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Refinery Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for maintaining, setting up, calibrating and operating the CNC ... You'll work to refine and shape high-quality quartz stone with a strong commitment to safety and ...

CNC Operator 1st Shift

Greenfield, IN · On-site

$20.83 - $22.66/hr

This position is responsible for maintaining, setting up, calibrating and operating the CNC ... You'll work to refine and shape high-quality quartz stone with a strong commitment to safety and ...

Our Safety-Kleen Refinery in East Chicago, IN is looking for a Site Services Technician to join ... Operators in equipment preparation and jobsite setup. * Operate forklifts and material-handling ...

Our Safety-Kleen Refinery in East Chicago, IN is looking for a Site Services Technician to join ... Operators in equipment preparation and jobsite setup. * Operate forklifts and material-handling ...

Our Safety-Kleen Refinery in East Chicago, IN is looking for a Site Services Technician to join ... Operators in equipment preparation and jobsite setup. * Operate forklifts and material-handling ...

Our Safety-Kleen Refinery in East Chicago, IN is looking for a Site Services Technician to join ... Operators in equipment preparation and jobsite setup. * Operate forklifts and material-handling ...

Our Safety-Kleen Refinery in East Chicago, IN is looking for a Site Services Technician to join ... Operators in equipment preparation and jobsite setup. * Operate forklifts and material-handling ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Gary, IN · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Fueling aircraft and operating and maintaining aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems * Enforcing safety and handling precautions * Refining fuel for quality * Supervising fuel farms and ...

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Refinery Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Indiana is $21.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $23.32 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.

How do I become a refinery operator?

To become a refinery operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an associate degree in process technology, chemistry, or a related field. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with safety protocols, control systems, and equipment is essential; some employers also require certifications such as OSHA safety training or process operator licenses.

What do operators do in a refinery?

Refinery operators monitor and control equipment used in the processing of crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret gauges, adjust valves, and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe and efficient plant operation, often working in shifts and following safety protocols. Certification and technical training are typically required for this role.

What are refinery operators?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Operator, and why are they important?

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.

Which oil refinery pays the most?

Refinery operators working at large, integrated oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron tend to earn higher salaries due to their scale and resources. Compensation can also vary based on experience, certifications, and location, with some high-paying roles found in regions with a high cost of living or in specialized operational positions.

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.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a refinery operator position can be competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of process control systems and safety protocols. Candidates often need relevant experience, certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER, and sometimes a technical or vocational background. The hiring process may include assessments, interviews, and background checks, and the job typically involves shift work in a safety-sensitive environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in Indiana? For Refinery Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in IN? For Refinery Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,977 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Facility Operations Supervisor

Facility Operations Supervisor

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Clean Harbors rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 72 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Safety-Kleen Refinery in East Chicago, IN is looking for a Facility Operations Supervisor to join their safety conscious team. Responsible for front line leadership supervision of plant operations including refinery operations, shipping and receiving, maintenance, blending, and wastewater operations depending on the department he/she is associated with. Supervisor who can read and interpret P&IDs, understand process flow, and translate that into operating procedures and safe work practices,  unit operations, and procedure development are part of the day-to-day. 

90k+ DOE, salary with premium pay, OT for salaried, 6a- 3p M-F, OT required some weekends, travel between plant and leased property sorting construction equipment issuing permits. Convert to Refinery Operations rotating 4/12-hour shift days, night, weekend 6a-6p 6p-6a.

**Updated resume including most recent employer required for consideration**
Why work for Safety-Kleen?

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive wages
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
  • Group 401K with company matching component
  • Own Part of the Company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • High School or equivalent required
  • 5 to 7 years operation experience preferred 
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) training
  • Petroleum, Chemical Industrial Operator experience
  • Forklift training
  •  Leadership skills/ability.
  • Ability to work in team environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  •   Able to review all applicable standard operating procedures (SOP's) annually and score satisfactorily on quizzes.
  • Proficiency in Windows based applications.
  • Plant operations experience.
  • Plant supervision experience.
  •  Knowledge of scanning applications, EOM scanning SOP's, VPI / Pick sheets
  • Proficiency in multiple site-specific plant operations.
  • Updated resume including most recent employer required for consideration
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time, including F1-OPT work authorization.

**Updated resume including most recent employer required for consideration**

Notice of Contingency: Any offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of a background check, pre-employment drug screening, and, where applicable, a job-related physical examination to determine fitness for duty. Drug testing includes screening for cannabis/marijuana. A positive result for illegal drug use or the misuse of controlled substances may result in withdrawal of the employment offer, consistent with company policy and applicable safety-sensitive requirements.


Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.
Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact eci@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
#SK  #CH

#LI-CT1

  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times
  • Performs supervision of department and site-specific plant operations, including, but not limited to, truck and rail loading/unloading, refinery operations, tank farm operations, wastewater treatment, scanning applications for Waste tracking.
  • Supervises and mentors multiple Plant Foremen/Employees and plant operations.
  • Acts as the recognized subject matter expert in their area(s) of responsibility.
  • Ensures that employees follow and maintain all applicable Health and Safety rules, Standard Operating Procedures, and all other site-specific policies and procedures and holds employees accountable when they do not.
  • Ensures that supervised operations/ employees understand and have ownership for area specific permit required compliance standards
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean work environment in their areas of responsibility.
  • Spearheaded the commissioning and operational handover of a Solvent De-asphalting (SDA) refinery unit, while managing construction onboarding, dewatering permitting, inventory conversion, and daily process operations.
  • Other duties as required

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Clean Harbors logo

About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US