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Refinery Process Operator Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

... of refinery process equipment. * Coordinate services of engineering and other consultants as ... Utilizes effective communication techniques to train and interact with operators, managers and ...

Insure that the control system is operating properly. * Develop configuration and programming for ... Work with the process engineers to develop and implement control strategies for the refinery.

Insure that the control system is operating properly. * Develop configuration and programming for ... Work with the process engineers to develop and implement control strategies for the refinery.

... of refinery process equipment. * Coordinate services of engineering and other consultants as ... Utilizes effective communication techniques to train and interact with operators, managers and ...

Description About 1Vision 1Vision's mission is to enable our customers to refine and streamline ... output - RIP processing, preflight checks, tiling, and nesting Perform color management ...

Wide Format / Large Format Operator

Jackson, MS · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

About 1Vision 1Vision's mission is to enable our customers to refine and streamline their ... output - RIP processing, preflight checks, tiling, and nesting • Perform color management ...

HSRC Operator Trainee

Heidelberg, MS

$14.50 - $19/hr

... Refinery steam system, causing an upset. Quality Assurance/Control of all incoming and outgoing ... Documents railcars that are being discharged and runs interface between Shipping Process System and ...

HSRC Operator Trainee

Heidelberg, MS · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

... Refinery steam system, causing an upset. Quality Assurance/Control of all incoming and outgoing ... Documents railcars that are being discharged and runs interface between Shipping Process System and ...

Engineering experience in chemical processing, oil & gas refining, manufacturing, or plant ... Requires routine interaction with operating units, maintenance areas, construction sites, and ...

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Refinery Process Operator information

See Mississippi salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do refinery process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery process operator in Mississippi is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Refinery Process Operators?

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 does a process operator do in a refinery?

A refinery process operator monitors and controls equipment used in refining crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret data from gauges and instruments, adjust valves and controls, and ensure safety and efficiency in the plant's operations, often working in shifts and following strict safety protocols.

How much do refinery operators make in the US?

Refinery process operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced workers and those in higher-cost-of-living areas earning more. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the refinery environment.

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.

How do I become a refinery operator?

To become a refinery process operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an associate degree in process technology, chemistry, or a related field. On-the-job training is common, and operators often obtain certifications such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) or industry-specific safety certifications. Strong mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a safety-sensitive environment are essential.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a refinery process operator position typically requires relevant technical skills, such as knowledge of process control systems and safety procedures, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers often look for prior experience or certifications like OSHA training, and the job can involve shift work in a demanding environment, making competition moderate to high depending on location and experience level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Process Operator, and why are they important?

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 Mississippi? For Refinery Process Operator jobs in Mississippi, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Process Operator jobs in Mississippi look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Process Operator jobs in Mississippi are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Process Operator job openings in Mississippi as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,656 per year, or $20 per hour.

HSRC Plant Engineer II

Hunt

Heidelberg, MS

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide on demand mechanical engineering support for operations, maintenance, and turnaround groups.
  • Serve as a skilled troubleshooter while multi-tasking between tactical and strategic issues.
  • Develop technical solutions independently based on knowledge of cost benefit analysis, budget impact, and refinery performance impact of technical decisions.
  • Prepare specifications, drawings, bid packages, quotation analysis and other applicable documents for purchase, construction and/or repair of refinery equipment and facilities.
  • Serve as a "go-to" technical resource for assigned area or technology to others in Engineering Services, Operations, and Maintenance.
  • Application of engineering principles to solve equipment and system reliability issues.
  • Provide Project Engineering and Management activities in support of new construction and revamp projects. 
  • Develop detailed scopes of work, engineering and construction schedules, and cost estimates for small-medium scale projects (<$1MM) by using company's project methodology (FEL-1, 2, or 3 deliverables). 
  • Provide equipment repair, replacement and metallurgical recommendations. 
  • Participate in formal root cause analysis discussions to ensure effective solutions and prevent recurrence. 
  • Stay abreast of current technologies and equipment for application within the refinery.
  • Perform fitness for service evaluations of refinery equipment; apply life extension analysis and techniques.
  • Assist in auditing of Maintenance and Operations practices to improve reliability and operability of refinery process equipment.
  • Coordinate services of engineering and other consultants as required.
  • Assist in the development and upkeep of company engineering standards, specifications, and published lessons learned.
  • Provide engineering, coordination and management support for unit Shutdowns and Turnarounds.
  • Assist in identification, development and implementation of training programs as needed for others in the engineering, maintenance, and operations departments.
  • Communicate with appropriate personnel as necessary for safe and efficient performance of operations, maintenance and construction activities. 
  • Serve as On-Call representative for the Plant Engineering Group per rotational assignment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Supervise contract personnel during plant shutdowns, construction projects, etc.
  • Lead cross-functional teams of company and contract employees as required.
  • Mentor cooperative education students and take interest in their work assignments during their development in the program. 
  • Supervise mechanical engineering cooperative education student on a rotational basis to aid in the development of the cooperative education student by providing meaningful work assignments.
  • Provide vacation relief for various departmental positions as required.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Seeks win/win outcomes, has a positive attitude and an objective mindset, strong work ethic, takes initiative, thinks of new ideas and approaches.
  • Exemplify the company core values: Commitment to Excellence, Honesty, Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Teamwork, Creativity, Humility and Community-Centric.
  • Develop relationships and influences effective business results.
  • Display willingness to learn, make continuous improvement and be coachable.
  • Must be able to handle complex, high-pressure situations and be adaptable to a changing work environment. 
  • Confident when making presentations, facilitating project team meetings, leading troubleshooting discussions, PSSRs, large technical meetings, etc.
  • Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks based on EHS and business needs of the refinery, and consistently meet and/or deadlines for assigned tasks or projects. 
  • Recognized as a change agent on technical issues.

Leadership Skills

  • Ability to proactively recognize opportunities and/or threats to the company, pull a team together and develop and execute an action plan to capitalize on the opportunity and/or mitigate the threat. 
  • Ability to lead project and technical teams with confidence and drives for results to meet and/or exceed the expectations of stakeholders.
  • Ability to pull together teams across multiple departments and lead to in such a way to drive for results. 
  • Exhibits attitude of servant leadership.
  • Has high emotional intelligence and shows a willingness to improve upon current emotional intelligence.

Language Skills

  • Ability to speak and read English fluently.
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical information in such a way that others can easily understand said information to make business decisions.
  • Utilizes effective communication techniques to train and interact with operators, managers and executives to promote business opportunities and economics. 
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, common scientific and technical/professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations and detailed design and/or construction drawings.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.

Education and Experience

  • B.S. degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering or equivalent.
  • Three to six years in a Petroleum Refinery, Chemical Plant, and/or Pulp and Paper Mill or other related industrial experience.
  • Proficient in use of personal computers and office software applications.
  • Knowledge in P6 or Microsoft Project is a plus.

Mathematical Skills

  • Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. 
  • Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Reasoning Ability

  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
  • Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Additional Information

  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Leadership and motivational skills for peers.
  • Self motivated with desire to learn and develop new skills.
  • Exhibit a "can do" attitude and spirit of cooperation.
  • Support management objectives.
  • Subject to periodic "on-call" duty and non-scheduled call-in/overtime assignments.

    #LI-HuntRefining

The Hunt family of companies are a privately owned group of entities that include oil and gas exploration and production, refining, LNG, power, renewables, real estate, ranching and infrastructure. The mission of Hunt is to be a growth-oriented industry leader respected throughout the world for the quality and competency of its people, the efficiency and scope of its operations, and its rich heritage of honesty and integrity.


For 75 years, Hunt Refining Company has built a reputation of excellence by safely producing high-quality products, including transportation fuels and asphalt products, to meet the needs of its customers. Hunt Refining Company owns and operates a refinery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and its subsidiary, Hunt Southland Refining Company, LLC, owns and operates a refinery in Sandersville, Mississippi. Hunt Refining and Hunt Southland Refining Company, LLC, also operate transportation, terminal and storage facilities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee that allow products to reach several major markets in the southeastern United States