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Refinery Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operations Helper

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$19 - $24/hr

The refinery has the potential to operate at an annual production capacity of about 900 million ... Experience operating heavy industrial equipment/processes. Experience with basic hand/power tools ...

This position requires precise operation of overhead cranes and other heavy machinery to support various phases of construction, refinery maintenance, and oil field operations. The operator ensures ...

Operator

La Porte, TX ยท On-site

Travel-based role supporting refineries and chemical plants nationwide * Get paid weekly What will ... operating tank cleaning and processing equipment (e.g., centrifuges, filter presses, decanters ...

Travel-based role supporting refineries and chemical plants nationwide * Get paid weekly What will ... operating tank cleaning and processing equipment (e.g., centrifuges, filter presses, decanters ...

$16.75 - $22/hr

Operators make required rounds to ensure proper equipment operation and to perform required visual ... High School Diploma or equivalent with 5+ years of experience in a Petrochemical or refinery ...

Travel-based role supporting refineries and chemical plants nationwide * Get paid weekly What will ... operating tank cleaning and processing equipment (e.g., centrifuges, filter presses, decanters ...

Operator

La Porte, TX ยท On-site

Travel-based role supporting refineries and chemical plants nationwide * Get paid weekly What will ... operating tank cleaning and processing equipment (e.g., centrifuges, filter presses, decanters ...

Showing results 21-40

Refinery Operator information

See Texas salary details

$11

$20

$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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in Texas? For Refinery Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
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.

Sr. Refinery I&E Technician

Allegiance Refining LLC

San Antonio, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Allegiance Refining, LLC is located in San Antonio, Texas. We operate by three tenets:
Safety: We aim for everyone to go home safely every day and strive for an accident and incident-free workplace.
Stewardship: We are stewards of the assets we operate and are committed to being safe and environmentally responsible.
Service: We strive to provide first-class service to our customers.
PURPOSE AND ROLE
Allegiance Refining, LLC, operator of The San Antonio Refinery is a PSM facility seeking a skilled Refinery Instrumentation and Electrical (I amp;E) Technician.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform advanced diagnostics, maintenance, calibration, and repair of instrumentation and electrical systems supporting refinery operations.
  • Serve as a subject matter resource for troubleshooting control systems, field instrumentation, and electrical distribution issues, minimizing downtime and improving system reliability.
  • Install, configure, and commission instrumentation, control devices, and electrical components, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications and industry standards.
  • Lead efforts in identifying root causes of equipment and system failures, implementing corrective actions and long-term reliability improvements.
  • Test instrumentation and electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, using testing devices such as multi-meters and power meters to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
  • Support, maintain, and optimize Distributed Control Systems (DCS), with strong working knowledge of HART and Foundation Fieldbus communication protocols using field communicators.
  • Calibrate, maintain, and optimize process control instrumentation including flow, pressure, temperature, and level devices, as well as control valves and DCS systems.
  • Interpret and work from P amp;IDs, loop drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to support maintenance, modifications, and system upgrades.
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot process analyzers such as gas chromatographs, pH analyzers, moisture analyzers, and elemental analyzers.
  • Conduct regular calibration and validation of analyzers to ensure precise process data for operational and quality assurance purposes.
  • Interpret and work from P amp;IDs, loop drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to support maintenance, modifications, and system upgrades.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance activities, calibration records, and system changes.
  • Collaborate with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve process performance, reliability, and safety.
  • Participate in call-out rotation and support critical operations during off-hours as required.
REQUIREMENTS
  • High School Graduate or GED.
  • 2-year Technical School or associateโ€™s degree preferred.
  • 4+ years electrical maintenance experience in an industrial/refinery setting.
  • Instrumentation and/or Electrical Journeymanโ€™s license is preferred.
  • Familiarity with refinery process controls and hazardous area instrumentation requirements.
  • Proficient in troubleshooting electrical circuits, instrumentation devices, and analyzer systems.
  • NCCER certification is preferred.
  • Legally authorized to work in US, in compliance with the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
  • Regularly required to walk, sit, talk and hear.
  • Occasionally required to stand; use hands to grasp, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms; and may occasionally be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to judge distances and spatial relationships.
  • Pulmonary function level must be adequate for supplied breathing air certification.
EXPERIENCE amp; SKILLS
  • Experienced in electrical skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting expertise. Trend analysis and pattern recognition.
  • Must be well organized, skilled in Microsoft Office, with the ability to write detailed reports and organize data.
Allegiance Refining, LLC (The San Antonio Refinery โ€œTSARโ€) offers equal employment opportunity and treatment to all
ualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected status.