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Oil Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At World Oil Recycling, we strive to be an employer of choice by recruiting, developing, and ... The Unit Operator 1 understands and operates pumps, process piping, valves, gauges and process ...

Unit Operator 1

Compton, CA

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

At World Oil Recycling, we strive to be an employer of choice by recruiting, developing, and ... The Unit Operator 1 understands and operates pumps, process piping, valves, gauges and process ...

Offshore Operator 3

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

Monitor, operate, and maintain oil and gas treatment and processing equipment. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES ... Operator 2's with data entry into Company's facility maintenance Mainsaver software program.

Wellbay Operator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Amplify Energy is an independent oil company focused on low decline, assets with significant upside ... Works at the direction of the Control Room Operator and the platform's Lead Wellbay Operator.

Pipeline Operator California Resources Corporation is a publicly traded oil and natural gas exploration and production company and the largest oil and natural gas producer in California. We operate ...

oil change//tire tech

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Drain oil and change oil filter; lubricate vehicles; install, rotate and balance tires and properly ... Most Big O Tires stores are individually owned and operated by franchisees, and each franchisee ...

Petroleum Pump Operator Job Duties: Control pumping systems to circulate liquids through a refinery ... Regulate flow of oil into pipelines. Coordinate and regulate process variables. Operate auxiliary ...

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Forklift Operator

Gustine, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Forklift Operator safely operates industrial vehicles to load, unload, stack, and move materials ... Perform daily, pre-shift safety checks on equipment (checking oil, tires, and battery) and report ...

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Showing results 1-20

Oil Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$27

$53

How much do oil operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil operator in California is $27.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.18 and $37.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oil operator do?

An Oil Operator is responsible for overseeing and managing the extraction and production of oil at drilling sites or production facilities. Their duties include monitoring equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, recording operational data, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the oil extraction process. Oil Operators play a crucial role in maintaining efficient production while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by oil operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Oil Operators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety standards in remote locations. Effective communication with team members and proactive maintenance routines are essential for addressing these issues. Operators also benefit from ongoing training to stay updated on safety protocols and new technologies. Developing strong problem-solving skills and adaptability can help manage these challenges and ensure smooth daily operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, oilfield operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with industry-specific equipment, SCADA systems, and relevant safety certifications like H2S awareness is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable oil production in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Oil Operator vs Drilling Technician?

AspectOil OperatorDrilling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; specialized drilling certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRefineries, production sites, offshore platformsDrilling rigs, well sites, offshore platforms
Industry UsageOil production, refining, and processingDrilling operations, well installation, maintenance

Oil Operators oversee daily production activities and coordinate operations at oil sites, while Drilling Technicians focus on the technical aspects of drilling and well installation. Both roles require technical skills and industry certifications, often working in similar environments like offshore platforms and on-site facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the oil industry.

What are popular job titles related to Oil Operator jobs in CA?

For Oil Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Oil Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,294 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Unit Operator 1

World Oil

Compton, CA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team!!
At World Oil Recycling, we strive to be an employer of choice by recruiting, developing, and retaining a high performing and diverse workforce. As a family-owned company, our focus in work life balance fosters a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees.
World Oil Recycling values its amazing workforce that has contributed to the company's success for over 80 years! Learn more about us at: https://worldoilcorp.com/about-us/.
Position Summary:
The Unit Operator 1 understands and operates pumps, process piping, valves, gauges and process
controls. This position understands and carries out lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely prepare
equipment for maintenance for its essential duties at all times.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Monitors and maintains process throughout to acheive prescribed production goals while
maintaining appropriate levels of quality control.
Carries out lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely prepare equipment for maintenance.
Interprets lab results and makes adjustments to process controls to achieve on-spec products.
Obtains process samples, runs analyticals and makes adjustments accordingly to maintain good
process chemistry in a safe manner at all times.
Documents and records logs and reports concerning the assigned unit and associated utilities.
Measures and maintains appropriate process plant and utilities chemistry.
Isolates and drains process equipment for maintenance activities.
Fills out logs and generates routine production reports.
Other Functions:
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This role supervises the following positions:None.
As part of the Company's employment screening process, any applicant to whom an offer of employment is made must pass a test for controlled substances, under the procedures of World Oil Drug & Alcohol policy. Employment offers are conditioned on a negative test result.
EEO Statement: It is the policy of World Oil and its subsidiaries to provide equal opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, military/veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, or any other status protected by state or federal law.