Entry Level Refinery Operator Jobs in California

What We Are Looking For
To safely, efficiently and according to standard operational procedures operate pipeline equipment and pump station/terminal facilities for delivery of refined petroleum products into tankage for temporary storage, involving the operation of both local and remote pumps.
What You Will Do
Essential duties and responsibilities:
• Operates pipeline and pump facilities as directed by Products Movement.
• As trained and/or directed, oversee all activities on an assigned shift.
• May assist in training and providing direction and assistance to other operators at their facility.
• Monitor pipeline product quality hourly using appropriate equipment.
• Accurately types and checks meter tickets for products and prepares bill of ladings.
• Provide timely and consistent communication/notification to management of equipment abnormalities or failures, operating inconsistencies, errors and/or product quality issues.
• Consistently provide accurate, legible and timely input to stream sheets, O/S log and any other required log sheets.
• Maintain an inquisitive attitude and ask questions to ensure operational procedures are adhered to; operating risks are minimized; and skill level is developed.
• Serves as the liaison between field operations and scheduling, product accounting, engineering as well as regional personnel.
• Monitors loading rack operations at terminals which are driver operated.
• Must be fully knowledgeable about all aspects of the facility, including but not limited to all lines, block valves, remote locations, facilities and equipment.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing batch changes.
• Starts and stops pumps as required.
• Consistently protect the integrity of customers' product quality and quantity.
• Perform general facility upkeep and maintenance, including painting, sweeping, washing and other general housekeeping duties.
• Consistently maintain and demonstrate a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• As requested by management, participate in special projects and other assignments.
What You Need
Minimum requirements: Education:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required-Technical training and/or College a plus
Experience / specific Knowledge:
• Basic office and/or administrative experience including handling phones, completing paperwork and typing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Excel and Word; knowledge of PowerPoint and Access a plus.
• Must pass and maintain all applicable Operator Qualification requirements.
• Advancement from one step level to the next is based on minimum time requirements, as well as meeting and maintaining satisfactory job performance standards.

• Operator 12 Entry Level - New hire - Works under close supervision; must learn the basics and pass required Operator Qualifications within acceptable time frame, as determined by facility management.
• Operator 12 Level 1 - Has passed Operator Qualifications and has ability to perform basic job duties without supervision.
• Operator 12 Level 2 - at least one year performing satisfactorily at Level 1 or has equivalent experience; can consistently perform all job duties; understands and adheres to all standard operating procedures; is knowledgeable regarding the facility and all incoming/outgoing lines, pumps and valves; works with moderate direction.
• Operator 12 Level 3 - at least one year performing satisfactorily at Level 2 or has equivalent experience; can work with minimal direction; has demonstrated sound judgment in carrying out all job responsibilities and continues to successfully perform all job duties; has the ability to analyze problems and develop sound recommendations for resolution.
• Operator 12 Level 4 - at least two years performing satisfactorily at Level 3 or equivalent experience; provides self direction; has shown continuous improvement in ability to perform duties, troubleshoots problems, demonstrates leadership skills, promotes teamwork, contributes ideas and recommendations for generating and implementing new ideas/procedures/processes and serves as a trainer or mentor for less experienced Operators.
• Operator 12 Level 5 - at least three years performing satisfactorily at Level 4; has maintained a consistent and high level of performance by meeting or exceeding all job performance standards and expectations; is considered a 'subject matter expert' in regards to the Operator position; has the ability to work independently and use sound judgment, as well as the ability to work in a team and promote cooperation; sets a positive example for all and represents KM in a professional manner at all times.

Certification, licenses, registrations:
• A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver's license are required.
• If applicable to the work location, satisfactorily obtaining or already possessing a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is a condition of employment. TWIC card is obtained by submitting an application, background check, and having fingerprints taken.
• If the employee is subject to license or certification requirements or training as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies or the Company, now or in the future, compliance is required under this job description. Competencies, skills, and abilities:
• Must be able to use all tank gauging, truck loading, SCADA and teletype programs.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills are required. Must be able to read and comprehend written documents, instructions and directions, as well as be able to accurately pass on information and instructions to co-workers.
• Must be accountable and take direction from Managers; keep required work schedules, which include regular and predictable job attendance; focus attention on details; follow workules. • Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is necessary in order to interface with company communication systems.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.
• Well-balanced interpersonal skills. Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, consultants, and representatives of various local, state and federal agencies.
• In order to meet the various maintenance and general operational requirements, a mechanical aptitude is necessary.
Physical demands:
• Employee must be physically capable of completing and satisfying all training requirements as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies and/or Company Policy.
• Perform physical labor in a variety of extreme climatic conditions, including walking, bending, stooping, climbing tanks, digging, lifting and general manual labor.
• Must be able to climb tanks (averaging about 60 steps) safely and without assistance, including holding on to a handrail with one hand and carrying equipment (such as tank gauging tools) and/or tool bag in other hand.
• Job requires visual acuity to see and work at a computer screen, read gauges and other measuring devices, as well as the ability to hear various alarms.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities. Working conditions:
• 12 hour rotating shifts (including holidays, weekends).
• Position subject to 24-hour call-out, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime required and extended work hours in cases of emergencies.
• May be required to work alone (unsupervised).
• May be exposed to some refined oil products containing chemicals which may be related to certain types of illnesses or reproductive toxicity. Some emit vapors under certain conditions, are flammable and may be explosive under certain circumstances.
• Exposure to smells and fumes associated with refined petroleum products.
• Climatic conditions are determined by location assignment and may include severe seasonal changes including both winter conditions with frequent snow or extreme summer heat and sun, depending upon geographic location.
Supervisory responsibility:
• None
Preferred education, experience, certifications, competencies, skills, and abilities:
Above the minimum requirement; not required but advantageous in this position:
• Pipeline hydraulics experience desired
• Prior experience requiring mechanical aptitude and skill is a plus
• Basic knowledge of cathodic protection
• Knowledge of piping, valves and pressures
• Knowledge of pipeline operations
• Experience with storage tank operations, including inspections, alarms and sampling
• Experience with light maintenance (mechanical, electric, electronic)
Pay Range
USD $32.00 - USD $43.00 /Hr.
Why Join Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.
For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.