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Refinery Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Topeka, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/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 ...

... operating budget and identifying cost-savings opportunities. * Working knowledge of safety regulations and hazardous materials handling requirements (OSHA, DOT) within a refinery or industrial ...

... Operator/Craft Helpers, and Yard Laborers * May review applications for yard laborers or craft ... May estimate, plan, schedule and execute refinery turnarounds from the planning stages through ...

... Operator/Craft Helpers, and Yard Laborers * May review applications for yard laborers or craft ... May estimate, plan, schedule and execute refinery turnarounds from the planning stages through ...

... Operator/Craft Helpers, and Yard Laborers * May review applications for yard laborers or craft ... May estimate, plan, schedule and execute refinery turnarounds from the planning stages through ...

... Operator/Craft Helpers, and Yard Laborers * May review applications for yard laborers or craft ... May estimate, plan, schedule and execute refinery turnarounds from the planning stages through ...

CNC Programmer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

... refine CNC programs to eliminate errors and improve performance. * Develop setup sheets, process documentation, work instructions, and in-process drawings/photos. * Support machinists and operators ...

Journeyman Electrician

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Working in the Refinery Maintenance Department, the successful employee will ... Operating all available mobile equipment including aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and bucket trucks ...

Journeyman Electrician

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Working in the Refinery Maintenance Department, the successful employee will ... Operating all available mobile equipment including aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and bucket trucks ...

Technician

Scott City, KS · On-site

$17 - $23.25/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 ...

Technician

Scott City, KS

$17 - $23.25/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 ...

Millwright Foreman

Emporia, KS · On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

... operating conditions. * Works with repair crews as directed on emergency breakdowns. * SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: * Must have a minimum of four (4) years or more in refinery ...

Showing results 41-60

Refinery Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

U.S. Navy

Pittsburg, KS

$12.25 - $15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 Olympic swimming pools. As an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Fuel, better known as a “Grape,” you’ll ensure that high-quality fuel is distributed to every part of the ship—from refining fuel below deck to gassing up the jets on the flight deck. Your job keeps our aircraft in the sky and the Navy’s engines running no matter the mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuel (ABF) Sailors are responsible for preparing and fueling Navy planes prior to launch and after landing, as well as pumping fuel to all areas of the ship. Specifically, your responsibilities as an ABF may include:

  • 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 fueling equipment
  • Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to fuel and lubricating oil spaces
  • Operating purging and protective systems aboard ships

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Most of the work in this rating is performed outdoors on the aircraft carrier flight deck, in all climates and conditions. The work is fast-paced, and ABFs typically work closely with others in aviation ratings. You will not spend your entire career at sea; you may also work with an aircraft squadron during a shore duty rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

  • Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Aviation Boatswain’s Mates in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
  • For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great.

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Benefits

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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