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Petroleum Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HF Sinclair

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial. * Ability to provide clear ... Petroleum refinery, and plant environment including but not limited chemicals, pressure vessels ...

HollyFrontier

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial. * Ability to provide clear ... Petroleum refinery, and plant environment including but not limited chemicals, pressure vessels ...

HF Sinclair

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial. * Ability to provide clear ... Petroleum refinery, and plant environment including but not limited chemicals, pressure vessels ...

United States Army

Petroleum Supply Specialist Job Overview: You will be instrumental in establishing and maintaining ... Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ...

United States Army

Petroleum Supply Specialist Job Overview: You will be instrumental in establishing and maintaining ... Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ...

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All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsPetroleum Refinery Jobs

Petroleum Refinery information

See salary details

$35.5K

$41.9K

$47.5K

How much do petroleum refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum refinery in the United States is $41,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a petroleum refinery?

A petroleum refinery is an industrial facility where crude oil is processed and transformed into useful products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and various petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating crude oil into its different components through distillation and then further refining those components using chemical processes. Refineries play a crucial role in producing fuels and materials that are essential for transportation, manufacturing, and daily life. These complex operations employ advanced technologies and rigorous safety and environmental controls to ensure efficient and responsible production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a petroleum refinery operator?

To thrive as a Petroleum Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring software, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are critical for safely managing complex refinery operations, ensuring efficiency, and preventing accidents or costly disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a petroleum refinery, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in petroleum refineries often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety standards, adapting to rapidly changing operational demands, and troubleshooting complex technical issues. To address these, it's important to stay current with safety protocols, participate in regular training, and collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams, including engineers, operators, and maintenance staff. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are also crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring efficient production.

What is the difference between Petroleum Refinery vs Petroleum Process Technician?

AspectPetroleum RefineryPetroleum Process Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in refinery operationsHigh school diploma, technical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentRefinery plants, industrial settings, often shift workRefinery facilities, plant floors, industrial environments
Job RoleOversees entire refinery operations, manages processesOperates and monitors specific processing units within the refinery

The Petroleum Refinery is responsible for managing the entire refining process, while the Petroleum Process Technician focuses on operating specific units within the refinery. Both roles require technical certifications and work in industrial environments, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How do you get into a petroleum refinery?

To work as a petroleum refinery worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant technical training or certifications such as OSHA safety training. Many positions require experience in industrial settings or technical skills related to process operations, and some roles may require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Entry often involves applying through company websites or staffing agencies and passing safety and skills assessments.

Is it hard to get a job at a petroleum refinery?

Getting a job at a petroleum refinery can be competitive and often requires relevant technical skills, safety training, and certifications such as OSHA or process safety management. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain with proper training, but higher-skilled roles typically demand experience and specialized knowledge of refinery operations and equipment.
More about Petroleum Refinery jobs

What cities are hiring for Petroleum Refinery jobs?

Cities with the most Petroleum Refinery job openings:

What states have the most Petroleum Refinery jobs?

States with the most job openings for Petroleum Refinery jobs include:

Petroleum Refinery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Petroleum Refinery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,940 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Petroleum Inspector

Coastal Gulf & International, Inc.

Nederland, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Purpose:
Performs routine inspection work in petroleum, petrochemical terminals, and refineries; also performs inspection work on board barges and ships following industry standards and procedures as well as the sampling and transportation of samples to the company’s laboratory and storage facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Take product measurements and samples; accurately and promptly; perform related calculations; complete required reports and forms; perform inventories; do non-petroleum or chemical inspection assignments.
  • Verify the accuracy of measurement equipment and keep all issued equipment clean and in good condition at all times.
  • Perform visual cleanliness inspections of tanks including entering confined spaces.
  • Work safely in the presence of hazardous materials as defined in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets.
  • Perform other inspection department duties assigned by Operations.
  • Exercise procedural, safety, and quality requirements specified by Coastal Gulf & International.
  • Attend training and pass appropriate examinations in petroleum, chemical, and gas inspection procedures, including Right-to-Know training, hazardous materials transportation, and other safety training required by applicable regulations.
  • Inspectors must be ready to accept job assignments at any time and must be willing to work on an on-call basis.
  • Read and understand all job and safety requirements in English.
  • Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
  • All other duties are assigned by management.

Other Duties:
  • Management reserves the right to change job duties with or without notice.

Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret instructional and technical materials relating to procedures, safety; and applicable government regulations.
  • Write useful reports and correspondence.
  • Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, schedulers, and clients.
  • Basic mathematical skills include; adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Compute rate, ratio, percent, and quantities (linear, volume, or weight), and read and interpolate applicable data and tables.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats.
  • Familiarity with basic computer skills including MS Word and MS Excel.
  • Inspectors must have a vehicle in good, safe operating condition that can be used on the job for sample transportation.
  • Local travel and occasional out-of-town assignments are required.
  • Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and onboard marine vessels.

Qualifications:
  • Must have internal and external customer service skills.
  • The candidate must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
  • Have a great work history and a responsible individual track record.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • TWIC card required.
  • IFIA certification preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • This position is performed inside and outside weather conditions including extreme heat and
    cold.

Travel: 50-75% of Travel is required.

Physical Requirements:
  • The working environment and physical demands described here are representative, but not necessarily all-inclusive, of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Job conditions require standing, walking, sitting, twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, talking or hearing, making visual inspections, making precise hand and finger movements, reaching or grasping, lifting and/or carrying up to 75lbs, pushing and/or pulling up to 40lbs, climbing up to 180ft, perceiving color difference, ability to wear personal protective equipment (beards not permitted), and strenuous physical activity.
  • Office and Field-Based position, petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, driver-based environment including but not limited to chemicals, pressure vessels, tanks, rotating equipment, and working in confined spaces.
  • Subject to all temperatures, weather, and road conditions. The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
  • The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat, or exposure to chemicals.

AAP/EEO: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.