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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Ergon

Trainee E Operator

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Follow refinery / terminal and department policies. * Become knowledgeable of tank locations and ... Trainee E Operator Location: Vicksburg, MS

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Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Mississippi salary details

$8

$18

$31

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Mississippi is $18.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.11 and $19.98 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 Mississippi?

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

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

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

What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Mississippi with the most Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:

Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,679 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Trainee E Operator

Ergon, Inc - Refining & Marketing

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

We are a great company with great pay and great benefits. Ergon is a relationship-driven company that values each employee's willingness to learn and contribute to the team. We pride ourselves on maintaining a small company feel.
The Trainee E Operator position is an entry level position within a career progression plan in the Operations department.
The Trainee E position works a (5) day - 12 hour schedule until all training requirements are met. Trainee may be asked to swap between working (5) days and (5) nights to complete their training. Once complete with all required training, Trainee will be assigned to one of ERI's (4) shifts. The shift schedule worked in Operations is a modified DuPont swing shift schedule that swaps between days and nights. All shifts are (12) hour shifts.
Trainee E Operator Responsibilities
  • Ensure training requirements are current in accord with job curriculums such as CBTs, Job Performance tests, etc.
  • Maintain safe working habits and a "Safety First" attitude.
  • Follow refinery / terminal and department policies.
  • Become knowledgeable of tank locations and contents.
  • Perform tasks as assigned by Training Department or direct supervision.
  • Successfully complete all requirements and testing for the Trainee "E" Operator position.
  • Successfully complete all training requirements and testing for the Oil Movements "D" Operator position within (90) days of employment.

Trainee E Operator Qualifications
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Score of Silver or higher on the ACT WorkKeys exam
  • Score of "C" or higher on the Cobra test.
  • Demonstrate math skills.
  • Must be able to communicate in verbal and written form.
  • Must be able to maintain a good working relationship with other operation personnel.
  • Ability to work well independently
  • Need to be able to work well in emergency situations
  • Ability to operate a small power boat safely
  • Comfortable working over water
  • Required to climb tanks, towers, ladders and pipe racks
  • Must have successfully completed and passed a Functional Job Capacity
  • Evaluation (FCE).Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. A clean MVR is required.
Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) with company match, Health, Life, Dental, Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance and Profit Sharing.
We are an EEO/AAP employer.
Job Reference: Trainee E Operator
Location: Vicksburg, MS

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