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Refinery Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$16.39 - $38.08/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon ...

CleanHarbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN

  • Medical

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position ... Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Glenwood, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Dixmoor, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Lemont, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Oak Lawn, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Winfield, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Aurora, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Lakeview, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Mokena, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Dolton, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

United States Army

Refinery Inspection Engineer

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Terminal Operator, Compliance Specialist, Refinery Inspection Engineer. About Our Organization: The ... helping you build the future you are looking for and improve yourself in the process. Be All You ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRefinery Helper JobsRefinery Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL

Refinery Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$18

$23

How much do refinery helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery helper in Chicago, IL is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery helper?

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 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 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 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.

What does a refinery helper do in a refinery?

A refinery helper assists skilled workers in maintaining and operating refinery equipment, performing tasks such as cleaning, loading materials, and supporting safety procedures. They often work in hazardous environments and may need to follow safety protocols and use basic tools or protective gear.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Helper jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Helper jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Refinery Helper jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Refinery Helper job openings:

Refinery Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,594 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Refinery Operator I

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN • On-site

$16.39 - $38.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 6 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 91 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

Responsibilities
  • 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

Qualifications
  • 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.
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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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