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Oil Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EcoLube Recovery

Refinery Operator

Portland, OR

$22 - $24/hr

We specialize in the re-refining of used oil into base oils for new motor oils, hydraulic systems, and more. As a Refinery Operator, you will be an integral part of our operations, working alongside ...

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Archer Daniels Midland

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Production Worker - Mankato, MN This is a full-time, hourly position in our ADM Mankato Oil Refinery. Position Summary: We are looking for an individual ready to take on challenges and ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

CleanHarbors

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

Ag Processing, Inc.

Lab Tech

Hastings, NE · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Ag Processing Inc (AGP) is looking for a detail-oriented and motivated individual to contribute to the lab operations at our Hastings soy oil refinery plant. Responsibilities Include: * Safely ...

Ag Processing, Inc.

Lab Tech

Hastings, NE · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Ag Processing Inc (AGP) is looking for a detail-oriented and motivated individual to contribute to the lab operations at our Hastings soy oil refinery plant. Responsibilities Include: * Safely ...

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Oil Refinery information

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$10

$15

$22

How much do oil refinery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil refinery in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the oil refinery industry, roles such as experienced refinery operators, maintenance supervisors, or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 per week, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require technical skills, safety training, and on-the-job experience rather than a formal degree.

What do oil refinery workers do?

Oil refinery workers are responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to process crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals. They monitor instruments and control systems, perform routine inspections, and troubleshoot issues to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the refinery. Safety is a major concern in this field, so workers must follow strict protocols and respond quickly to any emergencies. Additionally, they may be involved in quality control and environmental compliance activities.

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

To thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or vocational training in process technology. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), safety management systems, and certifications such as OSHA or HAZMAT are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help operators manage complex systems and respond effectively to emergencies. These competencies are vital to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in a high-risk industrial environment.

What is the difference between Oil Refinery vs Oil Refinery Operator?

AspectOil RefineryOil Refinery Operator
Primary RoleOversees entire refinery operations, manages processes, and ensures safety and efficiencyOperates and monitors specific equipment and processes within the refinery
CredentialsTypically requires engineering or technical degrees, certifications in safety and process controlRequires technical training, certifications in plant operation and safety
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor, overseeing multiple departmentsPrimarily on the plant floor, operating machinery and monitoring systems
Industry UsageUsed to describe the entire facility or companyRefers to the individual responsible for daily operational tasks

In summary, an Oil Refinery is the facility or organization, while an Oil Refinery Operator is a key worker responsible for operating equipment within the refinery. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do I get into an oil refinery?

To work as an oil refinery worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant technical training or certifications such as OSHA safety courses. Many positions require experience in industrial settings or technical skills related to process operations, and some roles may require a valid driver's license or ability to work rotating shifts in a safety-conscious environment.

What Are Jobs in an Oil Refinery?

Jobs in an oil refinery involve moving and processing materials, as well as managing the daily operations. Your responsibilities in an oil refinery may include operating equipment to transport large amounts of crude oil, controlling the oil pressure, monitoring for other problems, and generally working to create useful raw materials for petroleum products. Other duties may include conducting visual inspections of equipment, communicating with team members, performing scheduled maintenance, ensuring a clean work area, adjusting machines, and complying with safety and environmental procedures. Many refinery jobs have a narrow focus. For example, refinery loaders almost exclusively handle unloading materials from trucks and railcars.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in an oil refinery environment?

Employees in oil refineries often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols due to the presence of hazardous materials and high-pressure equipment. The work environment can be physically demanding, involving shift work or long hours, and requires constant vigilance to prevent accidents. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication are essential, as many tasks are performed collaboratively to ensure smooth operation and compliance with environmental regulations.

What do you do at an oil refinery job?

An oil refinery worker is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to process crude oil into refined products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The job involves monitoring systems, performing safety checks, troubleshooting machinery, and following strict safety protocols, often requiring technical skills and certifications. Workers typically work in a plant environment with shifts that may include nights and weekends.

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

Getting a job at an oil refinery can be competitive due to the specialized skills and certifications required, such as safety training and technical knowledge of refinery operations. Candidates often need relevant experience, technical education, and sometimes physical fitness to meet job demands and safety standards.
More about Oil Refinery jobs
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Oil Refinery jobs near you

PRODUCTION and REFINERY OPERATORS-All Shifts

AarhusKarlshamn

Louisville, KY • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

3rd SHIFT PRODUCTION and REFINERY WORKERS-Louisville, KY

Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Facility 

AAK has been Making Better Happen for 150 years.

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen within the Chocolate & Confectionary, Bakery, Dairy, Candles, Plant-Based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care industries. AAK specializes in plant-based and organic oils that are sourced sustainably. AAK innovates new formulas and provides ingredients to major manufacturers to make chocolate silkier, plant-based burgers juicer, bakery products and pizza crusts flakier and crisper, candles burn better.

At the heart of AAK is our Passionate, Collaborative, Accountable and Agile team Making Better Happen. We are innovating and manufacturing ingredients for food products that people love to consume, candles, personal care products like lotions and lip balms, even infant nutrition formula and adult specialty nutrition drinks.

Sustainability is at the heart of our purpose and embedded in all parts of the AAK value chain. We call this “Making Better Happen – from plant to brand” and this is reflected in our updated framework for sustainability – the House of Sustainability.

Join our 3,900 colleagues throughout the world who are dedicated to Making Better Happen with diversity and inclusion, community relations and environmental responsibility.

Visit us at www.aak.com

AAK in 60 Seconds - Play Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tomfOX1x2q4

We are currently seeking 3rd Shift Production and Refinery Operators for our vegetable oil refinery in Louisville, KY. Production Operators are responsible for controlling the oil coming in and out of the DOP building. The process cleans the oil and adds water and steam as needed to reach certain levels for the products. The Operators control the oil flow overseeing the flow through the systems’ trays and by manually opening/closing valves and using control panels and switches in-between cycle times. DOP Operators must also check oil levels in outside tanks, and quality and temperatures in all tanks and determine if the oil can continue to storage or if it must go back to the hydro building. Finally, DOP Operators are responsible for preparing new oil from the rail carts every week.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
  • 1 or more years in food manufacturing facility or refinery preferred
  • Strong problem solving and math skills
  • Aptitude in machines and industrial knowledge
  • Prior operator experience desired
  • Computer literate (Windows Office, email).
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the US without sponsorship, now and in the future 

AAK Making Better Careers Happen™

AAK promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status and any class of discrimination under state and federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in it’s programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.

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