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Refinery Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Data Engineer

Dallas, TX · Remote

$45 - $47.33/hr

Familiarity with PI Systems PI tags PI AF hierarchies templates and live process data streams common in refining operations. * Strong understanding of refinery process equipment and instrumentation ...

Description At Refined Technologies, we believe operating with an eternal purpose fuels excellence ... RTI employs a staff of Operations Project Managers that are highly experienced in operating ...

ND · On-site

Description At Refined Technologies, we believe operating with an eternal purpose fuels excellence ... At RTI, our Operations Project Managers bring deep expertise in petroleum refining and chemical ...

Refinery operations experience is an asset! * Forklift experience preferred * Must be able to climb stairs and ladders daily * Lift up to 50lbs, work at heights and stand for long periods working at ...

Operational Technology (OT) & Cyber Alignment * Works closely with OT, Cybersecurity, and Engineering to ensure secure, resilient, and modern refinery operations. * Supports modernization of legacy ...

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Refinery Operations information

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How much do refinery operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Refinery operations roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs in the oil and gas industry, such as senior engineers or plant managers, often require relevant technical training or industry experience rather than a traditional degree. Skilled trades like pipeline welding or offshore drilling can also offer high earnings with vocational training and certifications.

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 500,000 a year in the US?

In refinery operations, high-paying roles such as refinery managers, plant directors, or chief engineers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require strong technical skills, industry knowledge, and management expertise, and may include bonuses or profit-sharing components.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Refinery operations jobs typically do not pay $2,000 a day; high-paying roles in the industry, such as senior engineers or plant managers, may earn this level of daily compensation, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. These roles often require advanced technical knowledge, safety training, and leadership responsibilities within the refinery environment.

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.
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:
Process Operator II (Console Operator-Refinery)

Process Operator II (Console Operator-Refinery)

Buckeye Partners

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Buckeye Partners rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Buckeye is the premier infrastructure and logistics provider for the world’s energy needs, both today and tomorrow. Since 1886, we have successfully navigated transitions in the way energy has been distributed to continually meet the needs of an evolving market and industry environment. Our people are a critical element to the success and longevity of our operational history and our future as we seek to thrive through the energy transition.


We own and operate a diversified global network of integrated assets providing midstream logistic solutions, primarily consisting of the transportation, storage, processing, and marketing of liquid petroleum products. We are committed to safely and responsibly providing world-class service to meet the continually evolving energy needs of our customers and the communities we serve. As part of this commitment to our customers, we are continually diversifying our platform and service offerings to enable less carbon intensive energy solutions, and undertaking decarbonization efforts on our operations.

Buckeye Partners is currently seeking a Process Operator with experience in refinery, terminal or pipeline operations to join our team!

Role Summary:

The Console Operator – Refinery is responsible for safely and efficiently operating refinery process units via a Distributed Control System (DCS) in accordance with established operating procedures and defined operating envelopes. This role continuously monitors and adjusts process variables—including temperature, pressure, flows, and tank levels—to ensure safe, reliable, and costeffective operations while meeting all product quality specifications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include:

Operations

  • Operate refinery process units through the DCS to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
  • Monitor and control process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level across refinery equipment.
  • Adjust process conditions as required to maintain operating parameters and avoid deviations.
  • Optimize unit performance by reviewing laboratory results and coordinating operational adjustments.
  • Coordinate with field operators and other operating areas to ensure steady crude feed and product movements.

Safety & Compliance

  • Execute operations in full compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
  • Actively support Buckeye’s Zero Injury and Safe & Reliable Operations initiatives.
  • Properly apply operating procedures, critical task procedures, and safety tools in daily operations.

Emergency Response

  • Serve as a member of the Process Emergency Response Team.
  • Respond promptly to abnormal situations and emergency events.
  • Participate in emergency drills, safety meetings, and periodic reviews of emergency and critical operating procedures.

Reliability

  • Operate equipment within established operating envelopes and reliability limits.
  • Document and review required operating data.
  • Initiate and support maintenance work orders, including emergency repairs.
  • Assist Maintenance and Engineering teams by providing operational input for failure investigations, root cause analysis, and operating envelope deviations.

Training & Team Support

  • Attend required technical, safety, and firefighting training.
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to teammates as needed to support operational excellence.

Internal Controls

  • Ensure compliance with all internal controls and applicable regulations (API, DOT, and local/state requirements).
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Position Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required
  • 5–10 years of refinery operations experience
  • 2–3 years of console operator experience preferred
  • Experience operating DeltaV DCS preferred
  • Ability to work 12hour rotating shifts
  • Ability to sit and continuously monitor systems for extended periods
  • Ability to climb ladders (up to approximately 50 feet) and work safely at elevated heights

 Certificates & Licenses:

  • Eligibility for TWIC card as dictated by facility and governmental regulations

Other Skills, Attributes and Abilities:

  • Strong commitment to safety, compliance, and teamwork
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problemsolving capabilities
  • Demonstrated initiative, dependability, and accountability
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with operations, maintenance, and support teams

 Essential Functions:

  • This position requires the ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and or/quantitative productivity standards.

  • This role requires the ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

  • This position requires compliance with all personnel policies.

 

Physical & Safety Requirements

  • Work in hazardous industrial environments.
  • Periods of prolonged sitting and console monitoring.
  • Occasional climbing, walking, and working around process units and excavations.

About You:

To be successful in the Buckeye culture, our employees must possess a demonstrated commitment to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. Excellent communication, both written and verbal, as well as strong organizational skills are paramount. You must work independently and be able to exercise tact, discretion, and professionalism when dealing with internal and external customers, and when handling sensitive and confidential information.


Buckeye wants to create and reward an organizational focus that stimulates the creative and entrepreneurial actions of its employees that result in innovative ways of reducing costs, generating revenues, improving productivity, or improving processes.

People First Culture:

From managing over 5,000 miles of pipeline to commercializing clean energy projects, our people collaborate to provide world-class service and meet the changing energy needs of our customers. Our employee-first culture means that we invest in our employees and equip them to be fully contributing members of high performing teams. We are focused on collaboration, inclusion, empowerment, accountability, and professional development. We want the best in you to bring out the best in us.

Join us as we work together to build a business that is responsive to the needs of the future while continuing to serve the energy needs of communities today.