1

Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Chester, PA (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

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 ...

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 ...

Refinery Operator Trainee information

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 Chester, PA?

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

What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Chester, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Chester, PA are:

What cities near Chester, PA are hiring for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Chester, PA with the most Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Chester, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Refinery Operator Trainee

Pbf Energy

Paulsboro, NJ • On-site

$42.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


PBF Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Refinery Operator TraineeA Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, refinery chemicals and other products. Our company is committed to a foundation of safe and environmentally compliant operations so Operators must follow procedures and safe work practices. New hires will be required to successfully complete a Basic Operator Training Program prior to training on an assigned operating unit. Starting pay is $42.88 per hour.

Responsibilities

An Operator may be responsible for: Maintaining operations and equipment; climbing ladders, tanks and towers up to 200 feet high; taking samples/reading of various process streams; initiating work orders and issuing work permits for work related to the assigned unit; maintaining proper and safe process operations of the operating equipment; and communicating effectively during the shift and at shift relief regarding key process unit and equipment information. Participate on the Firefighting Brigade and other Emergency Response Teams.

Basic/Required Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age; be legally authorized to work in the United States without restrictions; hold a High School Diploma or equivalent; and hold a current/valid Driver's License.

Must be willing to perform/comply with the following: working overtime; working holidays and weekends; work in enclosed/confined space, such as tanks, towers, reactors, silos; working around high speed rotating equipment; working around and in temperature extremes (hot/cold); lift a minimum of 50 pounds (self); work around chemicals; wear fire retardant clothing and personal protective equipment; maintain your face daily so that a respirator/face mask can seal properly; pass Fire Brigade physical and perform fire-fighting duties; work outside in harsh weather conditions; and work with petroleum products that are under high pressure and heat.

Preferred Qualifications

Military Experience

PTEC training/certification

Previous relevant Work experience


Conditions of Employment

Must complete pre-employment written tests and assessments; meet the physical criteria for the position; successfully complete a physical skills demonstration test; pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening; and be eligible to qualify for or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). Relocation is not available for this position.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must apply via the PBF website at: www.pbfenergy.com/careers. Scroll to the middle of the page and click on the link to view current openings. Under "Location" select Paulsboro Refining Company and click "Search Jobs". Select the Refinery Operator position and follow the steps to apply (If attaching a resume, please format in MicroSoft Word or .pdf format).

Selected Candidates will be notified and assigned a testing date and time via e-mail from MPS. Phase 1 consists of 3 tests. There are 3 phases in our hiring process. All contact information must be accurate and up-to-date. Phone calls will not be accepted.

Must complete pre-employment written tests and assessments; meet the physical criteria for the position; successfully complete a physical skills demonstration test; pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening; and be eligible to qualify for or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). Relocation is not available for this position.

We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.

PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

#LI-DNI


What PBF Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom