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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy. Ketjen] is hiring for an operator trainee. This position is opening ...

... refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy. Ketjen] is hiring for an operator trainee. This position is opening ...

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... โ€ข Learns and/or knows Hunt Refining Company's safety policies and their use in all work ... lube oil and chemicals and orders as needed. โ€ข Blows down level glasses or float chambers, to ...

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

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 Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

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 ...

Plant Operations Traine Grease Beast LLC, a used cooking oil refinery, located in the City of Indiantown, is seeking a bilingual (English and Spanish) trainee for plant operations. Which includes ...

The Offshore Platform Operator Trainee is responsible for assisting the operation and maintenance ... Previous experience in natural gas/gas liquids, gas processing, petrochemical, refining or mining ...

The Offshore Platform Operator Trainee is responsible for assisting the operation and maintenance ... Previous experience in natural gas/gas liquids, gas processing, petrochemical, refining or mining ...

Fintube Operator Traninee

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

A Fintube Operator Trainee learns to operate and maintain machinery that produces finned tubes for ... Perform basic machine maintenance, check oil levels, and keep the work area and equipment clean and ...

... oil refinery. We are looking for a Refinery Zone Superintendent to be responsible for process area (Zone) management including ensuring process safety, meeting the comprehensive operating plan ...

... oil refinery. We are looking for a Refinery Zone Superintendent to be responsible for process area (Zone) management including ensuring process safety, meeting the comprehensive operating plan ...

Chemical Operator Trainee

Chestertown, MD ยท On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

... Operator is described below. Individuals must successfully perform the trainee duties to be ... Maintain strong awareness of plant systems such as steam, condensate, cooling water, hot oil ...

Chemical Operator Trainee

Chestertown, MD

$18.50 - $21/hr

... Operator is described below. Individuals must successfully perform the trainee duties to be ... Maintain strong awareness of plant systems such as steam, condensate, cooling water, hot oil ...

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Showing results 1-20

Oil Refinery Operator Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

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

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Operator Trainee

Ketjen

Pasadena, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to move your career forward and help shape our company's and customers' futures?
If you aspire to challenge yourself, work with the best in the industry and join a successful team where you can make a meaningful contribution, then we invite you to join us at Ketjen Corporation, a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy.
Ketjen] is hiring for an operator trainee. This position is opening located at the Bayport site.
Job Summary
Monitors and controls equipment and instrumentation necessary for batch or continuous operation of chemical process units to produce quality and on specification products in a safe and timely manner.
Basic Duties and Responsibilities
  • Read and understands training manuals, unit operating procedures, safety bulletins, operating orders, PSM, DOT, EPA, OSHA, MOC's and other Government Compliance Regulatory.
  • Read and interpret process diagrams, analyzer data, computer trends, and data.
  • Monitor and control process instruments such as; transmitters, receivers, controllers, and DCS controls.
  • Monitor and operate rotating equipment such as; pumps, compressors, and filter.
  • Monitor and operate stationary equipment such as; gas fired furnaces, process reactors, distillation columns, driers, and storage tanks.
  • Operate motorized equipment such as, trucks, scooters, and forklifts.
  • Do basic math necessary to calculate flow rates, tank levels, and temperature and pressure differentials.
  • Maintain, Read and understand a written log of shift activities as required, using computers and programs adopted by company procedures.
  • Sample products for quality control such as; liquids, solids and gases. Some of which may be hazardous and or extremely hot or cold.
  • Perform simple laboratory procedures.
  • Load and unload tank trailers, cars and portable containers.
  • Dump and recharge catalyst as needed.
  • Perform some maintenance procedures as required with regards to time, tools and talent.
  • Climb ladders and stairways as necessary.
  • Attend Safety meetings and training sessions as required and necessary.
  • Identify and properly handle hazardous waste, which may include proper collection, packaging, labeling, segregation, storage, use of waste manifest and shipping according to company procedure and instruction.
  • Must have a Process Technology degree or 2 years or more of experience in a chemical manufacturing role/environment and a High School Diploma or GED
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Computer skills including spreadsheet use
  • High level of attention to detail, procedures and documentation

All of the above duties may be required, at times, to be performed during adverse weather conditions and in situations likely to produce stress. Operators schedule require that employee will work nights, weekends, Holidays and overtime as needed. Shift may be either 12 or 8 hour shift as directed by company needs and approval.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Must pass pre-employment tests including Diagnostic Reading Test, Blocks Test, Mechanical Comprehension Test and Arithmetic Test, which is equivalent to an 11-12th high school grade level.
Possess good communication skills for interaction with all chemical plant employees. Ability to receive verbal and written direction including plant safety rules, policies and procedures and implement without direct supervision.
Efforts Demanded: Lifting up to 50 lbs., frequent walking, bending, stooping, balancing, ascending and descending ladders, operating various mobile equipment, pulling, crouching, twisting and reaching. Must have near and far vision with clarity at 20 feet of less, hear well enough to perceive the nature of sounds and have good depth perception as well as be able to distinguish colors. Requires handling tools and equipment necessary to perform above listed tasks.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to chemical plant manufacturing facilities. Must work both outside and inside and often in inclement weather conditions. Frequent exposure to noise and vibration. Must be able to distinguish emergency and other alarms and respond according to prescribed procedures.
Hazards: Potential exposure to toxic, caustic and pyrophoric chemicals. Proximity to moving mechanical and mobile equipment. Working at various heights, i.e.; pipe racks, ladders, mobile work platforms, etc.
Shifts: Must be willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.
Benefits of Joining Ketjen
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

Apply today and help Ketjen unleash the POTENTIAL of advanced chemistry for industries that power the world.