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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

JST Global, LLC.

Operator Trainee

Houston, TX · On-site

$23/hr

Plant Utility - Operator Trainee Reports to: Assistant Terminal Manager Location: In-person ... Participate in the production and refining of tallow including product transfer, steam heating ...

Oxbow Corporation

Heavy Equipment Operator

Texas City, TX · On-site

$26.15/hr

... refinery and natural gas coproducts. Oxbow produces and distributes calcined and fuel grade ... Oxbow is currently looking for an Operator Trainee 1 to join our team in Texas City, Texas. This ...

Valero Energy

Technical Trainer

Houston, TX · On-site

$31 - $41.25/hr

Mentors and trains Basic Operator Trainees. * Provides test remediation and reassessment support ... Process operations experience in a refinery environment preferred. Need more reasons to work for a ...

Valero

Technical Trainer

Houston, TX

$31 - $41.25/hr

Mentors and trains Basic Operator Trainees. * Provides test remediation and reassessment support ... Process operations experience in a refinery environment preferred. Need more reasons to work for a ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Trainee JobsRefinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Texas

Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Texas salary details

$8

$18

$31

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Texas is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $20.29 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 the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Texas? For Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:
Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,266 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Operator Trainee

Operator Trainee

JST Global, LLC.

Houston, TX • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Plant Utility – Operator Trainee

Reports to: Assistant Terminal Manager

Location: In-person (Houston, TX)


Company Overview:

JST Global, LLC, is a joint venture formed in 2020 between Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc, and Jacob Stern & Sons. At JST Global, LLC we are steadfast in our commitment to our employees and their families. As the largest US distributor of tallow, we are proud to serve the worldwide fats and oils market. This includes supporting the rapidly developing field of renewable fuels. JST Global, LLC, has industry expertise to market and transport fat and oil products virtually anywhere in the world with offices and processing operations located in Houston, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Dakota City, Nebraska. Our public bulk liquid storage facility with tank truck and rail car transfer capabilities is essential to our continued success and that is why we are seeking a Plant Utility Operator. JST Global offers a competitive compensation program and benefits package including medical/dental/vision, paid holidays and vacations, and pension through the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, Local 455. Fully funded benefits after 90 days!

Job Summary and Qualifications:

  • Possess knowledge and awareness of industrial sites
  • Have a self-starting attitude showing an ability to think and work more independently as experience is gained
  • Have the desire to work in a high demand production environment with the ability to respond quickly and effectively under pressure and deadlines.
  • Load and unload bulk liquid from and into tank trucks, rail cars, and ships
  • Participate in the production and refining of tallow including product transfer, steam heating, manual blending of chemicals, filtering, and filter cleaning.
  • Perform additional tasks relating to storage and shipment of products, including, but not limited to, steam heating product, valve alignments, equipment inspections, gauging / sampling, and confined space tank entries / cleaning.
  • Adhere to all safety requirements such as wearing of hard hats, safety glasses, goggles, gloves, safety shoes, etc.
  • Have responsibility for tools assigned to them and display good housekeeping skills in their assigned work areas.
  • Possess the verbal and written communications skills necessary to understand and follow production work orders in English.
  • Possess the ability to communicate in English to co-workers.
  • Adhere to company policies and procedure with regards to safety, attendance, punctuality, etc. is required.
  • Provide a valid photo id and a physical Social Security Card.
  • Obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within first 30 days of employment.
  • Successfully complete a drug screening

Work Experience

  • Industrial experience preferred.
  • Knowledgeable of OSHA safety regulations a plus.
  • Forklift and portable crane experience a plus.

Education

  • High School Diploma or GED required

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to respond with physical exertion to use tools and materials.
  • Ability to climb ladders and steps (working at heights on top of rail cars and storage tanks up to 50 ft is routine).
  • Willingness to work outside, perform dirty and greasy tasks, in all kinds of weather.
  • Willingness to work overtime, as scheduled, and adjust personal plans accordingly.
  • Ability to be fitted for and wear a respirator
  • Ability to lift heavy objects when necessary, including connecting and disconnecting hoses to rail cars.
  • Ability to start pumps and adjust valves to regulate the flow of products to vessels, utilizing knowledge of loading procedures.

Job Type: Full-time

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