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Entry Level Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

calumet

Operator, Entry Level (SPLA)

Shreveport, LA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

This Entry Level position is for a person with strong mechanical and operator skills. This position ... Understands basic refining principles e.g. distillation, exchangers, motors, pumps, valves, piping ...

Airswift

Night Forklift Operator

Danville, IL

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Airswift is searching for an Entry Level Forklift Operator to work on a night shift schedule near ... Chemical refineries and plants. o Monitors process variables, troubleshoots, and performs ...

Airswift

Night Forklift Operator

Danville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Airswift is searching for an Entry Level Forklift Operator to work on a night shift schedule near ... Chemical refineries and plants. o Monitors process variables, troubleshoots, and performs ...

TREATT NORTH AMERICA

Operator

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Mentor entry-level operators and support onboarding and cross-training efforts. * Ensure compliance ... Manage distillation processes, monitor equipment, and handle refined materials. * Stock Control:

Ag Processing, Inc.

Elevator Operator

Hastings, NE

Ag Processing Inc is currently hiring for an elevator operator entry level at our grain terminal in ... refining, ag products/grain, and international operations. AGP values its employees by offering a ...

Ag Processing, Inc.

Elevator Operator

Hastings, NE · On-site

Ag Processing Inc is currently hiring for an elevator operator entry level at our grain terminal in ... refining, ag products/grain, and international operations. AGP values its employees by offering a ...

Ag Processing, Inc.

Elevator Operator

Dawson, MN · On-site

$27.65/hr

Ag Processing Inc is currently hiring for an elevator operator entry level at our grain terminal in ... refining, ag products/grain, and international operations. AGP values its employees by offering a ...

Ag Processing, Inc.

Elevator Operator

Dawson, MN

$27.65/hr

Ag Processing Inc is currently hiring for an elevator operator entry level at our grain terminal in ... refining, ag products/grain, and international operations. AGP values its employees by offering a ...

BASF

Operator Associate

Savannah, GA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

... career at an entry-level position while supporting a division that is active developing ... Our portfolio serves industries such as the automotive, chemical sectors, refineries, battery ...

American Natural

12hr Overnight Operator

Cherokee, IA · On-site

... Refinery sides of our Plant. Your previous experience in a manufacturing or food processing position will be of great value to us but is not required for this entry level position. Your ability to ...

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Entry Level Refinery Operator information

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How much do entry level refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level refinery operator in the United States is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Refinery Operator do?

An Entry Level Refinery Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment and processes in a refinery to convert raw materials, such as crude oil, into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and other fuels. Their duties typically include operating machinery, checking gauges, performing routine maintenance, and following safety procedures to ensure efficient and safe operations. They often work under the supervision of more experienced operators and are trained on-the-job to understand the complex systems involved in refining. Entry level operators must be detail-oriented, able to follow instructions closely, and ready to work shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Refinery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Refinery Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and a strong understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with process control systems, such as distributed control systems (DCS), and completion of OSHA safety certifications are typically expected. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient plant operations and minimizing risks in a potentially hazardous environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Refinery Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectEntry Level Refinery OperatorProcess Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentRefinery plants, industrial settingsRefinery or chemical processing facilities
Job FocusOperating equipment, monitoring processes, safety complianceMaintaining and troubleshooting processing systems, optimizing operations

Entry Level Refinery Operators and Process Technicians share similar environments and credentials, but Process Technicians often have more technical training and focus on system maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in refinery operations, with the Operator primarily managing daily operations and the Technician supporting system performance and improvements.

What are some common challenges entry level refinery operators face during their first year on the job?

Entry level refinery operators often encounter challenges such as adjusting to shift work, learning complex safety protocols, and quickly gaining familiarity with the refinery's equipment and processes. The fast-paced environment requires strong attention to detail and the ability to respond effectively to alarms or abnormal situations. Many new operators also find teamwork essential, as they frequently collaborate with experienced colleagues to troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth plant operations.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs? The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs are:
Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs near you

Refinery Operator Trainee

Allegiance Refining LLC

San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Please note: Pay ranges reflected on Indeed and Glassdoor do not accurately reflect Allegiance pay.
Allegiance Refining, LLC operates by its three tenets:
Safety: We aim for everyone to go home safely every day and strive for an accident and incident-free workplace.
Stewardship: We are stewards of the assets we operate and are committed to being safe and environmentally responsible.
Service: We strive to provide first-class service to our customers.
PURPOSE AND ROLE: The Refinery Operator Trainee is responsible for the outside operations of process areas and tank farm in a Refinery environment. These duties include performing site checks, adjusting equipment per the direction of the control room and assisting the maintenance and other support groups to ensure the refinery operates in a safe and efficient manner. This role is an entry level position that requires prior experience or process technology graduate with growth and learning opportunities within Refinery Operations.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform unit rounds to monitor reliability amp; efficiency of equipment.
  • Documents and monitors process variables, collect samples and data, perform routine tasks as required for the position, to ensure plant operations are maintained within operating parameters.
  • Maintains and documents logs of daily activities.
  • Ensure all work is performed safely and in accordance with Allegiance Refining procedures.
  • Consults with Shift Supervisors regarding any unit operation and needed adjustments to maintain normal operating parameters.
  • Responsible for turning valves and adjusting controls to set specified temperatures, pressures, levels, and flows to meet product specifications.
  • Assists with review and testing of boiler feed water amp; cooling water. Makes/directs changes if directed.
  • Assists with review and testing of Wastewater systems (API and CPI systems). Makes/directs changes if directed.
  • Train and acquire the knowledge of the operations and shutdowns associated with the Flare system to include all associated equipment.
  • Will learn line-ups such as charge and product rundown tankage and lineups for each stream. Makes and directs changes as directed.
  • Responsible for monitoring and adjusting all chemical injection rates as required to meet specifications.
  • Responsible for storing, maintaining inventories, and properly staging all Chemicals needed for process area.
  • Perform maintenance on chemical injection quills, to include removal and replacement.
  • Performs servicing and minor maintenance, lubrication of assigned equipment within assigned process area including alarms and Process Management System (PSM) testing.
  • Perform minor pipefitting work or submit work requests on larger repairs. Performs minor equipment maintenance as directed.
  • Will need to have or acquire the knowledge and capabilities to write effective Safe Work permits to include Hot Work and Confine Space permits.
  • Perform Ready for Maintenance activities such de-inventorying, preparing and safe out of equipment for maintenance to include Lock Out / Tag Out.
  • Will cross-certify in other assigned areas to become fully rotational in all units with the refinery.
  • Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
  • 1-3 years of experience in the chemical or petroleum industry
  • Process Technology Graduate can qualify in addition to lieu of experience.
  • High School Graduate or GED.
  • Proficient user of MS Office Suite; Ability to effectively use computer applications related to position and duties.
  • Flexible and willing to work rotating shifts as needed – including scheduled and unscheduled overtime and night/weekend callouts.
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization – both verbal and written
  • Ability to demonstrate leadership and team capabilities when necessary.
  • Will certify in adjacent process unit as and when instructed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Able to work under supplied breathing air.
  • Able to work at high elevations.
  • Able to work in inclement weather to include both extreme hot and cold temperatures, rain, working with and handling chemicals.
  • Occasionally required to stand; use hands to grasp, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms; and may occasionally be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • The working environment consists of possible high noise levels, inclement weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, rain, working with and handling chemicals.
EXPERIENCE amp; SKILLS
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and time management.
  • Ability to work both independently under minimal supervision in a safe and efficient manner, and with assigned team.
  • The ability to train in refinery units as needed.
  • Skilled trades experience and proven ability to troubleshoot a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Experience with forklift a plus, but training and certification will be provided.
Allegiance Refining, LLC operates (The San Antonio Refinery “TSAR”) offers equal employment opportunity and treatment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected status.

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