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Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN · On-site

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN · On-site

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

PBF Energy, Inc.

Refinery Operator Trainee

Paulsboro, NJ · On-site

$42.88/hr

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position will focus on refinery operations or wastewater treatment plant as a priority task at the facility.

CleanHarbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN. This position will focus on refinery operations or wastewater treatment plant as a priority task at the facility.

Pbf Energy

Refinery Operator Trainee

Paulsboro, NJ · On-site

$42.88/hr

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK · On-site

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.

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Refinery Operator information

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How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.
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Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% 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.

Refinery Operator II

Clean Harbors

East Chicago, IN

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 91 rated recycling and waste

Job description

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while monitoring and controlling the refining/processing equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5
  • 401k  with matching component
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Competitive Union wages, plus weekly overtime opportunities
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Positive and safe work environments
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be able to obtain a TWIC card is mandatory
  • 1-3 Years experience as a manual labor experience (industrial, refinery or construction) preferred
  • 1-3 years in a production driven environment preferred
  • 1+ years forklift experience
  • Must be able to work at heights
  • Permit writing preferred
  • Oil and gas experience is an asset!
  • Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools
  • Computer literate and can operate an IPAD
  • Punctal
  • Follow direction and take initiative
  • Must be able to work in the elements
  • Lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend, stand for long period and work at heights

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.

Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact eci@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

*SK

#LI- LDI

  • Operate and monitor refinery plant equipment and processes according to established procedures and safety protocols.
  • Perform routine PM maintenance on refinery plant equipment and troubleshoot any issues as they arise.
  • Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Communicate with other plant personnel and management to coordinate activities and ensure safe and efficient operations
  • Other duties as assigned

What Clean Harbors employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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