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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in California

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

... oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate. Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

... oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate. Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for ...

... oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate. Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for ...

Terminal Operator, Logistics

Martinez, CA · On-site

$32.37 - $50.68/hr

PBF), one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We are seeking a talented Terminal Operator to join our team ...

Terminal Operator, Logistics

Martinez, CA · On-site

$32.37 - $50.68/hr

PBF), one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We are seeking a talented Terminal Operator to join our team ...

Terminal Operator, Logistics

Martinez, CA · On-site

$32.37 - $50.68/hr

PBF), one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We are seeking a talented Terminal Operator to join our team ...

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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil refinery operator trainee in California is $42,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,600.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil refinery operator trainee?

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.

What does an oil refinery operator trainee do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an oil refinery operator trainee?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in California?

For Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator Trainee 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 $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Operator Trainee - Shipping & Warehouse

MP Materials Corp.

Mountain Pass, CA • On-site

$28.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


MP Materials rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 41 rated mining


Job description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Operator Trainee in the shipping department is responsible for preparing and shipping out products to domestic and international customers. This includes the transferring and loading of all products onto sea containers, trucks, and other modes of transport.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Transfer packaged products from the operating areas of the plant to the product warehouses or alternate staging/loading areas.
  • Prepare, package, document and deliver outbound materials which may include palletization, banding, wrapping, blocking, and bracing procedures.
  • Review bills of lading and shipping checklists to execute outbound shipments.
  • Perform daily safety inspections of work areas and operating equipment.
  • Perform housekeeping in work areas as necessary.
  • Deliver supplies and reagents to different departments on site.

Basic Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Valid Driver’s License and good driving record required to drive company vehicles on property.
  • Three years’ experience operating a forklift in a warehouse or industrial type setting.
  • Experience loading packages/products onto various modes of transport (semi, sea container, rail).
  • Familiarity with shipping documentation to include bills of lading and packing lists.
  • Basic computer skills.

Desired Qualities:

  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Ability to communicate with management and staff professionally and effectively.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR;1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing – all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing – distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.


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