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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Southern States Cooperative

Prefer previous experience operating a commercial motor vehicle to deliver refined fuel products or experience maintaining related equipment. Previous Southern States work experience a plus.

AmSpec Group

Inspector

Yorktown, VA · 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

Yorktown, VA

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 ...

RMA Worldwide

Afternoon/ Evening Detailer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

... operating in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and ... We are looking for a select group of trainees that will join our already accomplished team of ...

RMA Worldwide

Overnight Detailer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

... operating in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and ... We are looking for a select group of trainees that will join our already accomplished team of ...

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Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Virginia is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.73 and $22.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Virginia? For Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,316 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Energy Driver Trainee

Energy Driver Trainee

Southern States

King William, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Southern States LLC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Are you interested in joining an industry leader who is passionate about growth? At Southern States Cooperative (A Farmer Owned Cooperative since 1923); we are focused on helping our employees and our customers grow, by being the very best at offering challenging and rewarding career opportunities to our employees and providing superior products, services and growing solutions for our valued customers. We want to hear from you, so come grow with us!!!
How you will impact Southern States Cooperative:
Operates Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) commercial motor vehicles to deliver fuel products to customers. Strictly adheres to government regulations and SSC operating procedures while working independently. Products and load type vary based on location and may include heating oil, kerosene, diesel, gasoline, and/or liquid propane. May install and maintain related equipment at customer site.

  • Maintain regular communication with facility leadership regarding delivery dispatching, installation and service of fuel products and equipment. Provide updates and input on equipment condition, account issues, supply of materials and other critical factors.
  • Effectively operate Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) commercial motor vehicles carrying fuel products, including: heating oil, kerosene, diesel, and/or gasoline. May operate vehicles carrying liquid propane. Comply with all U.S. DOT regulations for operating a commercial vehicle.
What you need to succeed:
Education: Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
Experience: Prefer previous experience operating a commercial motor vehicle to deliver refined fuel products or experience maintaining related equipment. Previous Southern States work experience a plus.
  • Requires Commercial Driver's License or ability to obtain
  • Requires Hazardous Materials Endorsement or ability to obtain
  • May require Tanker Endorsement or ability to obtain
Some of the many benefits we offer:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Paid Time Office
  • Vacation Buy-Back
  • Company Holidays
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Services
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Merchandise Discounts
  • Wellness Program
  • Volunteer Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program

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