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Refinery Operations Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... operations in Arizona. The refinery also produces nickel carbonate, copper telluride and autoclaved slimes material containing gold, silver, platinum and palladium. The beautiful city of El Paso ...

Process Engineer - Refinery (Contract) | Big Spring, TXOverview We are seeking experienced Process Engineers to support refinery operations in Big Spring, TX. This role will focus on refinery process ...

Project Manager IV - 8062

Baytown, TX · On-site

$50.75 - $67.50/hr

Experienced working on-site in refinery operations and collaborating closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, Contractors, and Executive Leadership to successfully deliver ...

Project Manager IV - 8062

Sweeny, TX · On-site

$58.75 - $77.75/hr

Experienced working on-site in refinery operations and collaborating closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, Contractors, and Executive Leadership to successfully deliver ...

Experienced working on-site in refinery operations and collaborating closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, Contractors, and Executive Leadership to successfully deliver ...

Experienced working on-site in refinery operations and collaborating closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, Contractors, and Executive Leadership to successfully deliver ...

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Refinery Operations information

See Texas salary details

$9

$22

$45

How much do refinery operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operations in Texas is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

What do you do as a refinery operations?

Refinery operations involve overseeing the process of converting crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This role includes monitoring equipment, adjusting process parameters, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining efficiency using control systems and instrumentation. Workers often operate 24/7 shifts and require technical skills and safety certifications.

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.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Refinery Operations jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Refinery Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operations job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,805 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Refinery Operations Helper

Freeport McMoRan

El Paso, TX • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 41 rated mining


Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today.

Where You Will Work Our rod and refining plant in El Paso, Texas, is a key contributor to our ranking as one of the world's largest manufacturers of continuous cast copper rod - a main material used in the manufacturing of wire and cable products. The refinery has the potential to operate at an annual production capacity of about 900 million pounds of copper cathode, which is sufficient to refine all the copper anode we produce at our Miami operations in Arizona. The refinery also produces nickel carbonate, copper telluride and autoclaved slimes material containing gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

The beautiful city of El Paso features three universities, many community colleges and numerous schools. Some popular attractions include the International Museum of Art, National Border Patrol Museum and Franklin Mountain State Park. There are many shopping centers, parks, hiking trails and numerous restaurants for our employees and their families to enjoy.

What You Will Do Assist in production process such as unloading, efficiency, stripper, and anode/cathodes preparation. Operate mobile equipment. Perform labor type work and keep facilities clean and free from job related safety hazards.

Complete the appropriate skill level criteria of the progression program. Perform other duties as required. What You Bring To Freeport Must have six (6) months related experience.

Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP (Line of Progression) Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required mechanical aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and technical skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on technical skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge and safety.

Ability to work in a potentially stressful environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills to satisfy training, safety, and electronic message transmission policies of the company. Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards.

Ability to interact effectively with others. Ability to ascend and descend ladders. Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.

Ability and willingness to learn and apply new or changing job-related tasks as required Preferred Qualifications High school diploma or GED. Experience operating heavy industrial equipment/processes. Experience with basic hand/power tools Basic computer skills Able to work in a hot and humid environment What We Offer You The estimated pay range for this role is currently$19.00 - $24.00/hour

This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance.

More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits Company-paid life and disability insurance 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave Tuition assistance Employee Assistance Program Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle Internal progression opportunities Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

What We Require Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam. Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing. Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws. Equal Opportunity Employer Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.


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