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Oil Refinery Shutdown Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer, Staff Controls

Houston, TX

$79K - $103K/yr

... crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering ... Lead the design effort for control system upgrades, Burner Management System upgrades, and shutdown ...

Engineer, Staff Controls

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

... crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering ... Lead the design effort for control system upgrades, Burner Management System upgrades, and shutdown ...

Responsible for overseeing the operations of used oil re-refining process including associated tank ... Participates in shutdown planning activities, process troubleshooting, monitoring and analysis of ...

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Oil Refinery Shutdown information

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$33

How much do oil refinery shutdown jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil refinery shutdown in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long do refinery shutdowns last?

Refinery shutdowns for maintenance or upgrades typically last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the scope of work. Oil refinery shutdowns require careful planning and coordination among engineers and technicians to ensure safety and efficiency during the process.

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

To excel in an Oil Refinery Shutdown role, you need a solid understanding of industrial safety, mechanical systems, and maintenance procedures, often supported by relevant trade certifications or technical training. Familiarity with lockout/tagout protocols, confined space entry, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability are important soft skills given the dynamic and high-pressure environment. These competencies help ensure that shutdowns are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with strict industry regulations.

What is the typical work environment like during an oil refinery shutdown?

During an oil refinery shutdown, the work environment is fast-paced and highly structured, with a strong emphasis on safety and coordination. Teams often work in shifts to ensure continuous progress, sometimes including nights, weekends, and extended hours depending on project timelines. You’ll collaborate closely with other trades, safety professionals, and refinery staff, all working together to complete repairs, inspections, or upgrades within strict deadlines. Regular safety meetings and clear communication are integral to daily operations, and you should be prepared to work both indoors and outdoors, often in physically demanding conditions.

What happens when oil refineries shut down?

When an oil refinery shuts down, production of refined petroleum products ceases, leading to supply disruptions in gasoline, diesel, and other fuels. Employees in refinery shutdown roles may be temporarily laid off or reassigned, and the shutdown process involves safety procedures, equipment decommissioning, and environmental considerations.

What is an Oil Refinery Shutdown job?

An Oil Refinery Shutdown job involves temporary maintenance, repairs, and inspections of refinery equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation. Shutdowns, also known as turnarounds, require skilled workers such as pipefitters, welders, electricians, and safety personnel. These jobs are often short-term but demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines. Workers follow strict safety protocols to minimize risks while performing essential maintenance tasks.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Getting a job at an oil refinery can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, technical skills, and safety certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER. Entry-level positions may be accessible with a high school diploma, but many roles demand specialized training or apprenticeships, and physical fitness is also important due to the demanding environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the oil refinery shutdown industry, high-paying roles such as refinery operators, maintenance supervisors, or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 or more per week, often requiring extensive experience, technical skills, and certifications rather than a formal degree. These positions typically involve working in hazardous environments, with shifts that may include nights and weekends, and emphasize on-the-job training and safety protocols.
More about Oil Refinery Shutdown jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Refinery Shutdown jobs? Cities with the most Oil Refinery Shutdown job openings:
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What states have the most Oil Refinery Shutdown jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Refinery Shutdown jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery Shutdown jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery Shutdown jobs are:
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Shutdown job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,216 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Refinery Operator (multiple positions)

Refinery Operator (multiple positions)

Monroe Energy

Trainer, PA

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Key Role Description

Operators are assigned to one of the seven operational areas within the refinery. Within each operational area there are several process units that an operator may be assigned to after their initial basic training has been successfully completed. Each process unit has specific job tasks an operator must be able perform.

Operators are responsible for monitoring the operation of their assigned unit during their shift. Operators act independently and with other personnel to maintain and operate equipment and processes as well as respond to directives from the console or operations supervisors. Some of the processes use hazardous and volatile materials under high temperature and pressure. Typical working conditions include the weather typical of Southeastern Pennsylvania, exposure to noise, heat, and vibration. Working from heights and occasionally in confined spaces is also required.
An operator must follow safe work practices including the wearing of various types Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and perform various duties required to keep their assigned process unit / area operating safely, environmentally compliant, efficiently and at the targeted production and product specifications.

Essential Responsibilities

* Makes routine process unit rounds, documents / inputs the required data into the Operator Mobility Hand Held Device or manually on a paper round sheet.
* Checks and monitors mechanical equipment including pumps, compressors, heaters, exchangers, reactors, piping circuits and valves for operability and defects.
* Operates, starts / stops pumps, steam driven turbines, compressors, fired heaters, motor operated valves, safety and protective equipment etc.
* Executes various types of work permits, conducts gas testing and performs Lockout Tag Out and Isolation of equipment and systems.
* Makes manual process and oil flow lineup changes by opening or closing valves, adjusting heater dampers, setting piping line ups, adjusting chemical injections, changing manifold lineups, etc. Verifies line ups by using the "Walk The Line Program" to ensure system integrity and that the lineup is correct.
* Loads and unloads tractor trailer tankers and rail car tankers.
* Operates fork lifts, scissor lifts and high reach equipment as required.
* Executes various daily, weekly and or monthly equipment checklists to maintain and verify equipment operability.
* Supports and assists in the training and education of other operators as requested.
* Draws liquid and gas product and intermediate stream samples for lab analysis.
* Conducts thorough shift turnovers with the relief operator in the operator shelter.
* Provide complete and accurate log book entries, detailing all shift activities and adding comments to document and explain any non-routine tasks.
* Responds to emergencies and process upsets in the process area, acts decisively under pressure while exercising good judgement.
* Performs minor maintenance such as, repairing / replacing steam traps, installing small blinds, pulling and cleaning pump screens, replacing filters, lubricating equipment, cleaning sight glasses, installing temporary insulation, drain / flush / purge / clean equipment, etc.
* Perform daily housekeeping to keep your assigned unit clean, free of debris and trash.
* Utilizes and follows operating procedures and refinery guidelines to start up, shutdown, maintain, prepare for maintenance and adjust process equipment, vessels, towers and units, etc.


Education, Experience, and Skill Requirement
* High School Diploma or GED.
* Process Operator Technology Certificate or related degree preferred. Equivalent industry experience is also acceptable.
* Basic math, reading, writing and verbal communication skills.
* Good mechanical aptitude
* Basic computer skills including typing, use of email software to receive and write communication, and other software programs for training, data entry, maintenance work requests, warehouse orders etc.
* Possess a strong attention to detail.
* Must be eligible to obtain a US Government TWIC ID Card.
* Must pass a Console Operator Basic Requirements Assessment or Cobra Test.
* Must be mechanically inclined and have the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment issues.
* Must pass a Functional Field Agility Test with the ability to lift 50 pounds.
* A successful candidate will be required to take a physical examination, consent to drug and alcohol screening and a fit for duty examination that includes respirator fit testing.
* A successful candidate will be required to participate in and pass the following training programs:
o Refinery Basic Operator Training Program.
o Refinery Job Specific Training Program
o Various Health, Safety & Environmental Training Programs.

Preferred Candidates:
* 5 years of experience working in a petro-chemical facility.
* Emergency Response Training, Experience and/or Certifications.