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Refinery Operator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Our Refineries and Logistics Operations We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 219 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and ...

Functional focus on developing, refreshing, and refining asset replacement, spares, testing, inspection, and maintenance strategies across all operating areas (O'ahu, Maui County, and Hawai'i Island ...

Systems Engineer Principal

Waipahu, HI · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Develop, document, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs), planning frameworks, and mission integration processes. * Promote continuous improvement in systems engineering, operational ...

Develop, document, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs), planning frameworks, and mission integration processes. * Promote continuous improvement in systems engineering, operational ...

Develop, own, and refine financial forecasts, budgets, and Estimates at Complete (EAC) for the ... Prepare and analyze quarterly EACs, Annual Operating Plans (AOP), and Long Range Plans (LRP) for ...

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Refinery Operator information

See Hawaii salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Hawaii is $23.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $25.48 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.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in Hawaii?

For Refinery Operator jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator jobs in Hawaii are:

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in HI?

For Refinery Operator jobs in HI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,016 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Planning Supervisor

Par Pacific

Kapolei, HI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Par Pacific rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Planning Supervisor
Posting Start Date: 3/28/26
Job Location (Short): O'ahu, Kapolei, Hawaii
The Opportunity
  • Planning Supervisor at a growth-oriented energy company
  • Opportunity to work in a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
  • Enjoy exposure to senior leaders while providing analysis of the company's forecasting and business planning initiatives.
  • Reporting to the Director of Economics and Planning at the Par Hawaii Refinery, you will provide exemplary customer service to our internal and external customers.

Key activities include:
  • Manages the planning of product blending, scheduling, and product distribution.
  • Prepares inventory forecasts that are used for product imports/exports planning decisions, financial forecasting, and hedging by our headquarters.
  • Maintains and develops advanced Excel based spreadsheet tools to create refinery yield and product forecasting plans.
  • Ownership of refinery inspection services program and other related contractor services which includes developing yearly budgets and approving invoices and spending.
  • Work closely with Refinery Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Logistics and Commercial personnel to communicate refinery run plans and targets.
  • Supervises a small team of SME oils planning schedulers who manage the short-term distribution plans.
  • Provide support and create enthusiasm from Hawaii Operations and Houston Commercial/Management for the operating plan through influence and effective communication skills.

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position. Additional responsibilities and opportunities may be identified based on current business needs.
Qualifications
To meet the basic qualifications for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To comply with the regulations at this work location, successful applicants must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.
Additional qualifications include:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science or equivalent preferred
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in oil refining, Planning and Economics, Operations or Process Engineering required
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in Planning and Economics is preferred
  • Experience providing production/inventory projections preferred
  • Experience planning product blending and distribution from refinery preferred
  • Experience scheduling and managing multi-product load/discharge on barge and ships preferred
  • Supervisory experience preferred
  • Proficient computer skills in applications such as spreadsheets, word processing and plant information systems required
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong skills in coordination and logical thinking are essential
  • Strong awareness of economics of refining and trading expected
  • This is an in-office position in Kapolei
  • Travel approximately 2-3 times per year to collaborate with our teams

About Us
At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically complex markets. We have built a team of downstream industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.
More Good Reasons to Work for Par Pacific
Unique Culture
There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific employees. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneurial-minded professionals who love to win. If that describes you, you'll fit right in.
Location, Location, Location
Because Par Pacific operates in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives. The office where you'll work is in Kapolei (Campbell Industrial Park). Located on the southwest side of O'ahu, Kapolei, named for the volcanic cone Pu'u of Kapolei, is colloquially known as the "second city." It is a vibrant, affluent city that is growing rapidly and is within a few miles of beautiful beaches, campsites and adventure parks.
Opportunistic Growth Strategy
At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies.
Focusing on the Future
We are an energy company that has recognized the imperative and embraced the opportunity to begin the transition from fossil fuels. We are developing products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Excellent Compensation and Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a robust allotment of paid time off, a 401(k) with company match, retirement savings plans, educational reimbursement, and more. Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription coverage), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program. Employees can purchase company stock at discounted prices through the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Hiring Range:
The hiring range for this position is $155,700 to $194,000, plus non-discretionary bonus. The candidate selected will be placed according to his/her skills and qualifications.
Our Headquarters
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".
Our Refineries and Logistics Operations
We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 219 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 125,000 bpd of combining capacity and related multimodal logistics systems.
Our Retail Operations
We own and operate over 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and over 30 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.
Par Pacific Is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.
Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls or unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.

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