can I expect during the training period as an entry level oil refinery operator trainee?

As an Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee, you can expect a structured training period that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning under the supervision of experienced operators. You'll learn about safety protocols, equipment operation, process monitoring, and emergency procedures. The training often includes rotating through different units within the refinery to gain a broad understanding of operations. Throughout this period, you'll work closely with a team, gradually taking on more responsibility as your skills and confidence grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level oil refinery operator trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and an understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with process control systems, industrial instrumentation, and completion of relevant safety or hazardous materials certifications are typically expected. Strong attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to communicate clearly help trainees stand out in this demanding environment. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining safe, efficient operations and minimizing risks in a complex refinery setting.

What is the difference between Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee vs Oil Refinery Operator?

AspectEntry Level Oil Refinery Operator TraineeOil Refinery Operator
QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications or experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, safety-focusedOperational plant, hands-on work, shift work
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, basic operations, assisting senior operatorsMonitoring equipment, adjusting controls, maintaining safety standards

The Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee is a beginner role focused on training and learning the basics of refinery operations. In contrast, the Oil Refinery Operator is a fully responsible position involving direct operation and maintenance of refinery equipment. Trainees gain experience before advancing to full operator roles, which require more skills and independence.

More about Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:

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

The most popular types of Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

For Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN

Clean Harbors
Environmental Consulting Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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
  • 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. PEOPLEMAKE 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.

#SK

#LI-LD1

*SK

  • 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

What Clean Harbors employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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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