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Refinery Process Operator Jobs in California (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 ...

ASR Group

Process Team Manager

Crockett, CA

The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar ... Develops supervisory and operating personnel to ensure optimum use of labor force assigned to each ...

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 ...

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 ...

Pbf Energy

Process Engineer

Martinez, CA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

Process Engineer PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE ... PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating, through its ...

ASR Group

Process Engineer II

Crockett, CA

$81K - $151K/yr

ASR Group is the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production ... The Process Engineer works closely with operators, supervisors, and cross-functional partners to ...

Eichleay, Inc

Process Engineers

Larkspur, CA

Minimum of 5+ years' experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage ... Develop and review operating philosophies, control narratives, and process descriptions supporting ...

Eichleay, Inc

Process Engineers

Orange, CA · On-site

Minimum of 5+ years' experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage ... Develop and review operating philosophies, control narratives, and process descriptions supporting ...

Valero

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$134K - $184K/yr

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control ... Provide engineering and technical support for Honeywell DCS systems including servers, operator ...

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All JobsRefinery Process Operator JobsRefinery Process Operator Jobs in California

Refinery Process Operator information

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How much do refinery process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery process operator in California is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery process operator?

Refinery Process Operators are skilled professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the machinery and equipment in oil refineries. They oversee the refining process, ensuring that crude oil is converted into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel efficiently and safely. Their duties include adjusting controls, conducting inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining safety standards. Refinery Process Operators play a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery process operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Refinery Process Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to process upsets, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication with team members and prompt decision-making are crucial for troubleshooting issues and minimizing downtime. Operators typically rely on their training, process control systems, and support from maintenance or engineering teams to resolve problems quickly. Staying proactive with regular monitoring and adhering to safety protocols helps ensure smooth operations and a safe workplace.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a technical field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring software, and industry safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for responding to operational issues and maintaining productivity. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations in a complex industrial environment.

What is the difference between Refinery Process Operator vs Chemical Plant Operator?

AspectRefinery Process OperatorChemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in refinery operationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in chemical processing
Work EnvironmentRefineries, oil processing facilitiesChemical manufacturing plants
Industry UsageOil and gas industryChemical manufacturing industry
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor refining equipment, ensure safety and efficiencyOperate chemical processing equipment, monitor reactions and safety

Refinery Process Operators and Chemical Plant Operators share similar credentials and work environments, often requiring certifications and safety training. While both roles involve operating complex equipment, Refinery Process Operators focus on oil refining processes, whereas Chemical Plant Operators work in chemical manufacturing. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the processing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Process Operator jobs in California? For Refinery Process Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Process Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Process Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refinery Process Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Refinery Process Operator job openings:
Refinery Process Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Process Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,408 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Refinery Superintendent

Cargill

Newark, CA • On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 220 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 49 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 lifes 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
  • Bachelors 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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