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Oil Refinery Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Basic Function HF Sinclair is seeking a Refinery Planning Optimizer based in El Dorado, KS. In this ... Manages intermediate feedstock inventories to stay within operating envelope and oil flow plans.

... while operating and maintaining truck in a safe manner. The Driver also performs service work ... MFA Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity/Drug-Free Employer. Responsibilities * Deliver refined fuel ...

... while operating and maintaining truck in a safe manner. The Driver also performs service work ... MFA Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity/Drug-Free Employer. Responsibilities * Deliver refined fuel ...

Plant Manager

Chanute, KS · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... an operating area to ensure daily tasks are completed as expected and our customers are serviced ... Submit sales goals for propane, refined oils, motor oils and greases. * Supervise and evaluate ...

... an operating area to ensure daily tasks are completed as expected and our customers are serviced ... Submit sales goals for propane, refined oils, motor oils and greases. * Supervise and evaluate ...

Technician

Scott City, KS · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... crude oil, refined products, and other liquids associated with the refining process. * Maintain a ... operating refined product pumps; performing product sampling, running samples for analysis on in ...

Technician

Scott City, KS · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... crude oil, refined products, and other liquids associated with the refining process. * Maintain a ... operating refined product pumps; performing product sampling, running samples for analysis on in ...

Shift Foreman

El Dorado, KS · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

... Sinclair's refinery in El Dorado, Kansas, is seeking a Shift Foreman to lead the operating ... The Shift Supervisor ensures oil flow plans and production targets are achieved, equipment is ...

Shift Foreman

El Dorado, KS · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

... HF Sinclair's refinery in El Dorado, Kansas, is seeking a Shift Foremanto lead the operating ... The Shift Supervisor ensures oil flow plans and production targets are achieved, equipment is ...

Shift Foreman

El Dorado, KS

$12.75 - $16/hr

... Sinclair's refinery in El Dorado, Kansas, is seeking a Shift Foreman to lead the operating ... The Shift Supervisor ensures oil flow plans and production targets are achieved, equipment is ...

Shift Foreman

El Dorado, KS · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

... Sinclair's refinery in El Dorado, Kansas, is seeking a Shift Foreman to lead the operating ... The Shift Supervisor ensures oil flow plans and production targets are achieved, equipment is ...

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Oil Refinery Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do oil refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil refinery operator in Kansas is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oil refinery operator do?

An Oil Refinery Operator monitors and controls equipment used in refining crude oil into useful products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rates, ensuring the process runs safely and efficiently. Operators conduct routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety procedures to prevent accidents. The role requires attention to detail, technical knowledge, and the ability to respond quickly to any system abnormalities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil refinery operator?

To thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, chemistry, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring tools, and safety certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make operators stand out on the job. These abilities are crucial for maintaining efficient, safe refinery operations and preventing costly or hazardous incidents.

What are some typical challenges oil refinery operators face on the job?

Oil Refinery Operators often encounter challenges such as managing equipment malfunctions, responding quickly to process upsets, and maintaining rigorous safety and environmental standards. These roles require alertness and the ability to adapt to changing operating conditions, sometimes during long or rotating shifts. Operators must also stay up to date with evolving technology and regulations, which may involve ongoing training. Working closely with maintenance teams, engineers, and other operators helps effectively address these challenges and keep plant operations running smoothly.

How do I 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 education in process technology or related fields. Relevant skills include understanding of safety procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance, often supported by certifications such as OSHA safety training. Experience in industrial settings and the ability to work in shifts are also important for this role.

How much do oil refinery operators make?

Oil refinery operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific refinery. They often work in shifts and need technical skills to monitor and control refining processes.

Is it hard to get a job at an oil refinery?

Getting a job as an oil refinery operator can be competitive and often requires relevant technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or process safety management. Employers typically look for experience in industrial environments and the ability to work in shifts, but opportunities depend on the region and current industry demand.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,217 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS • On-site


HF Sinclair
Gasoline Stations • 5 - 10K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Basic Function

HF Sinclair is seeking a Refinery Planning Optimizer based in El Dorado, KS. In this role, you will conduct complex oil flow planning, scheduling, optimization, economic analysis, and transportation assignments related to the El Dorado refinery operation under minimal supervision.

Job Duties
  • Interacts with Operations, Process Engineering, Commercial, and Turnaround teams regularly to discuss optimization opportunities.
  • Issues the day-to-day instructions to the refinery team and is a resource when questions arise.
  • Manages the daily optimization activities to ensure the refinery is operating at plan feed rates and quality targets to maximize profit.
  • Interacts with the Crude Supply, Marketing, Heavy Oils Marketing, and Optimization Commercial teams. Maintains good working relationships with all Commercial teams.
  • Manages intermediate feedstock inventories to stay within operating envelope and oil flow plans.
  • Participates in daily/weekly teleconferences for products and feedstocks optimizations and provides ad-hoc analysis for real-time decision making.
  • Coordinates with Midstream to ensure tank maintenance plans mesh well with refinery oil flow and maintenance event schedules.
  • Coordinates and implements corrective actions and adjusts oil flow plan to mitigate impact of unplanned events.
  • Uses the LP model to update the monthly plan with weekly price updates and reports any shift in economic incentives for products and crude oil grades.
  • Uses the LP model to develop the monthly production forecast (MPF) that is used to set up the monthly product pipeline schedules.
  • Uses the LP model to develop the monthly oil flow plan and meets with RLT for review and approval. Communicates the monthly oil flow plan to individuals and teams throughout the organization.
  • Communicates with Operations regarding planned maintenance activities and adjusts operating conditions as needed to accommodate taking equipment off-line planned work.
  • Works with the Economics and Planning team to determine lost profit opportunity (LPO) estimates for current refinery events and monthly reporting purposes.
  • Uses the LP model to determine unit rate valuations each month and reports out to the organization.
  • Uses the LP model to determine gasoline blend values used to determine quality giveaway each month.
  • Participates in meetings with the Operations Business Teams.
  • Maintains the refinery outage and turnaround schedule.
  • Works with Operations to develop oil flow plans for planned outages and turnarounds and communicates the plan with the refinery team.
  • Backs up the Blending Specialist as needed.
  • Occasionally requires off-hours support to operations, Commercial, and third party companies.

     Special assignments or tasks assigned to the employee by their supervisor, as determined from time to time in their sole and complete discretion.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of on-the-job experience in refinery operations, process engineering, or other relevant experience is required.

Education Level

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience (in lieu of a four year degree), is required.

Required Skills
  • Understands supply chain economics and refining processes.
  • Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial.
  • Ability to provide clear direction to multiple parties regarding feasibility while keeping economic considerations in the forefront.
  • Capability to work on multiple issues in parallel and make decisions with incomplete information.
  • Resilient under pressure.
  • This position is on the front line guiding the site to meet customer commitments and maximize margin.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft products and ability to learn to use other relevant software (Petro, Spiral Software, BLEND).
  • Strong communication skills, and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
  • Ability to foster strong teamwork and maintain good working relationships with multiple teams throughout the organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibility

None required.

Work Conditions

Primarily office based, but some field presence required at times. Petroleum refinery, and plant environment including but not limited chemicals, pressure vessels, tanks and rotating equipment. Subject to all weather and varying road conditions.

Benefits
HF Sinclair offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Paid Time-Off
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Parental Bonding Time
  • Employee Discounts
We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees have the resources needed to thrive professionally and personally. Benefit eligibility is governed by official plan documents, for more details visit Total Rewards.
Our One HF Sinclair Culture:
At HF Sinclair, we are united through our One HF Sinclair Culture, which is underpinned by our five core values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Ownership and Inclusion. Developed to empower our people, our five core cultural values are at the heart of everything we do and extend to how we engage our stakeholders. These values influence our decisions, shape our behaviors and keep us connected across the entire organization. We maintain a true Safety culture for our employees, communities, environments and customers. Our goal is to make sure everyone returns home safely each day. We have a long-standing commitment to Integrity and ethical behavior and do what is right for our employees, investors, communities and the environment. We encourage employees to Step Up and Stand Out by championing a culture of Teamwork and Ownership. We foster a culture of Inclusion by encouraging diversity of experiences, viewpoints and backgrounds. What makes each of us different, together makes us stronger.
About HF Sinclair Corporation
HF Sinclair Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent energy company that produces and markets high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. HF Sinclair supplies high-quality fuels to more than 1,500 branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand at more than 300 additional locations throughout the country. In addition, subsidiaries of HF Sinclair produce and market base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, and export products to more than 80 countries. Through its subsidiaries, HF Sinclair produces renewable diesel at two of its facilities in Wyoming and also at its facility in Artesia, New Mexico. HF Sinclair provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage and throughput services to its refineries and the petroleum industry.
Equal Opportunity Employer

HF Sinclair Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.



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