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Refinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Hydrovac Operator

Williston, ND ยท On-site

$30 - $33/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 ...

Hydrovac Operator

Pooler, GA ยท 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 ...

Operator

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Ability to complete basic mathematical calculations. Compensation DP ...

We are seeking a Refining Operator 1 for a graveyard shift in the refining department. This is a full-time position that will be working 12-hour night sift. Some overtime is required during high ...

Hydrovac Operator

Buffalo, NY ยท On-site

$34.31/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Operator

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Ability to complete basic mathematical calculations. Compensation DP ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Refiner Operator

Gooding, ID ยท On-site

$18.75 - $22.75/hr

Refiner Operator Supervisor's Title: Production Team Leader Department: Production Location : Gooding Whey Plant Exempt Status: Hourly At Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., our portfolio centers on dairy and ...

Hydrovac Operator

Tampa, FL ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Hydrovac Operator

Casper, WY ยท 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Refinery Operator information

See salary details

$12

$22

$33

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.

What cities are hiring for Refinery Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Refinery Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Refinery Operator jobs?

The top employers for Refinery Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Refinery Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refinery Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs?

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

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.

Operator - Reliability & Operations Support

Savage Arms

Safford, AZ โ€ข On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Savage Job Opportunity

Savage is a global provider of supply chain infrastructure and logistics solutions with more than 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Since we were founded in 1946, we've grown from a small family business to an international company with more than 4,000 team members. We're proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly Employer and a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation. Savage is a place where your growth is supported and your impact matters. Join us and do things you never dreamed possible.

Location: Rotating Shifts 12 HR 5AM to 5PM - Schedule 5/ON 4/OFF, 5/ON 5/OFF

Compensation: Starting Pay $26.00 to $28.00 per hour

Equipment Used: Skid Steer, Tellahandler

Material Handled: Anhydrous Ammonia

These are just a few of the benefits you can expect from working with Savage:

  • A culture that appreciates our Team Members
  • Uniforms and laundry service
  • Paid Time Off ("PTO"), Paid Holidays
  • Profit Sharing
  • Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k)
  • A culture of safety
  • A commitment to helping our Team Members do things that they never dreamed possible

What you'll be doing:

  • Safely start up, operate, monitor, and shut down an 82,000 lb/hr Superior watertube boiler.
  • Perform routine boiler operations including:
    • Boiler chemistry analysis and control (feedwater and boiler water testing)
    • Chemical adjustments and corrections
    • Continuous and intermittent blowdowns
  • Operate and monitor emissions control systems, including:
    • SCR system operation, switching and handling anhydrous ammonia bottles
  • Conduct routine inspections of boiler, auxiliaries, and associated systems to ensure safe and efficient operation, monitor operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, and combustion performance, identify abnormal conditions, troubleshooting issues, and take corrective action as required
  • Communicate daily operating activities and system status with operation Leaders, maintain accurate and up-to-date operating logs, inspection records, and maintenance documentation
  • Initiate and document work orders for maintenance and repairs, follow Safe Work Permits, LOTO procedures, and site safety requirements at all times
  • Support general plant operations as needed, including assisting with inspections, housekeeping, and minor maintenance tasks, and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping in boiler and equipment areas
  • Become proficient in all aspects of the steam generation and supporting systems

Requirements to be successful in this position:

  • Prior experience operating industrial boilers, preferably watertube boiler
  • Strong working knowledge of boiler operations, including startup, shutdown, chemistry control, and blowdown practices preferred
  • Experience working in an industrial environment such as mining, power generation, petrochemical, refining, or heavy manufacturing
  • Strong understanding of Safe Work Permits and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Mechanically inclined with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and systems
  • Demonstrated commitment to always maintaining safe work practices
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges
  • Willingness to develop additional technical knowledge related to emissions controls, boiler optimization, and plant systems

Here are some of the physical requirements for this role:

  • Able and willing to work outside in all weather conditions
  • Ability to work at heights, swing a 10-lb sledgehammer, walk extensively on uneven terrain, lift up to 50 lbs, work and stand on uneven surfaces for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to work outside for extended periods of time, in all weather conditions
  • Willingness and ability to work within an MSHA-regulated mining environment
  • Candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check, drug and alcohol screening
  • Ability to attend and pass all required training, including but not limited to: Site-specific safety training, Anhydrous Ammonia, InPit Driving Left hand Traffic Training, Skid Steer, Tellahandler, and any additional training required for work at the job site

Additional Information:

  • A complete job description is available upon request
  • Savage is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace
  • California Residents Job Application Privacy Notice
  • You may view available jobs at www.savageco.com/careers and apply using the online job posting.
  • Team members may be eligible for a benefits package that is dependent on hours worked and position classification. This package may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life, AD&D, and disability insurance; supplemental coverage options; health savings and flexible spending accounts; paid time off; profit sharing; and a 401(k) plan with company match. Benefits are subject to change. For more information visit https://savageco.com/careers/benefits-information/