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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

Driver Trainee Grease Beast LLC, a used cooking oil refinery, located in the City of Indiantown, is seeking a bilingual (English and Spanish) Driver trainee for picking up Used cooking oil throughout ...

Description - External Operator trainee is the Entry level Operators position on the Sunoco ... Minimum of 2 years' experience in refining operations. * High School Education or equivalency.

Description - External Operator trainee is the Entry level Operators position on the Sunoco ... Minimum of 2 years' experience in refining operations. * High School Education or equivalency.

The Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and overseeing multiple functions of the soybean ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

The Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and overseeing multiple functions of the soybean ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

Operator Trainee

Destrehan, LA · On-site

$27.10/hr

The Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and overseeing multiple functions of the soybean ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump ... dirty oil absorbent pads. We are looking for a go-getter who is eager to learn! Wage: $28hr Why ...

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump ... dirty oil absorbent pads. We are looking for a go-getter who is eager to learn! Wage: $28hr Why ...

Operator Oil Recycling

Fallon, NV · On-site

$13.41 - $31.15/hr

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump ... dirty oil absorbent pads. We are looking for a go-getter who is eager to learn! Wage: $28hr Why ...

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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 Jun 24, 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.

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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 69% Part Time, and 5% Contract. 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.
Refinery Operator II

Refinery Operator II

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 72 rated recycling and waste


Job description


We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while monitoring and controlling the refining/processing equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5
  • 401k with matching component
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Competitive Union wages, plus weekly overtime opportunities
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Positive and safe work environments
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

Responsibilities
  • Operate and monitor refinery plant equipment and processes according to established procedures and safety protocols.
  • Perform routine PM maintenance on refinery plant equipment and troubleshoot any issues as they arise.
  • Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Communicate with other plant personnel and management to coordinate activities and ensure safe and efficient operations
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be able to obtain a TWIC card is mandatory
  • 1-3 Years experience as a manual labor experience (industrial, refinery or construction) preferred
  • 1-3 years in a production driven environment preferred
  • 1+ years forklift experience
  • Must be able to work at heights
  • Permit writing preferred
  • Oil and gas experience is an asset!
  • Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools
  • Computer literate and can operate an IPAD
  • Punctal
  • Follow direction and take initiative
  • Must be able to work in the elements
  • Lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend, stand for long period and work at heights

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.
Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.™
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact eci@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
*SK
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US