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Refinery Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Deburr Operator

Phoenix, AZ

Deburr Operator The Deburr Operator plays a key role in finishing and refining manufactured parts through deburring, grinding, sanding, and polishing processes. Working under close supervision and ...

Techstaff

SMT Operator

Tempe, AZ

$17 - $22.50/hr

SMT Operator 1st shift 6AM-2:30PM Possible need for another person on 2nd shift:2:30PM-11PM The SMT Operator has excellent mechanical dexterity, can perform assembly tasks that require refined fine ...

TechStaff, Inc

SMT Operator

Tempe, AZ

$17 - $22.50/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a SMT Operator I with strong mechanical ability, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to perform assembly and machine operation tasks requiring fine motor ...

Matrix Service Inc.

Light Equipment Operator

Yuma, AZ · On-site

Minimum of one (1) year of mechanical, industrial or refinery maintenance experience. General knowledge of basic hand tools. Must be able to pass equipment test and visual observation of operating ...

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Glendale, AZ is seeking an Entry Level Operator. This ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Glendale, AZ

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Glendale, AZ is seeking an Entry Level Operator. This ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HF Sinclair

Entry Level Operator

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Glendale, AZ is seeking an Entry Level Operator. This ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

HollyFrontier

Entry Level Operator

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair Asphalt located in Glendale, AZ is seeking an Entry Level Operator. This ... Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment, out-of-doors environment, and occasional driver ...

TYR Tactical

Manufacturing Production Manager

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Develop and refine operating procedures that eliminate bottlenecks, improve product quality, and enhance overall efficiency. * Manage production schedules and quickly resolve equipment or operational ...

Refined Gardens

Landscape Construction Laborer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Refined Gardens participates in E-Verify Refined Gardens specializes in high-end residential ... Equipment operating experience is a plus * Ability to follow plans, measurements, and instructions

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How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Arizona is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery operator?

Refinery operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment and processes used to convert raw materials, such as crude oil, into finished products like gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals. They ensure that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently by adjusting controls, interpreting gauges and meters, and performing routine maintenance. Refinery operators also troubleshoot equipment problems and respond to emergencies to minimize downtime and hazards. Their work is critical to maintaining product quality and meeting production targets in refineries.

What does a refinery operator do?

Refinery operators use specialized equipment and machines to transform raw materials into products, such as changing crude oil into gasoline. Most refinery operator jobs are in the oil industry, but other sectors, including the food industry and the metals industry, also utilize refinery operators. As a refinery operator, your primary responsibilities are operating equipment safely, monitoring meters and gauges, and meeting production goals for your area.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, process monitoring skills, and a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of refining processes, minimizing downtime and hazards.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Refinery operators often work in rotating shifts, which can present challenges such as fatigue, maintaining focus during night shifts, and adapting to changing sleep schedules. To manage these challenges, operators are encouraged to follow consistent sleep routines, stay hydrated, and communicate closely with team members to ensure safety and efficiency. Many refineries also provide training on fatigue management and support systems to help operators maintain high performance and safety standards during all shifts.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectRefinery OperatorProcess Technician
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly a high school diploma or equivalentOften requires technical certifications or associate degree in process technology
Work EnvironmentWorks in refinery plants, operating machinery and monitoring equipmentWorks in processing units, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil refineries and chemical plantsFound in refineries, chemical manufacturing, and processing facilities

Refinery Operators and Process Technicians both work in refinery environments, but Refinery Operators focus on operating and monitoring equipment, while Process Technicians handle troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Both roles require safety training and are essential for efficient plant operations.

Is it hard to get a refinery operator job?

Getting a refinery operator job can be competitive due to the specialized skills and certifications required, such as process technology knowledge and safety training. Candidates often need relevant experience, technical skills, and sometimes a high school diploma or higher education in related fields. The job involves working in industrial environments with shift schedules and safety protocols.

What do you do as a refinery operator?

A refinery operator monitors and controls the equipment used to process crude oil into various petroleum products. They perform inspections, adjust machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working in shifts and using control panels and monitoring systems. Certification and knowledge of safety procedures are essential in this role.
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Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,068 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Operator - Reliability & Operations Support

ssc

Safford, AZ • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Military Veterans and National Guard Reservists are encouraged to apply!

The Basics:

  • Location:
  • Compensation: Starting Pay $26.00 to $28.00per hour
  • Days/Hours: Rotating Shifts 12 HR 5AM to 5PM - Schedule 5/ON 4/OFF, 5/ON 5/OFF
  • Equipment Used: Skid Steer, Tellahandler
  • Material Handled: Anhydrous Ammonia,

 

These are just a few of the benefits you can expect from working with Savage:

  • A culture that appreciates our Team Members
  • Uniforms and laundry service
  • Paid Time Off (“PTO”), Paid Holidays 
  • Profit Sharing 
  • Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k)
  • A culture of safety
  • A commitment to helping our Team Members do things that they never dreamed possible

 

What you’ll be doing:

  • Safely start up, operate, monitor, and shut down an 82,000 lb/hr Superior watertube boiler.
  • Perform routine boiler operations including:
    • Boiler chemistry analysis and control (feedwater and boiler water testing)
    • Chemical adjustments and corrections
    • Continuous and intermittent blowdowns
  • Operate and monitor emissions control systems, including:
    • SCR system operation, switching and handling anhydrous ammonia bottles
  • Conduct routine inspections of boiler, auxiliaries, and associated systems to ensure safe and efficient operation, monitor operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, and combustion performance, identify abnormal conditions, troubleshooting issues, and take corrective action as required
  • Communicate daily operating activities and system status with operation Leaders, maintain accurate and up-to-date operating logs, inspection records, and maintenance documentation
  • Initiate and document work orders for maintenance and repairs, follow Safe Work Permits, LOTO procedures, and site safety requirements at all times
  • Support general plant operations as needed, including assisting with inspections, housekeeping, and minor maintenance tasks, and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping in boiler and equipment areas
  • Become proficient in all aspects of the steam generation and supporting systems

Requirements to be successful in this position:

  • Prior experience operating industrial boilers, preferably watertube boiler
  • Strong working knowledge of boiler operations, including startup, shutdown, chemistry control, and blowdown practices preferred
  • Experience working in an industrial environment such as mining, power generation, petrochemical, refining, or heavy manufacturing
  • Strong understanding of Safe Work Permits and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Mechanically inclined with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and systems
  • Demonstrated commitment to always maintaining safe work practices
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges
  • Willingness to develop additional technical knowledge related to emissions controls, boiler optimization, and plant systems

Here are some of the physical requirements for this role:

  • Able and willing to work outside in all weather conditions
  • Ability to work at heights, swing a 10-lb sledgehammer, walk extensively on uneven terrain, lift up to 50 lbs, work and stand on uneven surfaces for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to work outside for extended periods of time, in all weather conditions
  • Willingness and ability to work within an MSHA-regulated mining environment
  • Candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check, drug and alcohol screening
  • Ability to attend and pass all required training, including but not limited to: Site-specific safety training, Anhydrous Ammonia, InPit Driving Left hand Traffic Training, Skid Steer, Tellahandler, and any additional training required for work at the job site

Apply