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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Delek US

Operator Trainee

Big Spring, TX · On-site

Refinery Production Operations * Job Level: Skilled I JOB SUMMARY The Refinery Operator Trainee is an entry-level position responsible for supporting safe and efficient refinery operations by ...

Delek US

Operator Trainee

Big Spring, TX · On-site

Refinery Production Operations * Job Level: Skilled I JOB SUMMARY The Refinery Operator Trainee is an entry-level position responsible for supporting safe and efficient refinery operations by ...

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 ...

AmSpec Group

Inspector

Freeport, TX · On-site

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

AmSpec Group

Inspector

Pasadena, TX · On-site

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

Amspec LLC.

Inspector 1

Beaumont, TX · On-site

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

Amspec LLC.

Inspector

Freeport, TX

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

AmSpec Group

Inspector

Baytown, TX · On-site

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

Amspec LLC.

Inspector

Pasadena, TX

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

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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 Aug 1, 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 41% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,266 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Operator Trainee

Delek US

Big Spring, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

JOB INFORMATION
  • Job Title: Operator Trainee
  • Job Code: 20001320
  • Effective Date: 11/22/2024
  • Job Family: Operations
  • FLSA Status: Non Exempt
  • Job Function: Refinery Production Operations
  • Job Level: Skilled I
JOB SUMMARY

The Refinery Operator Trainee is an entry-level position responsible for supporting safe and efficient refinery operations by monitoring, maintaining, and operating various machines involved in the refinery process. The trainee works closely with the Unit Operator, reports readings, opens and closes valves, operates pumps, takes required samples, and performs incidental maintenance tasks. Additionally, participation in the fire brigade or emergency response team is required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High School Diploma or GED (Required)
  • Vocational / Technical Degree (Preferred)
  • 2 year / Associate Degree (Preferred)
  • In lieu of the above education requirements, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • One (1) or more years Experience working in a fast-paced environment. (Required)
  • One (1) or more years Training & Participation on the Fire Brigade and Emergency Response Team. (Preferred)
  • Two (2) or more years Experience in refining process, chemical facility or heavy industrial environment (Preferred)
  • Two (2) or more years Experience in mechanical or industrial maintenance position (Preferred)
  • Required CertIfications/Licensures: (Must have a valid Driver's license and a clean driving record)
JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Communications - oral and written
  • Attention to Detail
  • Learning Agility
  • Safety and Environmental Compliance
  • Standards and Procedures
  • Equipment Operations
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment background screening and drug screen
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Monitor and operate process units using a wide range of control systems and equipment that includes tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, pumps, furnaces, and vacuum systems.
  • Regulate product flow, temperature control, pressure regulation, and other functions necessary for the safe and efficient function of the units.
  • Read and explain processing schedules, operations logs, and laboratory results to determine if adjustments are required to maintain the quality of the product.
  • Continuously enhance one's knowledge of the equipment and keep up with changes in individual process systems.
  • Sample liquids and gases for chemical characteristics, color, gravity, etc.
  • Collect and deliver samples to the laboratory to identify product quality issues.
  • Perform housekeeping to maintain a clean work environment and clean equipment such as filters, tanks, exchangers, and other equipment.
  • Communicate with the Unit Operator, Maintenance, and Supervisor to make field adjustments in response to changing process conditions to address or prevent issues.
  • Follow all Company safety and environmental practices.
  • Able to work a twelve (12) rotating shift schedule, holidays, and overtime.
  • Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds and climb vertical heights up to 200 feet.
  • Ability to participate in an emergency response and handle 2" fire hose.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • Occasionally within shift (1-33%): Climbing
  • Occasionally within shift (1-33%): Weight lifted / force exerted up to 50 pounds
  • While this job description aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role, it may not detail every task or responsibility required.
CORE COMPETENCIES CHANGE AGILITY (LEVEL 1 DEVELOPING):

Identifies, initiates, and adapts to organizational changes that foster enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and ultimately business results.

COLLABORATION (LEVEL 1 DEVELOPING):

Sees connection points across the organization and partners effectively with others to achieve common goals.

DECISION MAKING (LEVEL 1 DEVELOPING):

Sees connection points across the organization and partners effectively with others to achieve common goals.

DRIVE FOR RESULTS (LEVEL 1 DEVELOPING):

Drives to achieve challenging performance objectives

TEAM BUILDING (LEVEL 1 DEVELOPING):

Builds trust, fosters openness, and provides support. As the manager of a team, selects and motivates a strong team.

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