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Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Refinery Operator, you will be an integral part of our operations, working alongside a team of skilled operators to monitor, regulate, troubleshoot, and safely operate our complex process ...

Refinery Operator

Quincy, MA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems (Hydrolyzer, Fractionator, O/S, Stills, Evaporation Trains, Glycerin Refinery and other ancillary ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

SALT Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

SALT Refinery Superintendent LOCATION: Newark, California ***Relocation Assistance Available BASE SALARY: $124,000 to $160,000 INDUSTRY: Food & Beverages JOB CATEGORY: Manufacturing - Plant ...

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery. * Loads and unloads tankers and railcars. What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors Company? * Previous experience working in a ...

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refinery information

See salary details

$35.5K

$41.9K

$47.5K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 refinery?

A refinery is a massive industrial operation where a specific chemical engineering process is used to convert raw materials into usable products. One example is a refinery that turns crude oil into a range of products, such as petroleum, diesel, and heating oil. Sugar refineries take harvested cane or beets and convert the plants’ natural sugars into a crystallized form for sale in grocery stores or use in food production. Metal refineries may process a variety of metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, for a variety of purposes like manufacturing steel beams for use in the construction industry.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is an industrial facility where raw materials—most commonly crude oil—are processed and transformed into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating, purifying, and converting the raw materials through various physical and chemical methods. Refineries play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, ensuring that crude oil and other feedstocks are converted into market-ready fuels and products. Workers in refineries typically specialize in areas like operations, maintenance, safety, and quality control to ensure efficient and safe production.

What is the difference between Refinery vs Petrochemical Technician?

AspectRefineryPetrochemical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, processing units, industrial plantsPetrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining industryIn chemical and petrochemical industries

Refinery workers focus on processing crude oil into usable products, while petrochemical technicians work in chemical plants producing plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Both roles require technical skills and safety knowledge, but refinery roles are more centered on oil processing, whereas petrochemical technicians specialize in chemical manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification relevant to industrial operations. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for effectively managing operations and responding to issues. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a refinery, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working in a refinery often involves navigating complex equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and operating in a fast-paced environment. New employees may find the scale of operations and the emphasis on teamwork and communication challenging at first. To prepare, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry safety standards, develop strong attention to detail, and be open to ongoing training. Building good relationships with more experienced colleagues can also help ease the transition and provide valuable on-the-job insights.
What cities are hiring for Refinery jobs? Cities with the most Refinery job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs? The most popular types of Refinery jobs are:
What states have the most Refinery jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,940 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Refinery Operator

  • Support safe refinery operations while learning the processes that help produce materials the world needs
  • Join a close, safety-focused team with paid training and opportunities to progress through Rio Tinto qualifications
  • Work a rotating 12-hour schedule at our Kennecott refinery near Salt Lake City, Utah, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays

At Rio Tinto, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to succeed. We actively encourage applications from women and from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We know that great capability comes in many forms, and we are focused on building teams that reflect the communities we operate in and support each other to do their best work.

We're Finding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care, courage and curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About the role

We are looking for a Refinery Operator to join our Precious Metals department at the Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper Refinery. Refining experience is not required, as training will be provided to help you learn the processes, equipment, and safety standards needed to succeed in the role.

This is a great opportunity for a motivated and safety-focused individual to work in a close team environment while developing skills through Rio Tinto training qualifications and progressing in pay as qualifications are completed.

This role works a rotating 12-hour schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, on a 4 on/4 off rotation with approximately two weeks of days and two weeks of nights.

The work environment can be hot, dusty, humid, and physically demanding. The role includes working around chemicals, acid, and caustic materials, wearing required PPE, completing respirator fit testing requirements, remaining clean shaven every day is required for respirator fit, climbing stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and working in confined spaces.

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor and working in a diverse refinery team, you will be trained to:

  • Perform operating duties in the refining process while working safely around automated equipment, forklifts, chemicals, and refinery systems
  • Follow standard operating procedures, critical risk controls, and required PPE expectations to support safe and reliable operations
  • Actively care for your own safety and the safety of your teammates every hour of every shift
  • Monitor equipment and work areas, communicate concerns, and support safe handover of work activities
  • Work in a hot, dusty, humid, and physically active refinery environment, including stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and confined spaces
  • Participate in training, qualification activities, and continuous learning to build refinery operating capability
About you
  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
  • High school diploma or GED and minimum 18 years of age to align with Rio Tinto Safety Standards for this role
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability and commitment to work a rotating 12-hour schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays on a 4 on/4 off rotation
  • Ability to meet daily respirator fit requirements, including being clean shaven where required for respirator use, and work safely around chemicals, acid, and caustic materials
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work, including climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, working in confined spaces, and wearing required PPE in hot, dusty, and humid conditions

Transferable experience from processing, 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 profile does not fully meet all qualifications, we encourage you to apply; transferable skills and the right attitude are highly valued.

This role is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

What we offer

Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress.

  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401(k) matching program
  • Attractive share ownership plan
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life, including paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you are able to spend quality time with your new family
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges
Where you'll be working

Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, tellurium, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.


About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.