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Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turnaround Manager

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

... refining turnaround experience Salary range: $200,000-$250,000 + bonuses Apply now for immediate and confidential consideration! #INDW Education:High SchoolEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

Laurel, MT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support refinery turnaround planning and execution, including major maintenance events. * Perform ... Able to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance when needed. * Strong ...

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Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround information

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$394

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$2.1K

How much do independent contractor refinery turnaround jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average weekly pay for independent contractor refinery turnaround in the United States is $1,089.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $721.15 and $1,211.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor refinery turnaround?

Independent Contractor Refinery Turnarounds refer to specialized professionals or teams hired on a contract basis to manage, oversee, or execute refinery turnaround projects. A refinery turnaround is a scheduled event where a refinery or a section of it is shut down for maintenance, inspections, upgrades, and repairs to ensure safe and efficient operations. Independent contractors are often brought in for their expertise and flexibility, allowing refineries to scale their workforce for these intensive, time-sensitive projects. Their work is critical to minimizing downtime and ensuring that all regulatory and safety standards are met during the turnaround process.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractors during refinery turnarounds?

Independent contractors working on refinery turnarounds often face challenges such as tight deadlines, rapidly changing priorities, and the need to adapt to strict safety protocols. The work environment can be physically demanding, involving long shifts and exposure to hazardous materials. Effective communication and collaboration with multiple teams, including plant staff and other contractors, are essential to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are key to overcoming unexpected issues that can arise during the turnaround process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor in refinery turnarounds, and why are they important?

Success as an Independent Contractor in Refinery Turnarounds requires extensive knowledge of industrial processes, safety regulations, and hands-on experience with refinery equipment, often supported by relevant technical certifications (such as OSHA 30 or TWIC). Familiarity with project management software, safety compliance systems, and specialized maintenance tools is typically necessary. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and responding to dynamic project demands. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and timely completion of critical refinery projects while minimizing risks.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround vs Refinery Maintenance Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Refinery TurnaroundRefinery Maintenance Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications, safety training, possibly specialized trade licensesTrade certifications, safety training, technical licenses
Work EnvironmentIntensive, project-based, often seasonal work during shutdownsOngoing, daily maintenance tasks in refinery facilities
Employer UsageHired on a contractual basis for specific turnaround projectsEmployed directly or through contractors for routine maintenance

While both roles require safety training and technical skills, Independent Contractor Refinery Turnarounds focus on short-term, project-specific work during refinery shutdowns, whereas Refinery Maintenance Technicians perform ongoing maintenance tasks to ensure continuous refinery operations.

More about Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround jobs

What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround jobs?

Cities with the most Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Turnaround jobs?

The most popular types of Refinery Turnaround jobs are:

What states have the most Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround jobs include:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Refinery Turnaround job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,645 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Project Controls Lead, Turnaround and Capital

PBF Energy, Inc.

Paulsboro, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


PBF Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Project Controls Lead, Turnaround and Capital
PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We are seeking a talented Project Controls Lead, Turnaround and Capital to join our team as a pivotal member that would play a key role here at PBF Energy. This role would be located onsite at our Paulsboro, NJ location or one of our other refinery locations.
The Project Controls Lead, Turnaround and Capital Projects is responsible for leading the company-wide implementation of best practices Capital Projects and Turnarounds Project Control systems, including Turnaround planning, scheduling, estimating and cost control for all refinery sites.
This role plays a key part in achieving and maintaining best in class turnaround performance through the implementation of turnaround Project Controls software systems across all refineries in the circuit. Successful implementation requires strong knowledge of the project controls software, the ability to facilitate training, coaching and mentoring of multi-discipline teams as well as compliance auditing and working with sites to establish gap closure plans.
The role is also responsible for implementing and maintaining best practices for Capital Projects across all refineries in the circuit including leading improvements to the company's Capital Projects Management System. This includes developing guidelines and methods for establishing cost and schedule estimates through key FEL stage gates and integration into project execution and final closeout.
Performance will be sustained through oversight and stewardship of Project Controls system KPI's as well as regular performance review meetings with site Project Control teams. Will require up to 50% travel during implementation phase of the new Project Controls system and after that a nominal 30% depending on level of Capital Project and Turnaround activities.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and implement company-wide standards and best practices for turnaround planning, scheduling, estimating and cost control.
  • Work in support of the Director, Turnaround Excellence and closely with refinery leadership and turnaround teams to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and operational goals.
  • Develop and implement company-wide standards and best practices that align with the Capital Projects Management System (CPMS) for projects planning, scheduling, estimating and cost control.
  • Work in support of the Director, Capital Projects Excellence and closely with refinery leadership and capital project teams to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and operational goals.
  • Work with both Director, Turnaround Excellence and Director, Capital Projects Excellence to ensure processes are in place for robust turnaround integration plans for capital projects requiring a turnaround to execute.
  • Support the Lessons Learned process across sites specific to project controls learnings.
  • Support implementation of cost and schedule risk register processes
  • Manage and standardize planning, work packaging and scheduling practices across all sites through the implementation, uniform configuration and stewardship of a software-based turnaround management system.
  • Ensure the application of industry-leading scheduling techniques to optimize manpower and minimize downtime.
  • Implement and maintain a centralized approach to turnaround and capital projects scheduling, ensuring consistency across sites.
  • Implement strategies that drive sites toward resource loaded, logic defined craft level project schedules with integration capabilities (i.e. P6 or SAP) for manpower efficiencies and increased schedule attainment.
  • Develop standardized cost estimation, tracking, forecasting and reporting methods to improve financial predictability and accountability.
  • Partner with refinery turnaround departments to manage turnaround budgets and control costs effectively.
  • Ensure consistency in development of plans and basis of estimates for turnarounds and capital projects.
  • Ensure processes are in place for well-defined cost estimate risk analysis and assurance reviews for project estimates.
  • With standardized approaches in place, provide comparison of cost estimates, plans and schedules between refineries and against industry standards to executive leadership for data-driven decision-making.
  • Support contractor performance assessments and performance evaluation meetings to promote continuous improvement.
  • Lead the implementation and management of a company-wide turnaround project controls software system. Maintain system configuration and ensure consistent use and practices across all sites.
  • Ensure integration between turnaround management tools, and enterprise systems such as SAP, Track and other business platforms.
  • Train and support refinery teams in maximizing the use of turnaround project controls technology.
  • Serve as the central turnaround project controls subject matter expert, providing guidance to site teams and leadership.
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for project controls at the portfolio level
  • Participate in site readiness reviews to ensure a high state of turnaround and project readiness.
  • Benchmark against industry standards and foster a culture of innovation and efficiency in turnaround planning.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in refinery turnaround planning, scheduling, and cost control, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Familiarity with industry process safety and environmental regulations, work practices, and compliance strategies as well as knowledge of basic refinery processes, reliability principles and refining economics.
  • Proven track record in leading large-scale turnaround project controls and execution.
  • Strong knowledge of turnaround planning methodologies, scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6), and cost control best practices.
  • Experience in managing turnaround management software systems and integrating with ERP platforms
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills to engage teams across multiple refinery locations.
  • Ability to drive process standardization and efficiency improvements across the organization.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in cost estimation, budget control, and variance analysis.
  • Critical thinking and problem solving skills, negotiation and conflict management.
  • This position is on site 5 days a week.
  • ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
  • FOR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR SALARY REQUIREMENTS.

CA Job Posting Requirement: The salary range for this position is $127,218.49- $226,895.29.
NJ Job Posting Requirement: The salary range for this position is $127,218.49- $210,786.88.
The compensation range listed in this posting is in compliance with applicable state law. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills and internal peer equity will be considered in determining the selected candidate's compensation. Salaries at the time of hire are typically in the lower to middle portion of the above range in order to provide the opportunity to reflect future performance-based increases. In addition to salary, PBF offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes bonus eligibility, health care, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.
PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.
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