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Refinery Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN ... This position will focus on refinery operations or wastewater treatment plant as a priority task at ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN ... This position will focus on refinery operations or wastewater treatment plant as a priority task at ...

CleanHarbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN ... This position will focus on refinery operations or wastewater treatment plant as a priority task at ...

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator I

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Safety-Kleen is seeking a Refinery Operator to join our team in East Chicago, IN ... This position will focus on refinery operations or wastewater treatment plant as a priority task at ...

AAK

REFINERY OPERATOR IA

Louisville, KY · On-site

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing ... We specialize in sustainably sourced plant-based oils that are used by major manufacturers in ...

AarhusKarlshamn

REFINERY OPERATOR IA

Louisville, KY · On-site

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing ... We specialize in sustainably sourced plant-based oils that are used by major manufacturers in ...

General Matter

UF6 Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

High school diploma or GED * 3+ years of experience as an industrial plant operator, process operator, or equivalent in a high-hazard or regulated environment (e.g., chemical plants, refineries ...

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Refinery Plant Operator information

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How much do refinery plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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.

Operator, Plant (Mentone, TX) Sign-on Bonus

Enterprise Products Partners L.P.

Mentone, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Enterprise Products rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is one of the largest publicly traded partnerships and a leading North American provider of midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transportation and storage; NGL transportation, fractionation, storage and import and export terminals; crude oil gathering, transportation, storage and terminals; petrochemical and refined products transportation, storage and terminals; and a marine transportation business that operates primarily on the United States inland and Intracoastal Waterway systems. The partnership's assets include approximately 50,000 miles of pipelines; 260 million barrels of storage capacity for NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals; and 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity.

The Plant Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of natural gas amine treating plants, compressors and pipeline systems via both computer control center and onsite operations.  Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Operate a natural gas cryogenic plant and pipeline equipment including, but not limited to: amine treating plants, chilled water gas conditioning skids, electric natural gas compressors, TEG dehydrators, fluid separation equipment, valves, gas measurement equipment, etc.
  • Operate plant equipment & system.
  • Start-up/Shutdown of plant equipment.
  • Adjust controls to operate equipment in the recommended or prescribed operating ranges.
  • Visually inspect equipment and controls at periodic intervals to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.
  • De-pressure equipment and pipelines.
  • Operate valves.
  • Monitor plant and pipeline operations and respond to emergency or upset conditions.
  • Operate under Process Safety Management (PSM) as required.
  • Implement safe work practices and participate in proactive safety culture while ensuring safety for the employee, public and environment at all times.
  • Monitor gas gathering system through SCADA and make calls to alert customers of situations that could affect gas deliveries.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and record-keeping requirements are met and continually monitored.
  • Read, monitor, and record various operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, hours of operations, fuel consumed, water levels, etc.
  • Perform minor maintenance on equipment including, but not limited to: reciprocating natural gas compressors, TEG dehydrators, fluid separation equipment, valves, etc.
  • Monitor, remove, and replace filters, oil, chemicals, other lubricating fluids, gaskets, and valves as needed.
  • Change gauges.
  • Maintain sites in a clean condition including picking up/taking out trash, control weeds and grassy areas, minor painting, etc.
  • Clean out site glasses as necessary.
  • Change out suction/discharge valves on natural gas compressors, light bulbs, and fuses.
  • Improve upon meeting the needs and demands of customers.
  • Maintain a near-perfect driving record.
  • Direct and supervise contract labor involved in plant maintenance activities.
  • Collaborate with direct supervisor on new and improved ideas associated with an evolving plant and pipeline system.
  • Work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.
The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications: 
  • A minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
  • Technical certification or equivalent training in a mechanical environment or energy related field is preferred. 
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable driving record is required.
  • Knowledge of the operation, control and general design of various kinds of systems typically present in a processing or fractionation plant is required.
  • The ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, such as, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical solutions is required.
  • Basic computer skills such as: opening, creating and updating content in MS Word documents and Excel spreadsheets is required.
  • Ability to assume responsibility, be flexible, perform duties and handle multiple tasks under potentially stressful and/or hazardous conditions.
  • The ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with other individuals, teams, customers, and stakeholders of the business, at various levels of the organization, in a business like and professional manner is required.
  • The ability to modify communication style in order to influence, persuade, negotiate, and engage all parties according to the audience and circumstance is required.
  • Takes initiative and is proactive in addressing issues.  Quickly and efficiently completes tasks.
  • The ability to demonstrate conscientiousness, dependability, and commitment to the role, team and company.
  • The ability to work in a fast-paced environment with less definition, policy, and bureaucracy.
  • Works indoors and outdoors in and around industrial and electrical equipment. 
  • Works in temperature extremes due to weather conditions and operating equipment. 
  • Uses physical force to lift, push, pull and hold equipment and tools. 
  • Climbs and works at various heights and may work in a standing, sitting, lying down, crouched or kneeling position. 
  • Routinely reacts to visual, aural and other signals, including alarms and instructions, and is required to visually inspect work.
  • May work in confined spaces (i.e. tanks, between compressors, vessels).
  • Must be able to regularly bend, stoop, move from ground level to higher levels, raise/lift from ground level and lift up to 50 lbs., manually transport a load up to 75 lbs., apply up to 100-foot pounds of torque. 
  • Must have the ability to get in and out of vehicles regularly and ride over rough roads. 
  • Must live within one hour response time of the plant.
 

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