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Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CleanHarbors

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

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

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 ...

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.

JBS USA

SWING SHIFT REFINERY OPERATOR

Hyrum, UT

Description Hours- 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM Monday - Friday w/ some Saturdays Pay * Starting - $22.90 * Qualified - $26.40 Responsibilities: * CDL required * Must be safety minded - Follow company policy ...

JBS USA

SWING SHIFT REFINERY OPERATOR

Hyrum, UT

Hours- 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM Monday - Friday w/ some Saturdays Pay * Starting - $22.90 * Qualified - $26.40 Responsibilities: * CDL required * Must be safety minded - Follow company policy when washing ...

JBS USA

SWING SHIFT REFINERY OPERATOR

Hyrum, UT

Hours- 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM Monday - Friday w/ some Saturdays Pay * Starting - $22.90 * Qualified - $26.40 Responsibilities: * CDL required * Must be safety minded - Follow company policy when washing ...

JBS Imports

SWING SHIFT REFINERY OPERATOR

Hyrum, UT · On-site

Description Position at JBS USA Hours- 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM Monday - Friday w/ some Saturdays Pay * Starting - $22.90 * Qualified - $26.40 Responsibilities: * CDL required * Must be safety minded ...

JBS USA

SWING SHIFT REFINERY OPERATOR

Hyrum, UT · On-site

DescriptionHours- 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM MondayFriday w/ some SaturdaysPayStarting - $22.90Qualified - $26.40Responsibilities:CDL requiredMust be safety minded - Follow company policy when washing and ...

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 · 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 ...

Clean Harbors

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 ...

MP Materials Corp.

Operator 3

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain--from mining and refining to advanced ... Operating rare earth processing equipment in the magnet production departments. * Perform daily ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator Jobs

Refinery Operator information

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$12

$22

$33

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,216 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Refinery Operator II

CleanHarbors

East Chicago, IN

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

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

Apply