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Oil Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CleanHarbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Oil and gas experience is an asset! * Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

Rio Tinto

Refinery Operator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, construction, refining, agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, airlines or transportation, warehousing, or logistics may be helpful in this role. Even if your ...

Ventura Foods

Process Operator

Opelousas, LA · On-site

$17.61 - $26.55/hr

Process Operators are responsible for running continuous vegetable oil refinery processes and/or to operate crystallizing, filling and packaging equipment in an efficient and accurate manner. Major ...

Ventura Foods

Process Operator

Opelousas, LA · On-site

$17.61 - $26.55/hr

Process Operators are responsible for running continuous vegetable oil refinery processes and/or to operate crystallizing, filling and packaging equipment in an efficient and accurate manner. Major ...

Ventura Foods

Process Operator

Opelousas, LA · On-site

$17.61 - $26.55/hr

Process Operators are responsible for running continuous vegetable oil refinery processes and/or to operate crystallizing, filling and packaging equipment in an efficient and accurate manner. Major ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

... oil absorbent pads. Wage: $27.74 Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5: * ... Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery. * Loads and unloads tankers and railcars. What ...

Ventura Foods

Process Operator

Opelousas, LA

$17.61 - $26.55/hr

Process Operators are responsible for running continuous vegetable oil refinery processes and/or to operate crystallizing, filling and packaging equipment in an efficient and accurate manner. Major ...

Cargill

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA

$124K - $160K/yr

Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate. Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic ...

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Oil Refinery information

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How much do oil refinery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 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.
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What states have the most Oil Refinery jobs?

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

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Oil Refinery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,578 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Refinery Operator I

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position will focus on refinery operations as a priority task at the facility. This is a Union position starting at $25.47 The employee will need to be flexible to work all shifts, days, swings, and graveyards as needed.
Why work for Safety-Kleen?

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5

  • Competitive wages

  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage

  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement

  • Positive and safe work environments

  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Must be able to obtain a TWIC card is mandatory

  • 1-3 Years experience in a plant or industrial environment preferred

  • 1-3 years in a production driven environment preferred

  • 1+ years forklift experience preferred

  • Oil and gas experience is an asset!

  • Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools

  • Computer literate and can operate an IPAD

  • Punctal for work

  • MS Office Suite - Excel, Word and Outlook

  • Follow direction and take initiative

  • Must be able to work in the elements

  • Must be able to work at heights

  • Lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend, stand for long periods

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.
Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.  

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.  

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.  

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.  

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.  

*SK

#LI-LD1

  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times

  • responsible for sampling from various process equipment and tanks, loading and off loading caustic from tankers

  • Prepare the sample, submit for lab analysis, and enter data in the computer system for tracking and accounting

  • Accurately complete various shipping and receiving documents

  • Perform daily inspections as required by environmental permits and MARSEC (USCG) requirements related to Homeland Security

  • Use a forklift

  • Other duties as required

What Clean Harbors employees say

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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