1

Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SALT Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee safety, food quality ...

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of a Glycol ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Plant Operator II (or) Plant Operator I * Grade: Technical 41 (or) Technical 38 * Job Code: 127954 ... refining and/or processing or manufacturing. WORKING CONDITIONS * Required to carry pager and/or ...

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of a Glycol ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Plant Operator II (or) Plant Operator I * Grade: Technical 41 (or) Technical 38 * Job Code: 127954 ... refining and/or processing or manufacturing. WORKING CONDITIONS * Required to carry pager and/or ...

Plant Operator II (or) Plant Operator I * Grade: Technical 41 (or) Technical 38 * Job Code: 127954 ... refining and/or processing or manufacturing. WORKING CONDITIONS * Required to carry pager and/or ...

Overview A Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the flows, pressure, and specifications of ... operating Refined Products Pipelines, Terminals, Pump Stations, or equivalent industry roles.

Be Seen First

Plant Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

... actively refining a proprietary process to produce 100% recycled asphalt. This is a rare ... plant manager or supervisory experience in an asphalt or related environment * Experience operating ...

... petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy ... About the Role The Pilot Plant Operator is responsible for operating pilot plant equipment and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Refinery Plant Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do refinery plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refinery Plant Operator vs Petrochemical Plant Operator?

AspectRefinery Plant OperatorPetrochemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in process operationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in process control
Work EnvironmentRefineries handling crude oil processingPetrochemical plants producing chemicals from hydrocarbons
Industry UsageOil refining industryChemical manufacturing industry
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor refining equipment, ensure safety and efficiencyOperate chemical processing units, monitor reactions and safety protocols

Refinery Plant Operators primarily work in oil refineries, focusing on crude oil processing, while Petrochemical Plant Operators work in chemical plants producing plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Both roles require technical certifications and involve operating complex processing equipment, but they differ in industry focus and specific processes.

What is a refinery plant operator?

Refinery Plant Operators are skilled professionals responsible for managing and controlling the equipment and processes used to convert raw materials, such as crude oil, into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and other fuels. They monitor instruments, adjust controls, and ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations within the refinery. Operators also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and environmental hazards. Their role is crucial in maintaining a steady supply of refined products while minimizing risks and downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery plant operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Refinery plant operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can disrupt sleep patterns and social life. Managing fatigue is a key challenge, so operators typically rely on good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits to stay alert. Additionally, the fast-paced environment requires constant vigilance to monitor equipment and respond quickly to alarms or abnormalities. Strong communication with team members during shift changes is crucial to ensure smooth operations and safety. Many refineries provide training and resources to help employees adapt to shift work and maintain work-life balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery plant operator?

To thrive as a Refinery Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, and maintenance tools is crucial for monitoring and adjusting plant operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond to emergencies and work efficiently within teams. These skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations while minimizing risks and downtime.
What cities are hiring for Refinery Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Refinery Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Refinery Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Plant Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Plant 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 $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

SALT Refinery Superintendent

Intermedia Group

Newark, CA • On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

OPEN JOB: SALT Refinery Superintendent
LOCATION: Newark, California
***Relocation Assistance Available
BASE SALARY: $124,000 to $160,000
INDUSTRY: Food & Beverages
JOB CATEGORY: Manufacturing - Plant Management
  • This position is in our client's Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. The salt refinery inCalifornia, utilizes over 12,000 acres of evaporation ponds to produce approximately 500,000 tons of sea salt annually through a three-year natural solar process.

Job Purpose and Impact
  • The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee safety, food quality, operational effectiveness and financial performance.

Key Accountabilities
  • Ensures employee safety, food safety and environmental compliance program standards and goals are implemented.
  • Accountable for all internal and external operating and regulatory procedures.
  • Including strategic and tactical execution in alignment with corporate EH&S, food safety, quality and regulatory functions as well as government regulations.
  • Lead production and quality management deliverables to ensure customer, product and quality standard requirements are met within specifications.
  • Establish and deploy operational priorities for Newark Refinery plant.
  • Oversee the overall operational management of a single plant and implement operational efficiency improvements which may include standardization of plant information manufacturing systems, quality control, safety, production reliability excellence and maintenance and operator's best practices.
  • Leads, directs and controls capital and operating budgets for a single plant to achieve medium term outlook financial performance objectives set by the business.
  • Ensure and hold direct reports accountable for meeting production deliverables and controlling operating expenses and established targets.
  • Lead and develop a team, coach and make decisions related to talent management, hiring, performance, and disciplinary actions.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Two years of supervisory experience
  • Lean six sigma

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please respond back and include the following:
  • MS WORD Resume
  • required compensation.
  • Contact information.
  • Availability

Upon receipt, one of our managers will contact you to discuss the position in full detail.
Stephen Fleischner
Recruiting Manager
INTERMEDIA GROUP, INC.
EMAIL: sfleischner@intermediagroup.com
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefleischner/