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Petroleum Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK

... petroleum market. Our North Pole Refinery built in 1985 is a 22,000 bbl/day facility, producing ... Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a ...

HF Sinclair

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Manages the daily optimization activities to ensure the refinery is operating at plan feed rates ... Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial. * Ability to provide clear ...

HF Sinclair

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Manages the daily optimization activities to ensure the refinery is operating at plan feed rates ... Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial. * Ability to provide clear ...

HollyFrontier

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Manages the daily optimization activities to ensure the refinery is operating at plan feed rates ... Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial. * Ability to provide clear ...

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Petroleum Refinery Operator information

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How much do petroleum refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for petroleum refinery operator 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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Petroleum refinery operators can earn around $4,000 or more per week, especially with experience, overtime, and specialized certifications. These roles typically require technical skills, safety training, and knowledge of refinery equipment, but often do not require a college degree. High-paying positions in skilled trades or industrial settings may also reach this level without a degree.

What are some common challenges Petroleum Refinery Operators face during shift work, and how can they manage them effectively?

Petroleum Refinery Operators often work rotating shifts, which can include nights, weekends, and holidays. One common challenge is maintaining alertness and consistent performance during long or overnight shifts, as well as managing fatigue. Effective ways to address these challenges include adhering to a regular sleep schedule, taking short breaks when possible, and communicating closely with team members to ensure safety and operational continuity. Additionally, operators often use checklists and digital monitoring systems to stay organized and minimize errors during transitions between shifts.

What does a Petroleum Refinery Operator do?

A Petroleum Refinery Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment and processes that convert crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They regulate the flow of oil, adjust temperature and pressure, and ensure all systems run safely and efficiently. Operators also test samples, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. Their role is essential for maintaining smooth refinery operations and meeting production targets.

What is the difference between Petroleum Refinery Operator vs Chemical Plant Operator?

AspectPetroleum Refinery OperatorChemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training; certifications in refinery operationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training; certifications in chemical processing
Work EnvironmentRefineries, processing units, industrial plantsChemical manufacturing facilities, processing plants
Industry UsageOil and gas industry, energy sectorChemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, plastics

Petroleum Refinery Operators and Chemical Plant Operators share similar credentials and work environments, often requiring technical training and certifications. While refinery operators focus on processing crude oil into usable products within the oil industry, chemical plant operators manage chemical reactions and processes in manufacturing plants. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but they serve different sectors and product outputs.

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

To thrive as a Petroleum Refinery Operator, you need a strong understanding of process operations, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to issues and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations while minimizing risks and downtime.

How do I become an oil refinery operator?

To become a petroleum refinery operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical education in process technology or related fields. Many operators gain experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions, and some obtain certifications such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) to enhance their qualifications. Strong mechanical skills, attention to safety, and the ability to work in a demanding environment are essential.

Is it hard to get into a refinery?

Petroleum refinery operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certifications. Entry can be competitive, and prior experience or technical skills in operating complex equipment are often preferred. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a safety-focused environment are also important factors for employment.

How much does a petroleum operator make?

A petroleum refinery operator typically earns a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in industrial environments, operating and monitoring refinery equipment and processes.
More about Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs
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What states have the most Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs are:
Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Petroleum Refinery Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,216 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee

ASRC

North Pole, AK

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Petro Star Inc. is a subsidiary of ASRC and was formed in 1984 to fill a unique role in Alaska's petroleum market. Our North Pole Refinery built in 1985 is a 22,000 bbl/day facility, producing heating fuel, kerosene, diesel, jet fuels, and asphalt base oil for the Interior and Northern Alaska communities. 

We operate our businesses reliably and efficiently by strategically developing energy resources to meet growing consumer demands.  Petro Star is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees and the public, as well as promoting concern and respect for the environment.  As an employer, Petro Star is one of the best companies in Alaska providing tremendous future potential where talented people thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for monitoring, controlling and conducting activities that pertain to the safe operation of the refinery, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure that all conditions and operations are in compliance with safety, environmental and operating policies and procedures.
Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (and other duties as assigned)

  • The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. Operator Trainee 3's that successfully complete their training program will have an opportunity to advance to the Operator 1 position.
  • Learn the refinery hazards, safety procedures, distillation process and the various components, which make up the refinery.  [During the course of the one-year training period, trainees will be provided with training regarding the plant's hazards, safety procedures and educational materials explaining the distillation process and various components, which make up the refinery.]  The trainee will be tested quarterly for comprehension of assigned training curriculum.
  • Operators and trainees will work side-by-side on a 12 hour 7 days on / 7 days off work schedule.  The trainee will help cover shifts and may not follow the typical shift rotation of two shifts of days and two shifts of nights. Together, the operators and trainees will constitute a "shift" and be responsible for all aspects of the refinery's operation, ranging from housekeeping and maintenance of the unit and property to operation of the process unit during steady-state conditions or start-ups/shutdowns and process upsets.
  • While personal safety and safe operation of the refinery are the most important goals, trainees will be expected to participate in all new construction projects and turnarounds (maintenance work undertaken while the process unit is offline).  Many times, this work will fall on non-shift days, and while Petro Star will not usually require you to work overtime, you should be willing to work a reasonable amount of O/T if requested.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Process technology AA Degree preferred.
  • Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or construction skills are beneficial but not required.
  • Good math skills.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Ability to quickly grasp and master complex ideas and procedures.
  • Ability to work and function well with other people in a team environment.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • This is not a rotational job on the North Slope.  You must live in the Fairbanks / North Pole area or be willing to relocate at your own expense.
     

Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status or any other legal protected status.  EOE:  M|F|D|V

Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. 
ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.

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