ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Refinery Operator Jobs in New Mexico

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Artesia, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Artesia, NM is seeking a Entry Level Operator. The ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Artesia, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Artesia, NM is seeking a Entry Level Operator. The ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HollyFrontier

Entry Level Operator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt is seeking an Entry Level Operator. This position will be ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt is seeking an Entry Level Operator. This position will be ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HollyFrontier

Entry Level Operator

Artesia, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Artesia, NM is seeking a Entry Level Operator. The ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Artesia, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Artesia, NM is seeking a Entry Level Operator. The ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

All JobsRefinery Operator JobsEntry Level Refinery Operator JobsEntry Level Refinery Operator Jobs in New Mexico

Entry Level Refinery Operator information

See New Mexico salary details

$11

$16

$20

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level refinery operator in New Mexico is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.41 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in New Mexico? For Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs in New Mexico are:
Entry Level Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Refinery Operator job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,203 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Entry Level Operator

HF Sinclair

Artesia, NM • On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

HF Sinclair rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Basic Function
HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Artesia, NM is seeking a Entry Level Operator. The position will be responsible for learning the skills necessary to assist with production and manufacturing of products, daily quality control activities associated with production, tracking and maintaining raw material inventories, meeting shipment and delivery schedules, receipt handling via truck and rail, following the facility housekeeping objectives, ensuring assets are properly maintained, and HollyFrontier EH & S policies are understood and followed under close and constant supervision.
Job Duties
(functions considered essential as defined by ADA)
  • Assists with visual tank gauging to verify automatic systems.
  • Performs general plant cleaning.
  • Assists with maintenance tasks.
  • Assists with opening and closing of valves for production.
  • Loads and unloads trucks and railcars.
  • Assists with paperwork involving basic math skills.
  Special assignments or tasks assigned to the employee by their supervisor, as determined from time to time in their sole and complete discretion.
Experience
A minimum of six months to one year of relevant work experience as it pertains to the job duties listed above is required.
Education Level
A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Required Skills
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and computer skills, mechanically inclined; entry knowledge, understanding, and ability to comply with all Federal, State, Local, and Company regulations, policies, guidelines, and procedures, including the use of tools (hand tools and power tools) and other equipment such as shovels and rakes and operation(s) of forklift, tractor, or man-lift. Required to complete all required certifications and training for job level and show competency in basic tasks under direct supervision while completing classroom and CBT training and expectations. Basic reading and writing skills. Ability to effectively communicate with others, both written and verbal communication.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibility
Work Conditions
Outdoor-based with up to 5% travel by land and air required. Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver-based environment including but not limited to chemicals, pressure vessels, tanks, rotating equipment, and working in confined spaces. Subject to all temperatures, weather, and varying road conditions. Must be available to work a flexible schedule (e.g., overtime, weekends, and holidays, rotating shifts).
Benefits
HF Sinclair offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Paid Time-Off
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Parental Bonding Time
  • Employee Discounts
We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees have the resources needed to thrive professionally and personally. Benefit eligibility is governed by official plan documents, for more details visit Total Rewards.
Physical Requirements
Job conditions require standing, walking, sitting, twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, talking or hearing, making visual inspections, making precise hand and finger movements, reaching or grasping, lifting and/or carrying up to 50lbs, pushing and/or pulling up to 50lbs, climbing up to 48ft, ability to operate and drive all assigned company vehicles at company standard insurance rates is essential, valid state drivers license and proof of insurance required, perceiving color differences, wearing personal protective equipment and strenuous physical activity.
Our One HF Sinclair Culture:
At HF Sinclair, we are united through our One HF Sinclair Culture, which is underpinned by our five core values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Ownership and Inclusion. Developed to empower our people, our five core cultural values are at the heart of everything we do and extend to how we engage our stakeholders. These values influence our decisions, shape our behaviors and keep us connected across the entire organization. We maintain a true Safety culture for our employees, communities, environments and customers. Our goal is to make sure everyone returns home safely each day. We have a long-standing commitment to Integrity and ethical behavior and do what is right for our employees, investors, communities and the environment. We encourage employees to Step Up and Stand Out by championing a culture of Teamwork and Ownership. We foster a culture of Inclusion by encouraging diversity of experiences, viewpoints and backgrounds. What makes each of us different, together makes us stronger.
About HF Sinclair Corporation
HF Sinclair Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent energy company that produces and markets high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and lubricants and specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington and Utah. HF Sinclair provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage and throughput services to our refineries and the petroleum industry. HF Sinclair markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states and supplies high-quality fuels to more than 1,750 branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand to more than 350 additional locations throughout the country. HF Sinclair produces renewable diesel at two of its facilities in Wyoming and also at its facility in New Mexico. In addition, subsidiaries of HF Sinclair produce and market base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, and export products to more than 80 countries.
Equal Opportunity Employer

HF Sinclair Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.

What HF Sinclair employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply