ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Refinery Terminal Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Terminal Operator

San Antonio, TX

The Terminal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant handling of liquid and ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Clean Harbors

Terminal Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

The Terminal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant handling of liquid and ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Clean Harbors

Terminal Operator

San Antonio, TX

The Terminal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant handling of liquid and ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

CleanHarbors

Terminal Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Terminal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant handling of liquid and ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Sunoco LP

Terminal Operator

Grapevine, TX · On-site

Under general supervision of Terminal Supervisor, the Terminal Operator is responsible for operating all Terminal equipment in connection with receiving, storing, transferring, and loading of refined ...

Energy transfer

Terminal Operator

Grapevine, TX · On-site

Under general supervision of Terminal Supervisor, the Terminal Operator is responsible for operating all Terminal equipment in connection with receiving, storing, transferring, and loading of refined ...

Kinder Morgan

Terminal Operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

As a Terminal Operator, you will be essential to the daily operations of the terminal to ensure ... refinery, petrochemical plants or energy related industries OR Performed construction work on ...

Kinder Morgan

Terminal Operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

As a Terminal Operator, you will be essential to the daily operations of the terminal to ensure ... refinery, petrochemical plants or energy related industries OR Performed construction work on ...

Kinder Morgan

Terminal Operator

Galena Park, TX · On-site

Previous chemical, refining or terminal experience Working Conditions: * Regularly exposed to ... operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for ...

Kinder Morgan

Terminal Operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

Previous chemical, refining or terminal experience Working Conditions: * Regularly exposed to ... operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for ...

Kinder Morgan

Terminal Operator

Galena Park, TX · On-site

Previous chemical, refining or terminal experience Working Conditions: * Regularly exposed to ... operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEnergy And Environment JobsUtility JobsUtility Worker JobsRefinery Terminal Operator Jobs

Refinery Terminal Operator information

See salary details

$13

$21

$28

How much do refinery terminal operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery terminal operator in the United States is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery terminal operator?

Refinery Terminal Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation of equipment and systems at oil refineries and fuel storage terminals. Their duties typically include monitoring gauges, managing the flow of products like crude oil, gasoline, or chemicals, and performing routine maintenance checks. They ensure that all processes adhere to safety and environmental regulations, respond to alarms or emergencies, and coordinate with other staff to maintain smooth operations. These operators play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and timely distribution of petroleum products.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a refinery terminal operator?

To thrive as a Refinery Terminal Operator, you need a solid understanding of refinery operations, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often backed by a high school diploma or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and equipment monitoring tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant handling of refinery processes and terminal operations.

What are common challenges faced by refinery terminal operators, and how can they be addressed?

Refinery Terminal Operators often encounter challenges such as managing complex machinery, maintaining strict safety protocols, and responding to emergency situations. These professionals must stay alert and adapt to changing operational conditions, including fluctuating product demands and weather impacts. Regular training, strong communication with team members, and adherence to standard operating procedures help address these challenges and ensure smooth terminal operations. Building hands-on experience and learning from seasoned colleagues also contribute to long-term success in the role.

What is the difference between Refinery Terminal Operator vs Oil and Gas Plant Operator?

AspectRefinery Terminal OperatorOil and Gas Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentRefinery terminals, storage facilities, loading/unloading areasOil and gas production sites, processing plants, pipelines
Industry UsageRefining industry, petroleum storage and distributionOil and gas extraction and processing

Both roles require safety certifications and technical skills, often working in industrial environments related to petroleum. Refinery Terminal Operators focus on managing storage and transfer of refined products at terminals, while Oil and Gas Plant Operators oversee extraction and processing at production sites. They share similar credentials and safety protocols, but differ mainly in work setting and specific responsibilities.

How do you become a refinery terminal operator?

To become a refinery terminal operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or training in industrial operations. Many employers require knowledge of safety procedures, equipment operation, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or hazardous materials handling. On-the-job training is common, and strong attention to detail and physical stamina are important for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Terminal Operator jobs?

For Refinery Terminal Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Refinery Terminal Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,418 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Terminal Operator

San Antonio, TX

Clean Harbors
Environmental Consulting Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Clean Harborsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Terminal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant handling of liquid and solid materials at an industrial terminal facility. This includes operating pumps, valves, and processing equipment to move, treat, and store materials. The role also covers key tasks such as handling filter drums, performing solid bulking, and managing hazardous waste in 10-day accumulation areas. Operators are expected to follow strict environmental, health, and safety protocols

  • HS Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Ability to drive trucks within facility.
  • Forklift skills preferred (Not Required).
  • Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required).

Wondering what to expect in starting your career with Safety-Kleen?Click Hereto view a Day in the Life Video! 

 
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 businessesgreen. 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. 

Join our safety focused team today!  To learn more about our company, and to apply online for this exciting opportunity, visit us at www.safety-kleen.com/careers. 

 
 

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 ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.  

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.  

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.  

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. 

#SK

Product & Material Handling:

  1. Load and unload bulk liquids and solids from railcars, tank trucks, and storage tanks.
  2. Operate pumps, meters, valves, and other equipment to safely transfer materials.
  3. Transfer materials between tanks and containers while ensuring proper blending and compatibility.

Hazardous Waste & Environmental Operations:

  1. Safely handle and transfer filter drums, ensuring they are properly sealed, labeled, and stored.
  2. Perform solid bulking of compatible waste streams according to waste profiles and compatibility charts.
  3. Manage 10-day hazardous waste accumulation areas, ensuring containers are dated, inspected, and shipped within regulatory timelines.
  4. Properly label and track all hazardous waste materials and maintain compliance with RCRA standards.

Safety & Compliance:

  1. Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE usage, and confined space entry protocols.
  2. Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and company safety/environmental standards.
  3. Respond to spills and emergencies promptly and appropriately.
  4. Participate in required safety training, drills, and meetings.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance:

  1. Operate forklifts, drum handlers, hand tools, and computerized control panels.
  2. Inspect and perform routine maintenance on equipment; report defects or safety hazards.
  3. Perform daily and pre-operation inspections, including checklists and start-up logs.

Administrative & Recordkeeping Duties:

  1. Complete operational documentation, including offloading checklists, tank transfers, water content logs, and cooker operation logs.
  2. Maintain proper documentation for inspections, waste transfers, and treatment operations.
  3. Accurately report data into internal systems and ensure logs are updated in real-time.

Facility Maintenance & Support:

  1. Keep terminal areas-including tank farms and drum storage-clean and organized.
  2. Support maintenance tasks such as painting, minor repairs, and facility upgrades.
  3. Assist with special projects, inventory, and audits as needed.

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Clean Harbors logo

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

Apply