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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$31

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Michigan is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.30 and $20.27 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 Michigan? For Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 28% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 28% Contract, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,211 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

814 - General Application - TAR- NDT Technicians with UTT, MT, RT, PT, Rope Access & NDT Assistan...

Apave

Taylor, MI • On-site

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Apave America is seeking Local residents in or near Detroit/Toledo regions.
NDT professionals whose focus is MT/PT/UTT, Rope Access. Applicants who also bring any of the following will be strongly prioritized:
Requirements:
  • Valid MT/PT certifications (Level I or II depending on role).
  • ASNT ISQ UTT Certification required for UTT roles.
  • State carded RT credentials
  • Strong understanding of refinery safety and inspection environments.
  • Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work in a nested refinery setting.

Preferred Experience:
  • Weld-quality and profile RT experience
  • Experience with digital radiography (DR) systems

In this role, the Rope Access is responsible for carrying out standard rope access operations under the direct supervision of an authorized Level III rope access supervisor. The technician will use Industrial Rope Access methods and related equipment to access and complete a wide variety of inspection, maintenance and other industrial work tasks while on ropes or in difficult access areas. Technicians must have the ability to perform work that is physically demanding, have good communication skills and the ability to assimilate a large amount of new information. Responsibilities may also include rescue operations, technical reports and administrative tasks. Work hours, locations, shifts and nature of work assignments vary greatly, and travel may be required.
In this role, the NDT Level II RT Technician must have sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. The RT Level II must be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the methods for which qualified and shall exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and RT Level I personnel. The RT Level II must be able to organize, and report results of NDT tests.
In this role, the NDT Assistant Technician, (or Non-Destructive Testing Assistant), will primarily assist a certified NDT Technician by setting up and operating testing equipment, preparing test areas, performing basic inspections, interpreting initial test results under supervision, maintaining documentation, and ensuring safety protocols are followed during non-destructive testing procedures on materials and structures, all while learning the fundamentals of various NDT methods like Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), and Penetrant Testing (PT).
Qualifications, Experience and Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • Current IRRSP Card or State Card required for Radiographers
  • SNT Level II certification in RT required for Radiographers
  • UTT technicians must hold the ASNT ISQ UTT Certification
  • SNT certifications in MT/PT/UTT/PMI considered an asset
  • Weld-quality profile RT Techs with state cards and digital radiography experience preferred
  • Must provide proof of classroom training hours in RT
  • Must have 40 hours of Radiation Safety Training
  • Must be capable of following verbal and written instructions
  • Capable of training assistant radiographers
  • Current SPRAT and/or IRATA Rope Access certification will be considered an asset
  • Valid Driver's License and pre-access drug and alcohol testing required
  • Pre-employment background checks will be required

Work Conditions:
  • Field duties require indoor/outdoor work in diverse industrial environments with varying weather conditions
  • Interaction with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Working in a plant and/or shop areas around production machinery with extreme noise levels
  • May be required to work from various levels of heights and/or in close, confined spaces for long periods of time
  • Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection (PPE)

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Ability to lift, move and carry objects weighing 75 lbs. repeatedly
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, and climb
  • Must be able to work indoors/outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights, including climbing tanks, ladders, scaffolding, towers, piping systems, catwalks, structural steel, and wind turbines
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and work in various environments including from heights and confined spaces
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to investigate
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform routine in-field or office job duties
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to perform in-field or office job duties
  • Ability to maintain focus and multitask effectively
  • Exhibits sensible and responsible behavior

Benefits:
  • Dental Insurance.
  • Vision Insurance.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • 401(K) W/Matching.
  • Flexible Spending Account.
  • Health Savings Account.

NOTE: To be considered, applicants must be able provide documentation of current or previous certifications, as well as all classroom and/or on-the-job training (OJT) hours required for certification.
*** Apave America Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. ***
We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.