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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK · On-site

Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.

ASRC

Outside Operator

North Pole, AK · On-site

Must be willing to live in North Pole or a reasonable distance from the refinery for callouts ... Complete all required Operator Trainee training. * Must have a valid driver's license and working ...

All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Trainee JobsRefinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Alaska

Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Alaska salary details

$9

$21

$36

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Alaska is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.25 and $23.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a refinery operator trainee do?

A Refinery Operator Trainee learns how to monitor and control the equipment and processes involved in turning crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety protocols, read gauges, adjust controls, and troubleshoot issues within the refinery. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced operators and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge. This role is essential for maintaining efficient and safe refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges a refinery operator trainee may face during their initial training period?

As a Refinery Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as mastering complex control systems, understanding detailed safety protocols, and adapting to shift work, which often includes nights and weekends. The learning curve can be steep due to the technical nature of the processes and the need to respond quickly and accurately to potential operational issues. However, most facilities provide structured training programs and mentorship to help trainees build confidence and competence in both routine operations and emergency responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial safety, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations in a hazardous environment.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator Trainee vs Refinery Operator?

AspectRefinery Operator TraineeRefinery Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety and technical trainingAdditional experience and certifications; advanced technical skills
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning-focusedOperational, hands-on, responsible for daily plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, basic equipment operationMonitoring processes, adjusting equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Refinery Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Refinery Operator is fully responsible for plant operations. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas operators perform routine and complex tasks independently.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Alaska?

For Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Alaska are:

Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,813 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee

ASRC

North Pole, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Petro Star Inc. is a subsidiary of ASRC and was formed in 1984 to fill a unique role in Alaska's petroleum market. Our North Pole Refinery built in 1985 is a 22,000 bbl/day facility, producing heating fuel, kerosene, diesel, jet fuels, and asphalt base oil for the Interior and Northern Alaska communities. 

We operate our businesses reliably and efficiently by strategically developing energy resources to meet growing consumer demands.  Petro Star is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees and the public, as well as promoting concern and respect for the environment.  As an employer, Petro Star is one of the best companies in Alaska providing tremendous future potential where talented people thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for monitoring, controlling and conducting activities that pertain to the safe operation of the refinery, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure that all conditions and operations are in compliance with safety, environmental and operating policies and procedures.
Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (and other duties as assigned)

  • The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. Operator Trainee 3's that successfully complete their training program will have an opportunity to advance to the Operator 1 position.
  • Learn the refinery hazards, safety procedures, distillation process and the various components, which make up the refinery.  [During the course of the one-year training period, trainees will be provided with training regarding the plant's hazards, safety procedures and educational materials explaining the distillation process and various components, which make up the refinery.]  The trainee will be tested quarterly for comprehension of assigned training curriculum.
  • Operators and trainees will work side-by-side on a 12 hour 7 days on / 7 days off work schedule.  The trainee will help cover shifts and may not follow the typical shift rotation of two shifts of days and two shifts of nights. Together, the operators and trainees will constitute a "shift" and be responsible for all aspects of the refinery's operation, ranging from housekeeping and maintenance of the unit and property to operation of the process unit during steady-state conditions or start-ups/shutdowns and process upsets.
  • While personal safety and safe operation of the refinery are the most important goals, trainees will be expected to participate in all new construction projects and turnarounds (maintenance work undertaken while the process unit is offline).  Many times, this work will fall on non-shift days, and while Petro Star will not usually require you to work overtime, you should be willing to work a reasonable amount of O/T if requested.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Process technology AA Degree preferred.
  • Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or construction skills are beneficial but not required.
  • Good math skills.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Ability to quickly grasp and master complex ideas and procedures.
  • Ability to work and function well with other people in a team environment.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • This is not a rotational job on the North Slope.  You must live in the Fairbanks / North Pole area or be willing to relocate at your own expense.
     

Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status or any other legal protected status.  EOE:  M|F|D|V

Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. 
ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.

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