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Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intermedia Group

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 ...

Cargill

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 ...

Cargill

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 ...

Cargill

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA

$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 ...

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

George West, TX

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

Laredo, TX · On-site

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

Laredo, TX

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

George West, TX

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

Laredo, TX · On-site

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.

Danos, LLC

Plant Operator

George West, TX · On-site

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.

Noble Oil Services

Plant Operator

Belcamp, MD

$23 - $28/hr

Noble Oil Services in Belcamp MD is looking for a Plant Operator in the warehouse to unload ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Clean Harbors

Plant Operator

Belcamp, MD

$23 - $28/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Responsibility for operating plant oil processing/recycling equipment. * Operate filter crusher and ...

CleanHarbors

Plant Operator

Belcamp, MD

$23 - $28/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Responsibility for operating plant oil processing/recycling equipment. * Operate filter crusher and ...

Noble Oil Services

Plant Operator

Belcamp, MD

$23 - $28/hr

Noble Oil Services in Belcamp MD is looking for a Plant Operator in the warehouse to unload ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

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Refinery Plant Operator information

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$13

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$39

How much do refinery plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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 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 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 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 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.

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Refinery Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% 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.

Refinery Operator II

East Chicago, IN

Clean Harbors
Environmental Consulting Services • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 91 rated recycling and waste

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Clean Harborsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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
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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

View All Clean Harbors Jobs

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