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Refinery Operator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Par Pacific

Planning Supervisor

Kapolei, HI · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Jobs in Hawaii

Refinery Operator information

See Hawaii salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 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 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.

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. Employers often look for relevant experience, technical aptitude, and the ability to work in a demanding environment, which can make entry challenging for some applicants.

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 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 routine inspections, adjust machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient operations in the refinery environment.

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 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.

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.
More about Refinery Operator jobs
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:
Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 2% 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.

Pilot Plant Operator - Technician

Sea Dragon Energy

Kailua Kona, HI • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Pilot Plant Operator-Technician
Job Type: Full-time rotating shifts, overtime expected
Work Location: Sea Dragon Energy at the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology Park, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Pay: $30-$40/hour
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement program with matching
  • Flexible PTO policy including 12 company holidays and 1 floating holiday

About Us
Sea Dragon Energy is a commercial startup and veteran-owned company developing a process to generate sustainable aviation fuel. This project combines breakthrough technologies that extract carbon dioxide and hydrogen from seawater to synthesize jet fuel in distributed units while requiring no crude oil input.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a safe working environment with chemical process equipment. Follow all safety standards and wear appropriate PPE when required to do so, including flame resistant clothing, work gloves, and masks/respirators.
  • Operate chemical process skids as directed by the Site Manager, including interacting with valves, PLC screens, pumps, compressors, electrolyzers, and reactors.
  • Monitor chemical process skid operation. Identify problems or defects during process operation. Make process adjustments and attempt to independently troubleshoot process parameter deviations.
  • Acquire chemical samples from the process skids and analyze them in the site quality laboratory.
  • Perform maintenance checks on equipment. Perform basic repairs of equipment such as fixing small leaks or changing out broken pumps. For more advanced repairs, work with equipment vendors to assist in the repair.
  • Respond to spills and cleanup with appropriate corrective action.
  • Operate a forklift as required. Previous forklift experience is not required.
  • During chemical operating campaigns work rotating 12 hour shifts. Night shifts will be required during operating campaigns.

Minimum qualification requirements:
  • High school diploma/GED or higher.
  • Three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory environment.
  • Proactive communication in alerting others to issues around the pilot plant.

Additional qualifications that would help you succeed further:
  • Associates degree or similar two-year technical degree or higher.
  • Experience with Swagelok.
  • Experience in petroleum refining, petrochemical research, or similar process equipment.
  • Experience with Lock Out Tag Out.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of how to disassemble and reassemble basic machines.
  • Strong electrical aptitude and basic knowledge of circuits.
  • Strong hydraulic aptitude and basic knowledge of fluid dynamics or plumbing.
  • Ability to complete work with little to no supervision.

Apply