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Oil Refinery Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$19.75 - $22.50/hr

... oil refining, the housing market and other sectors. The right individual will have a can-do ... The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of plant processes and ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Pomona, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Fueling aircraft and operating and maintaining aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems * Enforcing safety and handling precautions * Refining fuel for quality * Supervising fuel farms and ...

We are seeking a skilled Field Machinist with experience operating manual machining equipment in on ... Work in industrial environments such as power plants, refineries, shipyards, and manufacturing ...

Project Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · Hybrid

$81K - $110K/yr

... air operated diaphragm and peristaltic pumps. Its trusted brands (in alphabetical order) ALOYCO ... oil & gas, refining, and power generation. #LI-VD1 #CPE Salary range: $81,100 to $110,000. Several ...

Project Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

... operated diaphragm and peristaltic pumps. Its trusted brands (in alphabetical order) ALOYCO ® ... oil & gas, refining, and power generation. #LI-VD1 #CPE Salary range: $81,100 to $110,000. Several ...

Oil Refinery Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do oil refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil refinery operator in Riverside, CA is $23.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Oil Refinery Operator position, and why are they important?

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Oil Refinery Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Oil Refinery Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,215 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Chemical Operator

Chemical Operator

USALCO

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$19.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


USALCO rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 92 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

USALCO, LLC is a leading provider of aluminum-based component products used in water treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, the making of catalysts for oil refining, the housing market and other sectors. The right individual will have a can-do attitude, the ability to be part of a team while operating independently and consistently performs to very high standards.

JOB SUMMARY:

The person in this role is responsible for manufacturing chemical products while assuring compliance is achieved in all company associated policies. The position requires a motivated, detail oriented, and results driven team player who:

  • Incorporates safety and quality into every decision while performing day-to-day activities
  • Effectively communicates with Supervisor and peers
  • Can efficiently operate chemical processes and equipment to safely manufacture quality products.
  • Will actively seek out opportunities for process improvement and take full responsibility for collaborating with management and peers to implement approved changes in a timely manner.

The employee in this position will be a positive-natured, task-oriented individual with chemical manufacturing experience and significant mechanical aptitude. The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of plant processes and equipment. The person must possess excellent communication skills necessary to keep Supervisor and peers informed of process status. This person must be personally and professionally motivated to work constructively with team members at all levels within the company, to execute job responsibilities

ROLES AND RESPONSIBITIES:1. Overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the process or processes assigned, including the safe transfer of hazardous chemicals.

1. Overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the process or processes assigned, including the safe transfer of hazardous chemicals.

2. Apply all plant safety rules, work guidelines / practices, and procedures

3. Wearing and maintenance of personal protective equipment required for working with hazardous chemicals

4. Developing and applying improvements in processes, equipment and procedures


Daily Responsibilities:

  • Complete walk-thru of the process and equipment to audit safety and housekeeping
  • Perform quality assurance checks for manufactured products
  • Adjust formulations to ensure finished products meet specifications
  • Assist in loading trailers with products
  • Unload raw materials as needed
  • Complete Certificates of Compliance for loaded trailers
  • Complete all paperwork accurately including batch sheets, run sheets and shift reports
  • Maintain and communicate in Daily Management practices for the facility
  • Maintenance
  • Complete MaintainX work order requests for maintenance issues
  • Inspect plant equipment daily and report any issues to Supervisor
  • Must be able to work overtime, provide physical labor and work changing shifts as required to meet business requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of business goals and objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

  • Requires planning skills to prioritize daily process operation
  • Must be able to pay attention to detail
  • Knowledge of chemical manufacturing and equipment
  • Must be dependable, flexible and able to respond on short notice to satisfy requirements of customers.
  • Requires good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • The ability to clearly and succinctly communicate with others, both verbally and in written form
  • Strong Analytical and Mathematical aptitude
  • Ability to effectively work with Microsoft Office Applications – Word, Excel and Outlook
  • Must be able to obtain Fork Lift certification through USALCO within 30 calendar days of being hired if applicable to site.
  • Must be able to learn the chemical operator position within 60 calendar days of being hired.

EDUCATION:

  • A High School Diploma or equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

  • Chemical, Pharmaceutical or Food manufacturing environment, preferred
  • Chemical manufacturing experience
  • Prior Forklift driving experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Ability to:

  • Must be able to participate in site respirator program (if applicable), pass Spirometry test, and comply to wear one, as required.
  • Routinely lift up to 75 lbs. throughout the shift
  • Routinely stand up to 80% of shift
  • Routinely traverse the site to various buildings
  • Routinely traverse ship ladders, catwalks and close quarters
  • Work at elevated platforms without hesitation or fear
  • Work inside confined spaces, as needed

USALCO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a general policy, USALCO does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.



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