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Refinery Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Machine Operator / Material Handler This role focuses on operating material handling equipment and ... refine and expand your skills in inventory management, equipment operation, and manufacturing ...

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 ...

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 ...

... operating across 32 countries and territories in North America, the Greater Caribbean, and Europe ... Travel to various refined products and crude facilities with little notice to effectively assist ...

... operating across 32 countries and territories in North America, the Greater Caribbean, and Europe ... Travel to various refined products and crude facilities with little notice to effectively assist ...

... operating across 32 countries and territories in North America, the Greater Caribbean, and Europe ... Travel to various refined products and crude facilities with little notice to effectively assist ...

Shift Foreman

El Dorado, KS · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Basic Function HF Sinclair's refinery in El Dorado, Kansas, is seeking a Shift Foreman to lead the operating workforce within an assigned area with minimal supervision. This role is responsible for ...

Ensure the refinery runs safely and effectively through the setting and the monitoring of long-term targets and standards that achieve operating objectives set by planning and leadership. * Manage ...

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Refinery Operator information

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$10

$19

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How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 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 Kansas?

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

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

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

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:

Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,217 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Refinery Planning Optimizer

El Dorado, KS • On-site


HF Sinclair
Gasoline Stations • 5 - 10K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Basic Function

HF Sinclair is seeking a Refinery Planning Optimizer based in El Dorado, KS. In this role, you will conduct complex oil flow planning, scheduling, optimization, economic analysis, and transportation assignments related to the El Dorado refinery operation under minimal supervision.

Job Duties
  • Interacts with Operations, Process Engineering, Commercial, and Turnaround teams regularly to discuss optimization opportunities.
  • Issues the day-to-day instructions to the refinery team and is a resource when questions arise.
  • 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 Marketing, and Optimization Commercial teams. Maintains good working relationships with all Commercial teams.
  • Manages intermediate feedstock inventories to stay within operating envelope and oil flow plans.
  • Participates in daily/weekly teleconferences for products and feedstocks optimizations and provides ad-hoc analysis for real-time decision making.
  • Coordinates with Midstream to ensure tank maintenance plans mesh well with refinery oil flow and maintenance event schedules.
  • Coordinates and implements corrective actions and adjusts oil flow plan to mitigate impact of unplanned events.
  • Uses the LP model to update the monthly plan with weekly price updates and reports any shift in economic incentives for products and crude oil grades.
  • Uses the LP model to develop the monthly production forecast (MPF) that is used to set up the monthly product pipeline schedules.
  • Uses the LP model to develop the monthly oil flow plan and meets with RLT for review and approval. Communicates the monthly oil flow plan to individuals and teams throughout the organization.
  • Communicates with Operations regarding planned maintenance activities and adjusts operating conditions as needed to accommodate taking equipment off-line planned work.
  • Works with the Economics and Planning team to determine lost profit opportunity (LPO) estimates for current refinery events and monthly reporting purposes.
  • Uses the LP model to determine unit rate valuations each month and reports out to the organization.
  • Uses the LP model to determine gasoline blend values used to determine quality giveaway each month.
  • Participates in meetings with the Operations Business Teams.
  • Maintains the refinery outage and turnaround schedule.
  • Works with Operations to develop oil flow plans for planned outages and turnarounds and communicates the plan with the refinery team.
  • Backs up the Blending Specialist as needed.
  • Occasionally requires off-hours support to operations, Commercial, and third party companies.

     Special assignments or tasks assigned to the employee by their supervisor, as determined from time to time in their sole and complete discretion.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of on-the-job experience in refinery operations, process engineering, or other relevant experience is required.

Education Level

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience (in lieu of a four year degree), is required.

Required Skills
  • Understands supply chain economics and refining processes.
  • Knowledge of petroleum qualities and lab testing methods is beneficial.
  • Ability to provide clear direction to multiple parties regarding feasibility while keeping economic considerations in the forefront.
  • Capability to work on multiple issues in parallel and make decisions with incomplete information.
  • Resilient under pressure.
  • This position is on the front line guiding the site to meet customer commitments and maximize margin.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft products and ability to learn to use other relevant software (Petro, Spiral Software, BLEND).
  • Strong communication skills, and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
  • Ability to foster strong teamwork and maintain good working relationships with multiple teams throughout the organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibility

None required.

Work Conditions

Primarily office based, but some field presence required at times. Petroleum refinery, and plant environment including but not limited chemicals, pressure vessels, tanks and rotating equipment. Subject to all weather and varying road conditions.

Benefits
HF Sinclair offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Paid Time-Off
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Parental Bonding Time
  • Employee Discounts
We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees have the resources needed to thrive professionally and personally. Benefit eligibility is governed by official plan documents, for more details visit Total Rewards.
Our One HF Sinclair Culture:
At HF Sinclair, we are united through our One HF Sinclair Culture, which is underpinned by our five core values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Ownership and Inclusion. Developed to empower our people, our five core cultural values are at the heart of everything we do and extend to how we engage our stakeholders. These values influence our decisions, shape our behaviors and keep us connected across the entire organization. We maintain a true Safety culture for our employees, communities, environments and customers. Our goal is to make sure everyone returns home safely each day. We have a long-standing commitment to Integrity and ethical behavior and do what is right for our employees, investors, communities and the environment. We encourage employees to Step Up and Stand Out by championing a culture of Teamwork and Ownership. We foster a culture of Inclusion by encouraging diversity of experiences, viewpoints and backgrounds. What makes each of us different, together makes us stronger.
About HF Sinclair Corporation
HF Sinclair Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent energy company that produces and markets high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. HF Sinclair supplies high-quality fuels to more than 1,500 branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand at more than 300 additional locations throughout the country. In addition, subsidiaries of HF Sinclair produce and market base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, and export products to more than 80 countries. Through its subsidiaries, HF Sinclair produces renewable diesel at two of its facilities in Wyoming and also at its facility in Artesia, New Mexico. HF Sinclair provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage and throughput services to its refineries and the petroleum industry.
Equal Opportunity Employer

HF Sinclair Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.



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