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Refinery Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for overseeing the operations of used oil re-refining process including associated tank farms and utilities functions. Main point of contact between shipping/receiving, maintenance and ...

Own overall Refinery Department performance, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, production ... Drive operational accountability and execution by establishing clear performance expectations ...

Refinery Lead

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$84K - $112K/yr

Drive operational accountability and execution by establishing clear performance expectations ... Knowledge of refinery operations.Knowledge of Corn Wet Milling manufacturing processes, operations ...

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 ...

Refinery operations * Optimization Required Education: * Bachelor's Chemical Engineering James Lyons Phone: 405.608.6870 Email: James Lyons Ref Id:AD0D-330 Responsible for supporting the commercial ...

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Refinery Operations information

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$9

$24

$49

How much do refinery operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 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 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 do you do as a refinery operations?

Refinery operations involve overseeing the process of converting crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This role includes monitoring equipment, adjusting process parameters, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining efficiency through the use of control systems and technical skills. Operators often work in shifts and may require certifications like a refinery operator license or safety training.
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What cities are hiring for Refinery Operations jobs?

Cities with the most Refinery Operations job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operations jobs?

The most popular types of Refinery Operations jobs are:

What states have the most Refinery Operations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refinery Operations jobs include:

Infographic showing various Refinery Operations job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Facility Operations Supervisor - Refinery

Fallon, NV • On-site

Clean Harbors
Environmental Consulting Services • 10K+ employees

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are looking for a fair and motivate Operations Manager II - Refinery, for our Rollinsford, NH team. Responsible for overseeing the operations of used oil re-refining process including associated tank farms and utilities functions.  Main point of contact between shipping/receiving, maintenance and laboratory groups.  Ensure health and safety, quality and environment and production goals are met.  Manages operating expenditures (i.e., catalyst, chemicals). 
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority, and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive pay and benefits.
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days.
  • 401(K) with Company matching component.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
  • 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.

Responsibilities:
  • Monitors, manages and reports overall production of refinery vs. plan.
  • Budget cost for re-refinery process chemicals, catalyst, supplies, utilities.
  • Manages the selection of hydrotreating catalyst.
  • 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 EH&S requirements and ISO quality standards.
  • Oversee and participate in ongoing preparation, revision and approval of SOP's for refinery.

What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors Company?
  • 5 to 7 years experience in a lead, supervisory or Management role
  • Bachelor preferred. Experience may be accepted in lieu of degree.
  • 3-5 years experience in the O&G, petroleum or chemical processing industry preferred.
  • Ability to motivate and lead 21 operations group members.
  • Strong technical aptitude with respect to refining operations.
  • Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision. 

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.
*CH 
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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