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Refinery Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

ONEOK, Inc

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

Badger Daylighting

Assistant Hydrovac Operator

Venus, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Join the Badger team as an Assistant 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

Badger Daylighting

Assistant Hydrovac Operator

Hutto, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Join the Badger team as an Assistant 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 ...

Delek US

Technical Training Manager

Big Spring, TX · On-site

Experience with refinery operator and/or maintenance qualification programs. * Experience developing or facilitating Train-the-Trainer or instructor qualification programs. * Experience with ...

Delek US

Technical Training Manager

Big Spring, TX · On-site

Experience with refinery operator and/or maintenance qualification programs. * Experience developing or facilitating Train-the-Trainer or instructor qualification programs. * Experience with ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Jobs in Texas

Refinery Operator information

See Texas salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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 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.
More about Refinery Operator jobs

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

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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 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,057 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee - Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Valero
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Learn more about Valeroexternal

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The refinery operator is responsible for maintaining product quality in a safe manner. Typical job duties may include performing visual rounds for assigned area, assessing equipment operation, taking instrument readings, communicating with console operator, supervision, and other refinery personnel, preparing equipment for scheduled maintenance, performing preventative maintenance, performing basic instrument and equipment troubleshooting to determine if technician support is required, making equipment adjustments to optimize performance, maintaining housekeeping for common and assigned areas, and complying with all environmental and safety procedures.  This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.

Please click on the following link to learn more about the daily tasks of an operator in a Valero refinery: Realistic Job Preview

Valero conducts a comprehensive, on-the-job training program designed to provide new employees a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are necessary for success as a Valero Operator. This required 9 to 10-week, instructor led program includes multiple content modules, including math, pumps, heat exchangers, operator duties, and so forth. Because mastering this content is critical to future job success, knowledge proficiency assessments are incorporated throughout the modules. It is required that participants successfully complete these assessments; as such, failure to pass a specific test three times or a total of four test failures throughout the training program will result in the termination of employment. This training program will prepare individuals for the continuous learning environment that is essential for success.

  • High school diploma or GED required. 
  • Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Refinery or chemical process operator experience preferred.
  • Associate degree in process operations preferred.
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Corpus Christi Refineries, required.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position may be invited to take on-line assessments. Communications regarding the assessments will be delivered via email. Be sure to check your spam and junk mailboxes for these communications as they are system generated.

Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It's not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it's also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they're truly part of a team. For more information, visit Valero.com.

Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero.  Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.  

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