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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Ketjen

Operator Trainee

Pasadena, TX · On-site

... petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy ... About the Role The Operator Trainee is responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment and ...

Odfjell Terminals US

Operator Trainee

Houston, TX · On-site

TERMINAL OPERATOR, TRAINEE DEPARTMENT: OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: TEAM LEADERS/SUPERINTENDENT EXEMPT ... dirt, dust, grease, oil mud, and excessive noise. Continuously: working on a shift schedule ...

Ketjen

Operator Trainee

Pasadena, TX

... petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy ... Interpret process diagrams, analyzer data, and computer trends to maintain optimal operating ...

Epco Corp

Specialist, Lab Trainee

Baytown, TX · On-site

... crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering ... The Lab Trainee Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to: + Performing ...

New

EPCO Corporate

Specialist, Lab Trainee

Baytown, TX · On-site

... crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering ... The Lab Trainee Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Performing ...

New

Scientific Drilling Inc.

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

... Operator Trainees. Scientific Drilling is an independent directional drilling and wellbore ... Becomes familiar with the oilfield in general and company specific tools and services.Works under ...

Scientific Drilling

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

... Operator Trainees. Scientific Drilling is an independent directional drilling and wellbore ... Becomes familiar with the oilfield in general and company specific tools and services. * Works ...

Delek US

Technical Training Manager

Big Spring, TX · On-site

... mile crude oil gathering system, and storage tanks and terminals. DELEK BENEFITS: We offer ... Experience with refinery operator and/or maintenance qualification programs. * Experience ...

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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Texas salary details

$23.8K

$40.6K

$59.2K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil refinery operator trainee in Texas is $40,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,700.00 and $47,500.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,555 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee - Corpus Christi

Valero

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Valero rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

The refinery operator is responsible for maintaining product quality in a safe manner. Typical job duties may include performing visual rounds for assigned area, assessing equipment operation, taking instrument readings, communicating with console operator, supervision, and other refinery personnel, preparing equipment for scheduled maintenance, performing preventative maintenance, performing basic instrument and equipment troubleshooting to determine if technician support is required, making equipment adjustments to optimize performance, maintaining housekeeping for common and assigned areas, and complying with all environmental and safety procedures.  This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.

Please click on the following link to learn more about the daily tasks of an operator in a Valero refinery: Realistic Job Preview

Valero conducts a comprehensive, on-the-job training program designed to provide new employees a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are necessary for success as a Valero Operator. This required 9 to 10-week, instructor led program includes multiple content modules, including math, pumps, heat exchangers, operator duties, and so forth. Because mastering this content is critical to future job success, knowledge proficiency assessments are incorporated throughout the modules. It is required that participants successfully complete these assessments; as such, failure to pass a specific test three times or a total of four test failures throughout the training program will result in the termination of employment. This training program will prepare individuals for the continuous learning environment that is essential for success.

  • High school diploma or GED required. 
  • Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Refinery or chemical process operator experience preferred.
  • Associate degree in process operations preferred.
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Corpus Christi Refineries, required.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position may be invited to take on-line assessments. Communications regarding the assessments will be delivered via email. Be sure to check your spam and junk mailboxes for these communications as they are system generated.

Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It's not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it's also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they're truly part of a team. For more information, visit Valero.com.

Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero.  Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.  

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