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Refinery Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Eaf Operator

Groveport, OH · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

EAF Operator OB SUMMARY/PURPOSE The Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Operator is responsible for ... PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES Operate the electric arc furnace to melt and refine metal according to ...

Equipment Operator I

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with ...

Equipment Operator I

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with ...

Equipment Operator I

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with ...

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

Assures Distillation units are never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is not ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Forklift Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Clean Harbors is seeking a dedicated Warehouse Material Handler/ Forklift Operator at our ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Forklift Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Clean Harbors is seeking a dedicated Warehouse Material Handler/ Forklift Operator at our ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Forklift Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Clean Harbors is seeking a dedicated Warehouse Material Handler/ Forklift Operator at our ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Forklift Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

Clean Harbors is seeking a dedicated Warehouse Material Handler/ Forklift Operator at our ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Solvent Process Operator I

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Solvent Process Operator I

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Solvent Process Operator I

Hebron, OH · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

Assures Distillation units are never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is not ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Solvent Process Operator I

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refinery Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Ohio is $21.12, 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 hard is it to become a refinery operator?

Becoming a refinery operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or technical schooling. Many positions also require relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training, and experience working with industrial equipment, making it a role that demands technical skills and safety awareness.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Refinery operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries usually range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as senior executives, certain medical specialists, or highly experienced consultants, but these are not typical for refinery operators. Earning such high daily wages generally requires advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience in specialized fields.

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 to maintain efficient and safe operations in the refinery environment.

How much do oil refinery operators make?

Oil refinery operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific refinery. They often work in shifts and need knowledge of safety protocols and process control systems.

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.

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.
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in OH? For Refinery Operator jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Ohio as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, 76% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,937 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Hydrovac Operator

Badger Daylighting

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

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.
Salary: Union wages and benefits to be discussed directly with the Branch Manager. Starting at $38.04.
Responsibilities
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

Qualifications
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.
About Us
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.