1

Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Automotive Instructor / Trainer (53876)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$73K - $91K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you an experienced Auto/Truck Service Technician or certified Towing Operator in the metro NYC ... Ensures trainees comprehend the complexity and depth of related information. Facilitates training ...

... scalable operating procedures, ensuring rigorous quality control, and expanding facility ... Develop and implement regular training programs for users, including faculty, trainees, and ...

Refinery Operator Trainee information

See New York salary details

$10

$22

$39

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in New York is $22.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.56 and $25.23 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 New York?

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

What cities in New York are hiring for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,570 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Automotive Instructor / Trainer (53876)

AAA Northeast

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$73K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


AAA Northeast rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

164th of 309 rated insurance


Job description

Are you an experienced Auto/Truck Service Technician or certified Towing Operator in the metro NYC area? Are you known for doing the job right, safely, and keeping things moving in a fast-paced environment? Have you coached or mentored apprentices/teammates and want to transition into a full-time training role? Do you hold ASE/OEM and/or Wreckmaster/TRAA certifications and want to apply your expertise as an AAA Northeast instructor training roadside technicians in towing, lockouts, tire changes, and battery testing, sales and installation services?

Step out of the service bay and into a respected teaching role—where your expertise is valued and your automotive industry knowledge stays sharp.


At AAA Northeast, as we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: helping and serving is a way of life. It’s why we’ve earned the trust of millions, and why AAA Northeast has remained a resilient and reliable brand for over a century.
In this role, you will design and deliver existing technical training courses & related programs to incoming roadside assistance drivers, current employees seeking new certification, and any necessary outside staff (as needed). Role will involve building strategic relationships with Automotive Services business line management to identify and deliver training needs.
What you will do:

  • Facilitates training programs emphasizing technical skills, applications, vendor and product information, AAA quality standards and Five Diamond Member experience culture. Delivers training utilizing a variety of training techniques. Ensures trainees comprehend the complexity and depth of related information. Facilitates training programs in a variety of settings including formal classroom settings, various locations, regional training centers, distance learning and one-on-one training sessions. Training programs may be conducted after business hours. Depending on business line training may delivered to non-employees. Trainings may take place indoors and outdoors settings in all weather conditions.
  • Builds & maintains professional relationships with AAA partners and vendors, maintains high level of topical expertise and knowledge of all product offerings, industry trends, department policies and procedures. Participates in department meetings to communicate proactively the status of training initiatives, ideas, and concepts and to gather feedback from the management staff. Provides constructive coaching throughout training and nesting to help learners refine and enhance their technical and professional skills toward established standards.
  • Develops and adjust training programs geared toward the depth of knowledge required by the trainees’ position and prior skills. Working with the Safety Manager, supports the establishment of a safety culture by incorporating safe working practices and OSHA requirements in all training programs.
  • Keep abreast of industry trends by attending related seminars and courses, and maintaining industry certifications. Represents the department and organization at Club, community and industry functions.
  • Works closely with the business line in identifying performance gaps recommends learning solutions.

Education/Licenses:
Associates Degree/Trade School certificate or 3-6+ years of additional auto repair / road service / towing or fleet operations experience.
Technical/Certifications:

Current ASE General, Electrical or Engine Repair certification (G1, A1 & A6) and Wreckmaster Certification Level 2/3 preferred, or ability to obtain within twelve months of employment. 

Willingness to learn how to operate operate tow vehicles. Candidate must successfully pass a Driver’s License Check, and obtain a 6 month minimum DOT Medical Certificate during pre-employment phase.

Experience:

3+ years of auto repair or fleet operations experience
3+ years of facilitating live courses in-person and virtual environment

Compensation:  The annual pay range for this position is $73,200 - $91,900. Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, shift differentials and experience. Annual bonuses are offered to employees and certain roles are eligible to earn additional forms of compensation through monthly and/or quarterly incentives. 

Benefits:

Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays and 8 sick days annually
Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and vision insurance with AAA Northeast covering up to 88% of the plan
Retirement: 401(k) plan with a 6% company match

Additional Perks: 

Free AAA membership, insurance discounts, travel commission match, and a paid volunteer day off each year!
Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for continuing education
Ample opportunities for advancement

Why AAA Northeast? 


Trusted Legacy: Over 120 years of service excellence.  
Career Growth: Proven career paths and a ‘promote from within’ culture.  
People-Focused: Rich history of protecting employees, members and the community. 


AAA Northeast is proud of our diverse culture, fostered by the many talents, skills, passions, and expertise of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, or promotion based on race, color, creed or religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, or membership in any other protected class. We thrive when our team members bring their whole selves to work.


What AAA Northeast employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom