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Refinery Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$29.50/hr

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

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$29.50/hr

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 ...

Valaris

Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO)

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary The Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) operates the automated and fixed station keeping system of the MODU while on location and acts as Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Krugerville, TX · On-site

$30/hr

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 ...

ONEOK

Storage Operator - Intermediate

Loop, TX · On-site

Operating and maintaining storage field equipment * Measurement activities/Gauging tanks * Changing charts * Blowing drips * Maintain facility appearance * Quality assurance/quality control

Valaris

Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO)

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary The Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) operates the automated and fixed station keeping system of the MODU while on location and acts as Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Jobs in Texas

Refinery Operator information

See Texas salary details

$11

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$31

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Texas is $20.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.84 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.

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. Employers often look for relevant experience, technical aptitude, and the ability to work in a demanding environment, which can make entry challenging for some applicants.

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 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 routine inspections, adjust machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient operations in the refinery environment.

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 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.
More about Refinery Operator jobs
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What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Refinery Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Refinery Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in TX? For Refinery Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,057 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Data Collection Operator, Lithium Refinery

Tesla

Robstown, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 681 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers

Job description

What to Expect Tesla'sin-house Lithium Refinery,locatedin the greater Corpus Christi area of Texas, is critical to our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. This investment aims to increase the supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in North America. We are seeking multipleData CollectionOperators to join our team and help further our missionwhile collecting valuable data for our AI programs. This position involvesdatacollectionthroughmonitoringand recordingactivitiesrefineryoperations activities;quality control sampling, equipment monitoring, troubleshooting, and loading/unloading finished goods and raw materials.DataCollectionOperators work on a rotating shift team, focusing on field chemical unit operations to safely run process systems and associated equipment during their shift. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, besafetyconscious, display attention to detail, be adaptable, havegood communicationskills, and work well in a team-based environment.
What You'll Do
  • Performdata collection tasks such asmanipulation of objects, walk pre-determined routes, followtestingguidelinesand test protocolsatTesla facilities andinpublic environments
  • Wear motion capture equipment while performing designated movements and actions based on project requirements
  • Start/stop recording devices and perform minor equipment and software debugging
  • Provide feedback on the performance of the equipment
  • Analyze and report on data collected during shift
  • Upload data collected andwritedaily reports detailing observations and issues
  • Maintain equipment in safe workingcondition, prioritize safety protocols, and communicate with leadership promptly

What You'll Bring
  • Must be able to walk 7+ hours a day while carrying up to 50lbs. ofvarious typesof equipment
  • Height between 5'7" and 6' as role requires the use of motion capture equipment
  • Continuous hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation, body coordination, and kinesthetic awareness and ability to walk up/downstairs
  • High attention to detail, ability to follow precise instructions, and basicproficiencywith software for data upload and reporting
  • Ability to perform technical troubleshooting on equipment and willingness to learnnew technologiesquickly
  • Able to successfully work on a rotating shift schedule, also known as a Dupont schedule
  • Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal

Essential Physical Demands

  • Ability to climb stairs, stand for extended periods, and safely lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Perform frequent bending and lifting
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods, including a respirator and safety harness
  • Pass pulmonary function tests and physical exam for respirator use and be prepared to potentially be in a fit test program

Compensation and Benefits Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
  • Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
  • Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program

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