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Entry Level Refinery Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

ABT Loader Trainee

Mobile, AL · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Assists operator associate in loading/unloading ships and barges while following ABT procedures and ... Must score 100% on all broadbanding tests required to achieve loader Entry Level 1, and must ...

ABT Loader Trainee

Mobile, AL · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Assists operator associate in loading/unloading ships and barges while following ABT procedures and ... Must score 100% on all broadbanding tests required to achieve loader Entry Level 1, and must ...

ABT Loader Trainee

Mobile, AL

$15 - $17.75/hr

Assists operator associate in loading/unloading ships and barges while following ABT procedures and ... Must score 100% on all broadbanding tests required to achieve loader Entry Level 1, and must ...

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

Shipping and Receiving Clerk

AL · On-site

$14 - $16.50/hr

... gas refining. Duties and Requirements • Receive Purchase Orders (POs) and Transfer Orders (TOs ... operating material-handling equipment to maintain a safe and organized work environment. • ...

Entry Level Refinery Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$11

$15

$19

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level refinery operator in Alabama is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.21 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?

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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in Alabama?

For Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Refinery Operator job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,926 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

HGR Process Operator Trainee Entry Level

Hunt

Atmore, AL

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Trains with the Process Operator on the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Conduct field inspections to ensure that operational conditions align with DCS reflected conditions
  • Maintain process operating parameters within specified safe and allowable ranges
  • Recognize, troubleshoot, and correct and/or report process issues.
  • Complete daily production and inventory (material and energy balance) reports
  • Provide supervision and support to Lab and Load Operators

Education and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required. Technical or trade school education preferred
  • Minimum of one year's experience in a refinery environment or related industry
  • Strong knowledge of safe work practices, hazard awareness, and hazard mitigation. 
  • Ability to have a good working relationship with Process Operators, Load Rack Operators, Lab Operators, supervisors, engineers and HSE.
  • Open-minded and willing to accept change. 
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to lead group discussions. 
  • Proficient in the use of personal computers and office software applications
  • Self-motivated with desire to learn and develop new skills.
  • Support management objectives.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Valid driver's license.

Language Skills

  • Ability to speak and read English fluently.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with operators, engineers, supervisors, managers, etc. 

 Physical Demands

  • The physical demands of this position are listed in the following tables:

                                                                                                                                Amount of Time

    Under 1/3 to Over   None 1/3 2/3 2/3 Stand     X   Walk     X   Sit     X   Use hands to finger, handle, or feel     X   Reach with hands and arms     X   Climb or balance   X     Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl   X     Talk or hear       X Taste or smell     X  

                                                                                                                                Amount of Time

Lifting:   Under 1/3 to Over   None 1/3 2/3 2/3 Up to 10 pounds     X   Up to 25 pounds   X     Up to 50 pounds   X     Up to 100 pounds X       More than 100 pounds X      

Work Environment

  • The environmental conditions for this position are listed in the following table:

                                                                                                                                Amount of Time

    Under 1/3 to Over   None 1/3 2/3 2/3 Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)   X     Work near moving mechanical parts     X   Work in high, precarious places   X     Flammable or caustic chemicals     X   Outdoor weather conditions       X Extreme hot/cold (weather related)   X     Extreme cold (non-weather) X       Extreme heat (non-weather)   X     Risk of electrical shock   X     Work with explosives X       Risk of radiation   X     Vibration   X    
  • Noise - This position requires work in loud, high noise areas. 
  • This position requires the individual to be certified to use respiratory protection which includes: fresh air work requiring a full-face mask and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) weighing up to 35 lbs. Conditions during use could be routine maintenance or operations activities, emergency rescue or immediate danger of life and health. Use of such a device requires sufficient pulmonary and respiratory health and may preclude full beards or other obstructions preventing an adequate facial fit. 

The Hunt family of companies are a privately owned group of entities that include oil and gas exploration and production, refining, LNG, power, renewables, real estate, ranching and infrastructure. The mission of Hunt is to be a growth-oriented industry leader respected throughout the world for the quality and competency of its people, the efficiency and scope of its operations, and its rich heritage of honesty and integrity.


For 75 years, Hunt Refining Company has built a reputation of excellence by safely producing high-quality products, including transportation fuels and asphalt products, to meet the needs of its customers. Hunt Refining Company owns and operates a refinery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and its subsidiary, Hunt Southland Refining Company, LLC, owns and operates a refinery in Sandersville, Mississippi. Hunt Refining and Hunt Southland Refining Company, LLC, also operate transportation, terminal and storage facilities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee that allow products to reach several major markets in the southeastern United States