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Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 · 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 · 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 · 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.

OG&E

Plant Operator II

Fort Gibson, OK · On-site

Experience must include 1 year experience in a power plant or other process controlled environment including oil/gas/chemical refining and/or processing or manufacturing. Plant Operator I ...

New

OG&E

Plant Operator II

Fort Gibson, OK · On-site

Experience must include 1 year experience in a power plant or other process controlled environment including oil/gas/chemical refining and/or processing or manufacturing. Plant Operator I ...

New

OG&E

Plant Operator II

Fort Gibson, OK

Experience must include 1 year experience in a power plant or other process controlled environment including oil/gas/chemical refining and/or processing or manufacturing. Plant Operator I ...

New

necoTECH

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 ... RESPONSIBILITIES • Oversee daily plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent ...

New

Valar Atomics

Plant Operator

Orangeville, UT · On-site

The Role We're looking for a Plant Operator who thrives on challenge and precision-someone ready to ... Collaborate across teams to refine procedures and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

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Refinery Plant Operator information

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How much do refinery plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 are Refinery Plant Operators?

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, and why are they important?

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.
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Refinery Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% 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 Superintendent

Refinery Superintendent

Cargill

Newark, CA • On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Cargill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 48 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our 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. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.

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 operators 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.
   Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Lean six sigma
  • Two years of supervisory experience
Position information:
  • Relocation will be provided for this position
  • Work schedule:Dayshift, flexible to work on evenings and weekends as needed
  • Position is based in Newark, CA 

The expected salary for this position is $124K- $160K. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.

At Cargill we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Visit: https://www.cargill.com/page/my-health/mh-health-and-wellness to learn more (subject to certain collective bargaining agreements for Union positions)

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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