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Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator * Support safe refinery operations while learning the processes that help produce materials the world needs * Join a close, safety-focused team with paid training and opportunities ...

As a Refinery Operator, you will be an integral part of our operations, working alongside a team of skilled operators to monitor, regulate, troubleshoot, and safely operate our complex process ...

Refinery Operator

Quincy, MA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems ... Conduct shift turnover with the relief operator in the control room. * Participate in maintenance ...

Refinery Operator

Quincy, MA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems ... Conduct shift turnover with the relief operator in the control room. * Participate in maintenance ...

Refinery Operator Job Location: Stuttgart AR Soy Division Rotating 4 on/ 4 off days & nights 7am - pm/ 7pm - 7am Riceland Overview Riceland Foods and its family farmers have provided the world with ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

Refinery Operator

Boss, MO · On-site

$26.04/hr

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Refinery Operator to form and cast lead, make oxide, and move finished product to meet customer specifications. This rotating position is located at The Buick ...

Refinery Operator

Boss, MO · On-site

$26.04/hr

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Refinery Operator to form and cast lead, make oxide, and move finished product to meet customer specifications. This rotating position is located at The Buick ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

Assists other operators. * Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery. * Loads and unloads tankers and railcars. What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors Company? * Previous ...

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

Perform all tasks involved in the production of Sunshine Minting's refining products. This may include sorting, packaging, weighing, drying, scraping, rolling, assisting in melting processes, or ...

Complete all operating logs and record any required information * Assist truck drivers as necessary with loading or unloading materials or chemicals * Understanding and adhering to all safety rules ...

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Refinery Operator information

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$12

$22

$33

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a refinery operator do?

Refinery operators use specialized equipment and machines to transform raw materials into products, such as changing crude oil into gasoline. Most refinery operator jobs are in the oil industry, but other sectors, including the food industry and the metals industry, also utilize refinery operators. As a refinery operator, your primary responsibilities are operating equipment safely, monitoring meters and gauges, and meeting production goals for your area.

Is it hard to get a refinery operator job?

Getting a refinery operator job can be competitive due to the specialized skills and certifications required, such as process technology knowledge and safety training. Employers often look for relevant experience, technical aptitude, and the ability to work in a demanding environment, which can make entry challenging for some applicants.

What is a refinery operator?

Refinery operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment and processes used to convert raw materials, such as crude oil, into finished products like gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals. They ensure that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently by adjusting controls, interpreting gauges and meters, and performing routine maintenance. Refinery operators also troubleshoot equipment problems and respond to emergencies to minimize downtime and hazards. Their work is critical to maintaining product quality and meeting production targets in refineries.

What do you do as a refinery operator?

A refinery operator monitors and controls the equipment used to process crude oil into various petroleum products. They perform routine inspections, adjust machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient operations in the refinery environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, process monitoring skills, and a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of refining processes, minimizing downtime and hazards.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectRefinery OperatorProcess Technician
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly a high school diploma or equivalentOften requires technical certifications or associate degree in process technology
Work EnvironmentWorks in refinery plants, operating machinery and monitoring equipmentWorks in processing units, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil refineries and chemical plantsFound in refineries, chemical manufacturing, and processing facilities

Refinery Operators and Process Technicians both work in refinery environments, but Refinery Operators focus on operating and monitoring equipment, while Process Technicians handle troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Both roles require safety training and are essential for efficient plant operations.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Refinery operators often work in rotating shifts, which can present challenges such as fatigue, maintaining focus during night shifts, and adapting to changing sleep schedules. To manage these challenges, operators are encouraged to follow consistent sleep routines, stay hydrated, and communicate closely with team members to ensure safety and efficiency. Many refineries also provide training on fatigue management and support systems to help operators maintain high performance and safety standards during all shifts.
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Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,216 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Refinery Operator

Rio Tinto

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Rio Tinto rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Refinery Operator
  • Support safe refinery operations while learning the processes that help produce materials the world needs
  • Join a close, safety-focused team with paid training and opportunities to progress through Rio Tinto qualifications
  • Work a rotating 12-hour schedule at our Kennecott refinery near Salt Lake City, Utah, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays

At Rio Tinto, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to succeed. We actively encourage applications from women and from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We know that great capability comes in many forms, and we are focused on building teams that reflect the communities we operate in and support each other to do their best work.
We're Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care, courage and curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Refinery Operator to join our Precious Metals department at the Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper Refinery. Refining experience is not required, as training will be provided to help you learn the processes, equipment, and safety standards needed to succeed in the role.
This is a great opportunity for a motivated and safety-focused individual to work in a close team environment while developing skills through Rio Tinto training qualifications and progressing in pay as qualifications are completed.
This role works a rotating 12-hour schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, on a 4 on/4 off rotation with approximately two weeks of days and two weeks of nights.
The work environment can be hot, dusty, humid, and physically demanding. The role includes working around chemicals, acid, and caustic materials, wearing required PPE, completing respirator fit testing requirements, remaining clean shaven every day is required for respirator fit, climbing stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and working in confined spaces.
Reporting to the Shift Supervisor and working in a diverse refinery team, you will be trained to:
  • Perform operating duties in the refining process while working safely around automated equipment, forklifts, chemicals, and refinery systems
  • Follow standard operating procedures, critical risk controls, and required PPE expectations to support safe and reliable operations
  • Actively care for your own safety and the safety of your teammates every hour of every shift
  • Monitor equipment and work areas, communicate concerns, and support safe handover of work activities
  • Work in a hot, dusty, humid, and physically active refinery environment, including stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and confined spaces
  • Participate in training, qualification activities, and continuous learning to build refinery operating capability

About you
  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
  • High school diploma or GED and minimum 18 years of age to align with Rio Tinto Safety Standards for this role
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability and commitment to work a rotating 12-hour schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays on a 4 on/4 off rotation
  • Ability to meet daily respirator fit requirements, including being clean shaven where required for respirator use, and work safely around chemicals, acid, and caustic materials
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work, including climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, working in confined spaces, and wearing required PPE in hot, dusty, and humid conditions

Transferable experience from processing, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, construction, refining, agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, airlines or transportation, warehousing, or logistics may be helpful in this role.
Even if your profile does not fully meet all qualifications, we encourage you to apply; transferable skills and the right attitude are highly valued.
This role is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
What we offer
Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress.
  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401(k) matching program
  • Attractive share ownership plan
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life, including paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you are able to spend quality time with your new family
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges

Where you'll be working
Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, tellurium, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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