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Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK

Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.

Cargill

Refinery Hydro Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$30.27/hr

Complete all operating logs and record any required information * Assist truck drivers as necessary with loading or unloading materials or chemicals * Assist other refinery and plant personnel as ...

Cargill

Refinery Hydro Operator

Charlotte, NC

$30.27/hr

Complete all operating logs and record any required information * Assist truck drivers as necessary with loading or unloading materials or chemicals * Assist other refinery and plant personnel as ...

Cargill

Refinery Hydro Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$30.27/hr

Complete all operating logs and record any required information * Assist truck drivers as necessary with loading or unloading materials or chemicals * Assist other refinery and plant personnel as ...

Cargill

Refinery Hydro Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$30.27/hr

Complete all operating logs and record any required information * Assist truck drivers as necessary with loading or unloading materials or chemicals * Assist other refinery and plant personnel as ...

CleanHarbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Fallon, NV · On-site

$28/hr

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump strainers, inline filters, sampling tank and production lines, replacing PPE drums, re-use drums, empty ...

Clean Harbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Fallon, NV

$28/hr

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump strainers, inline filters, sampling tank and production lines, replacing PPE drums, re-use drums, empty ...

Clean Harbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Fallon, NV

$28/hr

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump strainers, inline filters, sampling tank and production lines, replacing PPE drums, re-use drums, empty ...

Clean Harbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Fallon, NV · On-site

$13.41 - $31.15/hr

Our Refinery Operator is responsible for and not limited to cleaning or changing out of pump strainers, inline filters, sampling tank and production lines, replacing PPE drums, re-use drums, empty ...

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Refinery Operator information

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How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.52 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 do I become a refinery operator?

To become a refinery operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an associate degree in process technology, chemistry, or a related field. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with safety protocols, control systems, and equipment is essential; some employers also require certifications such as OSHA safety training or process operator licenses.

What do operators do in a refinery?

Refinery operators monitor and control equipment used in the processing of crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret gauges, adjust valves, and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe and efficient plant operation, often working in shifts and following safety protocols. Certification and technical training are typically required for this role.

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 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.

Which oil refinery pays the most?

Refinery operators working at large, integrated oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron tend to earn higher salaries due to their scale and resources. Compensation can also vary based on experience, certifications, and location, with some high-paying roles found in regions with a high cost of living or in specialized operational positions.

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.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a refinery operator position can be competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of process control systems and safety protocols. Candidates often need relevant experience, certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER, and sometimes a technical or vocational background. The hiring process may include assessments, interviews, and background checks, and the job typically involves shift work in a safety-sensitive environment.
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Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,216 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Oil Refinery Operator - 2nd Shift

Oil Refinery Operator - 2nd Shift

Perdue Farms

Bowersville, GA • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 401 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
Play a hands-on role in producing high quality edible oil products. As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle material movement using forklifts and other mobile equipment, load out finished products, perform routine operator maintenance, and maintain sanitation standards within the refinery. This role is ideal for safety focused individuals who enjoy working with industrial equipment, supporting production from start to finish, and contributing directly to operational success.
Schedule: 7pm-7am
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Operate forklift, track mobile, pallet jack and tractor/trailer to load, unload and move supplies.
  • Operate refining, bleaching and deodorization production process.
  • Operate the hydrogenation production process.
  • Load out refined edible oil.
  • Perform general labor, housekeeping and sanitation of the oil refinery.
  • Perform routine operator maintenance on refinery equipment.
  • Perform all work within the safety guidelines established by local, state, and federal agencies as well as company policies.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Reading, writing, math and analytical skills.
  • Lift truck license.
  • Understanding of Team Management.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • High School or GED preferred.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
  • Able to move freely throughout the Oil Refinery facility to include climbing vertical heights (0 - 150'), carrying equipment or tools (50-100 pounds).
  • Exposed to extreme temperatures (0-100 Degrees Fahrenheit), humidity, (0 - 100%), noise (50db to 100db) and chemicals (MSDS sheets available).
  • Must be able to wear protective equipment to include self-contained breathing apparatus.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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