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Refinery Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Manager Refinery Operations

Wichita, KS · On-site

Safety-Kleen Systems , in Wichita , KS , is hiring for Refinery Operations Manager , to join their safety conscious team! This Manager will need to have strong leadership skills to see over ...

Clean Harbors

Manager Refinery Operations

Wichita, KS · On-site

$191K/yr

Safety-Kleen Systems , in Wichita , KS , is hiring for Refinery Operations Manager , to join their safety conscious team! This Manager will need to have strong leadership skills to see over ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

Samples process streams and assists with tank farm operations. * Gauges all process tanks every ... Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery. * Loads and unloads tankers and railcars. What ...

calumet

Operations Manager

Great Falls, MT

This position is a key member of the refinery leadership team and partners closely with Maintenance ... Operations Leadership * Provide leadership and oversight for refinery operations, including ...

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Refinery Operations information

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$9

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$49

How much do refinery operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do operators do in a refinery?

Refinery operators monitor and control equipment used in the processing of crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret data from gauges and control panels, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient and safe operations.

What are some common challenges faced in refinery operations and how are they typically addressed?

One common challenge in refinery operations is managing the complexity of processes while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. Operators must constantly monitor equipment and adjust parameters to optimize production, often responding quickly to changing conditions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as operators frequently collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and safety teams to troubleshoot issues. Regular training and adherence to established protocols help mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery operations jobs typically require technical training and certifications rather than a college degree, and they can pay around $4,000 or more per week for experienced workers in roles such as senior operators or specialized technicians. High-paying roles in the energy or manufacturing sectors often depend on skills, experience, and certifications like OSHA or process safety management, rather than formal degrees.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In refinery operations, high-level executive roles such as refinery managers or plant directors can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical knowledge, and leadership skills, often supported by industry certifications and a strong understanding of safety and process optimization.

What is the difference between Refinery Operations vs Refinery Maintenance Technician?

AspectRefinery OperationsRefinery Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, and process areasMaintenance workshops, plant floors, and equipment areas
Employer & Industry UsageRefineries, petrochemical plants, energy companiesRefineries, petrochemical plants, industrial facilities

Refinery Operations focus on managing and controlling the refining process, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Refinery Maintenance Technicians handle equipment repairs and upkeep. Both roles are essential in the refinery industry and often work closely together to maintain smooth plant operations.

What are refinery operations?

Refinery operations involve the processes and activities required to convert crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. This includes tasks like distillation, cracking, blending, and treating to remove impurities and produce high-quality fuels and chemicals. Operators monitor and control equipment, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and perform routine maintenance to keep the refinery running efficiently. The goal of refinery operations is to maximize output while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

How much do refinery operators make in the US?

Refinery operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced workers and those in higher-cost-of-living areas earning more. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the refinery environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Refinery Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Refinery Operations, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in engineering or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with process control systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and safety management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding operators apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations in a highly regulated and complex environment.
More about Refinery Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Refinery Operations jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Operations job openings:
What states have the most Refinery Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operations jobs are:
Refinery Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Manager Refinery Operations

CleanHarbors

Wichita, KS

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Safety-Kleen Systems, in Wichita, KS, is hiring for Refinery Operations Manager, to join their safety conscious team! This Manager will need to have strong leadership skills to see over operations, re-fining processes to include associated Tank Farms and Utilities. Main point of contact between Shipping & Receiving, Maintenance and our Laboratory Groups. Ensure Health & Safety, quality, environmental and production goals are met.  Manage operating expenditures for catalyst, chemicals, supplies and utilities. Monitors, manages, and reports overall production of refinery verses plan.

Why work for Safety-Kleen?

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority, and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Leader in environmental products and services
  • Competitive pay and benefits
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days
  • 401K
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Positive and safe work environments 

What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen?

  • Bachelor Chemical or Mechanical Engineering Preferred
  • 5 to 7 years' experience in a Petroleum or Chemical Processing Industry 
  • Strong technical aptitude in refining operations preferred
  • Experience in a metrics based environment
  • Ability to analyze KPIs and adjust strategy to meet organizational goals
  • The ability to influence, motivate and communicate with all levels of an organization
  • Ability to plan, organize, make decisions, and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
  • Change Leadership a plus!
  • Computer savvy!
     

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 and its subsidiaries are 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.

*SK

#LI-LP1

  • Budget cost for re-refinery process chemicals, catalyst, supplies, utilities
  • Manages the selection of hydro treating catalyst 5%
  • Participates in shutdown planning activities, process troubleshooting, monitoring and analysis of process data
  • Key player in lines of communication between management and the operations group staff
  • Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, evaluation and discipline of staff
  • Ensures process operation within safe operating limits, compliance with all regulatory, permit and corporate 
  • Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) requirements and ISO quality standards
  • Oversee and participate in ongoing preparation, revision and approval of SOP's for refinery
  • Review and update training plans

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