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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Farms

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

Perdue Farms

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

Perdue Farms

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK

... oil for the Interior and Northern Alaska communities. We operate our businesses reliably and ... Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a ...

AarhusKarlshamn

REFINERY OPERATOR IA

Louisville, KY · On-site

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing ... We specialize in sustainably sourced plant-based oils that are used by major manufacturers in ...

AAK

REFINERY OPERATOR IA

Louisville, KY · On-site

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing ... We specialize in sustainably sourced plant-based oils that are used by major manufacturers in ...

EcoLube Recovery

Refinery Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We specialize in the re-refining of used oil into base oils for new motor oils, hydraulic systems, and more. As a Refinery Operator, you will be an integral part of our operations, working alongside ...

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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do oil refinery operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil refinery operator trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a position as an oil refinery operator trainee can be competitive due to the specialized skills and certifications required, such as safety training and technical knowledge of refinery processes. Candidates often need relevant education, experience, or apprenticeships, and the hiring process may include assessments and background checks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Oil Refinery Operator Trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial operations, strong analytical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical certifications. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and specialized equipment such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is beneficial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations within a complex refinery environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Oil Refinery Operator Trainee?

As an Oil Refinery Operator Trainee, your typical day involves closely monitoring equipment, conducting routine inspections, and assisting experienced operators to ensure the safe and efficient processing of crude oil. You'll spend time learning how to operate control panels, respond to alarms, and follow detailed safety protocols. Most trainees rotate through different shifts and work as part of a team, gaining exposure to various units within the refinery. This hands-on experience prepares you for more advanced responsibilities and offers a solid foundation for growth within the refinery operations field.

What does a Refinery Operator trainee do?

A Refinery Operator trainee learns to monitor and control the equipment and processes involved in refining crude oil into usable products. They assist experienced operators in maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency in the plant, often gaining skills in operating control systems and understanding process safety protocols. Training typically includes classroom instruction and on-the-job experience to prepare for full operator responsibilities.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Oil refinery operator trainees typically do not earn $4,000 per week without prior experience or specialized certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often require extensive experience, specialized skills, or certifications in fields like sales, real estate, or skilled trades such as commercial diving or certain construction roles. Most high-paying roles without a degree involve hands-on work, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than entry-level trainee positions.

What is an Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job?

An Oil Refinery Operator Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn to monitor and control refinery processes that convert crude oil into usable products like gasoline and diesel. Trainees work under experienced operators to understand equipment operation, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance. The role involves adjusting controls, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining efficiency in refinery units. It requires attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety. Over time, trainees gain the experience needed to become full-fledged refinery operators.

How to become an oil refinery operator?

To become an oil refinery operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical schooling in process technology or related fields. Relevant skills include understanding safety procedures, operating control systems, and maintaining equipment; certifications such as OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.
What cities are hiring for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs? The most popular types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs are:
Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Oil Refinery Operator

Oil Refinery Operator

Perdue Farms

Salisbury, MD

$21 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Perdue Farms rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 395 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Play a hands-on role in producing high quality edible oil products. As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle material movement using forklifts and other mobile equipment, load out finished products, perform routine operator maintenance, and maintain sanitation standards within the refinery. This role is ideal for safety focused individuals who enjoy working with industrial equipment, supporting production from start to finish, and contributing directly to operational success.

This position has a target wage of $21.00 - $31.50 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available.

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Operate forklift, track mobile, pallet jack and tractor/trailer to load, unload and move supplies.
  • Operate refining, bleaching and deodorization production process.
  • Operate the hydrogenation production process.
  • Load out refined edible oil.
  • Perform general labor, housekeeping and sanitation of the oil refinery.
  • Perform routine operator maintenance on refinery equipment.
  • Perform all work within the safety guidelines established by local, state, and federal agencies as well as company policies.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • Reading, writing, math and analytical skills.
  • Lift truck license.
  • Understanding of Team Management.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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