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Refinery Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Wichita, KS

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Seaboard Corporation

Refinery Process Operator

Hugoton, KS

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Refinery experience preferred * Ability to learn process operating parameters and control system operation to ensure safety and environmental protection standards are maintained while maximizing ...

Seaboard Energy

Refinery Process Operator

Hugoton, KS · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Refinery experience preferred * Ability to learn process operating parameters and control system operation to ensure safety and environmental protection standards are maintained while maximizing ...

Seaboard Energy

Refinery Process Operator

Hugoton, KS · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Refinery experience preferred * Ability to learn process operating parameters and control system operation to ensure safety and environmental protection standards are maintained while maximizing ...

HF Sinclair

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Manages the daily optimization activities to ensure the refinery is operating at plan feed rates and quality targets to maximize profit. * Interacts with the Crude Supply, Marketing, Heavy Oils ...

HF Sinclair

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Manages the daily optimization activities to ensure the refinery is operating at plan feed rates and quality targets to maximize profit. * Interacts with the Crude Supply, Marketing, Heavy Oils ...

Clean Harbors

Manager Refinery Operations

Wichita, KS · On-site

$191K/yr

Manage operating expenditures for catalyst, chemicals, supplies and utilities. Monitors, manages, and reports overall production of refinery verses plan. Why work for Safety-Kleen? * Health and ...

Matrix Service

NCCCO Crane Operator

Emporia, KS · On-site

Minimum of one (3) 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 ...

ONEOK, Inc

Operator USW

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

... operating refined product pumps; performing product sampling, running samples for analysis on in house lab equipment; measurement of location physical stock, meters, and additive variances. Input ...

Oneok, Inc.

Operator USW

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

... operating refined product pumps; performing product sampling, running samples for analysis on in house lab equipment; measurement of location physical stock, meters, and additive variances. Input ...

Matrix Service

Light Equipment Operator

Emporia, KS

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 ...

Matrix Service

Heavy Equipment Operator

Emporia, KS

Minimum of three (3) years of mechanical, industrial or refinery maintenance experience. Must be able to pass equipment test and visual observation of operating equipment. Complete the Matrix Service ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Jobs in Kansas

Refinery Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Kansas is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.88 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.
More about Refinery Operator jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in KS? For Refinery Operator jobs in KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,217 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Hydrovac Operator

Hydrovac Operator

Badger Daylighting

Wichita, KS

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various construction projects. If you're detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and ready to be part of essential infrastructure work, apply now to join our dedicated team.

Union wages and benefits to be discussed directly with the Branch Manager.

Badger Infrastructure Solutions is the industry leader in non-destructive hydro-excavation (hydrovac) services. Since 1992, Badger has been innovating cutting-edge technology and providing services to a diverse customer base, including oil and gas, energy, industrial, construction, transportation and other markets, as well as numerous government agencies within Canada and the United States. 

We hire great people from a wide array of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes Badger stronger. 

There has never been a better time to join and grow with Badger.
What We're Looking For:
  • Must have a valid Class A or B CDL
  • CPR/First Aid, Fall Protection and OSHA 10 certification (preferred)
  • Experience driving a manual transmission (10-18 speed) without automatic restrictions (preferred)
  • Ability to work variable shifts with extended hours
  • Must be willing to travel up to 25%
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull 50+ pounds and have the physical stamina for manual labor in varying weather conditions
  • Prior hydrovac equipment operations or related industrial experience preferred
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
What You'll Need For Success:
  • Customer service focused and comfortable with customer interaction
  • Enthusiasm for being part of a safety-focused collaborative team
  • Technology adept
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) provided
  • Candidates must undergo a physical examination and complete pre-employment screenings such as a driver's abstract review and drug and alcohol test
  • This position is in a region that is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the successful applicant may be required to join the union as a condition of employment
If you feel you don't have the experience listed above, but still think you are qualified for the job, we encourage you to apply for consideration.

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Operating hydrovac equipment and performing hydrovac duties in a variety of working environments, including confined spaces
  • Driving our hydrovac trucks (10-15% of total work time)
  • Attending safety meetings
  • Performing routine inspections and minor repairs of the hydrovac equipment
  • Preparing work areas by setting up safety measures and addressing potential hazards
  • Documenting and reporting all Badger, Federal, State, and Customer paperwork accurately and efficiently

Apply