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Refinery Helper Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Roquette Frères

Plant Production Manager

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$131K - $178K/yr

Want to help us make a difference? Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers ... Plant Production Manager - Refinery F We are looking for our next Plant Production Manager within ...

Roquette

Plant Production Manager

Keokuk, IA

$131K - $178K/yr

Want to help us make a difference? Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers ... Plant Production Manager - Refinery F We are looking for our next Plant Production Manager within ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices for ladle refining process. * Perform raw material testing to ensure conformity of vendor materials ...

Clean Harbors

Route Sales & Service Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23/hr

... 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 ...

Winnavegas Casino Resort

Database Administrator

Sloan, IA · On-site

$45K - $74K/yr

Health insurance * Help or transport service * Opportunity for advancement * Paid time off ... The database supervisor is responsible for developing, testing, refining, and implementing database ...

Aire Serv of Iowa City

Be Seen First

HVAC Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

We want people who are flexible, willing to learn, and who help each other. A "get it done" attitude and a constructive mindset are important as we refine processes and grow together. What We Seek in ...

Aire Serv of Iowa City

Be Seen First

HVAC Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

We want people who are flexible, willing to learn, and who help each other. A "get it done" attitude and a constructive mindset are important as we refine processes and grow together. What We Seek in ...

Lightedge

Sr. AI Integration Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$101K - $136K/yr

If you are passionate about creating real solutions that help businesses with cutting-edge ... Work directly with internal teams to gather requirements, refine scope, collect feedback, and ...

Premier Cooperative

Energy Sales Specialist

Ossian, IA · On-site

... sales, and helping members and customers identify solutions that meet their fuel, propane ... Promote propane, refined fuels, lubricants, and related energy products and services. * Conduct ...

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All JobsRefinery Helper JobsRefinery Helper Jobs in Iowa

Refinery Helper information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do refinery helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery helper in Iowa is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Refinery Helpers?

Refinery Helpers are entry-level workers who assist in the day-to-day operations at oil refineries or chemical plants. Their duties typically include helping with equipment maintenance, cleaning work areas, handling tools and materials, and supporting skilled technicians and operators. Refinery Helpers play an important role in ensuring that the facility runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. This position often serves as a starting point for those seeking a career in refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Refinery Helpers during their shifts?

Refinery Helpers often encounter challenges such as working in noisy or hot environments, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and handling physically demanding tasks like lifting heavy materials or equipment. They may also need to quickly adapt to changing priorities or assist with unexpected maintenance issues. Effective communication with team members and attention to detail are crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency on the job.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Refinery helpers typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive, specialized engineering, or management roles in the oil and gas industry. High-paying positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience. Entry-level refinery helper roles generally offer lower compensation, with higher salaries found in senior or specialized positions.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial safety procedures, hand and power tools, and sometimes OSHA or HAZMAT certifications are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient refinery operations and to minimize risks in a hazardous environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery helpers typically do not earn $4,000 per week; however, some high-paying trades like oilfield workers, commercial pilots, or specialized construction roles can reach or exceed that level without a college degree. These jobs often require technical training, certifications, or extensive experience and may involve shift work or hazardous environments.

What is a refinery helper?

A refinery helper is a worker who assists with various tasks in a petroleum or chemical refinery, such as cleaning, equipment maintenance, and supporting skilled operators. The role often requires physical labor, knowledge of safety procedures, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training. They work in industrial environments and may operate basic tools or machinery under supervision.

What is the difference between Refinery Helper vs Oil & Gas Technician?

AspectRefinery HelperOil & Gas Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingTechnical certifications or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentRefineries, industrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesOil rigs, drilling sites, production facilities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in refining processesInvolved in exploration, drilling, and production
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment, cleaning, maintenanceMonitoring operations, troubleshooting, technical tasks

Refinery Helpers typically assist with basic tasks in refinery settings, requiring minimal formal education. Oil & Gas Technicians often perform more technical duties in exploration and production environments, sometimes requiring specialized certifications. While both roles support the energy industry, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a refinery helper position can be competitive and typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with physical stamina and the ability to work in demanding environments. Relevant skills include safety awareness and basic mechanical knowledge, and some employers may require certifications such as OSHA training. Entry-level roles often have straightforward application processes, but advancing may require additional experience or technical training.
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Helper jobs in Iowa? For Refinery Helper jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Helper jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Helper jobs in Iowa are:
Refinery Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Helper job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,278 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Plant Production Manager

Roquette Frères

Keokuk, IA • On-site

$131K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients.
Want to help us make a difference?
Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients.
Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.
Plant Production Manager - Refinery F
We are looking for our next Plant Production Manager within our Refinery F team. The Plant Production Manager will be responsible for providing frontline operational leadership for assigned production teams in a food-grade manufacturing environment producing polyols, mannitol, and maltitol. Reporting to the Senior Production Manager, this role leads salaried and bargaining unit employees ensuring safe operations, environmental compliance, and product quality while driving KPI performance and supporting broader business goals.
This position is located in Keokuk, IA.
Compensation:
The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $131,731 - $178,322. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
What You'll Do:
Operational Leadership and Production Execution
  • Lead day-to-day production operations for Refinery F.
  • Monitor operational performance across multiple rotating shifts and set daily production priorities to meet customer requirements and plant objectives.
  • Ensure production activities are executed in a way that delivers product right the first time and supports on-time shipment performance.
  • Interpret process conditions, product specifications, and customer requirements to make sound operating decisions that protect quality and performance.

Team Guidance and Accountability
  • As Roquette Keokuk is a 24/7 operation, this prime leadership role for Refinery F will reflect that model when necessary.
  • Provide tactical and strategic direction for the assigned teams so they can meet operational responsibilities, shifting priorities, and performance expectations.
  • Create a culture of accountability, responsiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure team members understand expectations related to safety, quality, output, systems accuracy, and operational discipline.

KPI Management and Performance Analysis
  • Gather, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for Refinery F to include safety, environmental, quality, production attainment, reliability, yields, capacity, cost, downtime, and other operational performance measures.
  • Understand, communicate, and achieve KPI targets through well thought out action plans.
  • Use data trends and performance results to identify issues, prioritize resources, and drive corrective or improvement actions.
  • Lead regular team reviews of KPI results and reinforce accountability for performance outcomes.

SAP / Symphony Accuracy and Production Data Integrity
  • Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of production-related entries in Symphony and SAP.
  • Validate production transactions, material movements, inventory-related entries, and other system inputs needed to support production accounting and operational decision-making.
  • Reinforce transactional discipline and follow-up within the team to ensure system data reflects actual plant activity.
  • Investigate and resolve data discrepancies and partner with appropriate teams to improve reporting accuracy and process consistency.
  • Support team understanding of production accounting expectations, which is important to the role.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance
  • Lead operations with a strong focus on safe actions, environmental compliance, and quality production.
  • Ensure team knowledge, understanding, and compliance with all policies, procedures, work instructions, and quality control standards.
  • Maintain sound process controls through refinery personnel and promote disciplined execution of standard operating practices.
  • As necessary, lead RCA investigations for Refinery F.

Planning, Coordination, and Resource Management
  • Support and lead planning for Refinery F production, maintenance, and operational activities to maximize efficiency and achieve quality and performance targets.
  • Partner closely with Maintenance and other departments to balance production needs, maintenance spending, asset health, and equipment availability.
  • Manage spending within area budget requirements and support effective use of labor and plant resources.
  • Coordinate across functions to remove barriers and improve execution of plant priorities.

Troubleshooting and Continuous Improvement
  • Lead technical and non-technical troubleshooting efforts, engaging team members and technical resources to resolve moderate to complex issues.
  • Identify and remove barriers to operational improvement and encourage ideas and solutions from employees, engineers, team leaders, and other departments.
  • Drive continuous improvement in reliability, productivity, quality, process control, and operating efficiency.
  • Support innovation and practical problem-solving that improves refinery performance over time.

People Leadership and Development
  • Lead Refinery F teams with clear, consistent communication and strong day-to-day leadership.
  • Develop employees through training, coaching, objective setting, evaluation, and performance reviews.
  • Build team capability in the understanding of Refinery F operations practices, systems, and troubleshooting.
  • Guide interpretation and compliance with the bargaining unit contract and resolve complex personnel issues with Human Resources as needed.
  • Foster a respectful, accountable, and high-performing team environment.

What You'll Need:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent technical process experience.

Experience:
  • 8+ years of experience in a food and/or chemical continuous processing plant; 10+ years preferred.
  • 8+ years of leadership and/or supervisory experience desired.
  • Demonstrated leadership, coaching, communication, and facilitation skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in program or project development and execution.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to multitask and lead cross-functional teams.
  • Strong understanding of chemical unit operations in food-grade processes, food-grade processing theory and application, mechanical aptitude with process equipment, and production accounting.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute short- and medium-term production plans to meet output requirements.
  • Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving capability.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred:
  • Experience with SAP and Symphony or similar ERP/manufacturing systems.
  • Experience managing KPI performance in a complex manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in unionized operations.
  • Experience in specialty ingredient, polyol, mannitol, or maltitol manufacturing environments.

Work Environment
  • This role spends approximately 50% of the time in an office environment and 50% of the time in the plant environment.

Physical Demands
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; work in hot, cold and loud environments. Employee must be able to wear a respirator.

Business Travel:
  • Travel will be required when working on projects at other manufacturing plants (currently US, Canada, Brazil).
  • 80% of projects take place in Keokuk, IA.
  • Occasional international travel may be expected.

AAP/EEO Statement
Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
If you identify yourself in this position, please apply by uploading your resume and let's start the journey together!
Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.
Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws.
As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.
To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com

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