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Refinery 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 ...

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 ...

Intermedia Group

SALT Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

SALT Refinery Superintendent LOCATION: Newark, California ***Relocation Assistance Available BASE SALARY: $124,000 to $160,000 INDUSTRY: Food & Beverages JOB CATEGORY: Manufacturing - Plant ...

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 ...

Chevron

Refinery Chemist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$91K - $180K/yr

The Refining Chemist serves as a technical resource for refinery laboratory operations, providing analytical chemistry expertise to support safe, reliable, and compliant operations. This role is ...

Chevron

Refinery Chemist

El Segundo, CA

$91K - $180K/yr

The Refining Chemist serves as a technical resource for refinery laboratory operations, providing analytical chemistry expertise to support safe, reliable, and compliant operations. This role is ...

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All JobsRefinery JobsRefinery Jobs in California

Refinery information

See California salary details

$35K

$41.4K

$46.9K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in California is $41,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Refinery?

A refinery is a massive industrial operation where a specific chemical engineering process is used to convert raw materials into usable products. One example is a refinery that turns crude oil into a range of products, such as petroleum, diesel, and heating oil. Sugar refineries take harvested cane or beets and convert the plants’ natural sugars into a crystallized form for sale in grocery stores or use in food production. Metal refineries may process a variety of metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, for a variety of purposes like manufacturing steel beams for use in the construction industry.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is an industrial facility where raw materials—most commonly crude oil—are processed and transformed into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating, purifying, and converting the raw materials through various physical and chemical methods. Refineries play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, ensuring that crude oil and other feedstocks are converted into market-ready fuels and products. Workers in refineries typically specialize in areas like operations, maintenance, safety, and quality control to ensure efficient and safe production.

What is the difference between Refinery vs Petrochemical Technician?

AspectRefineryPetrochemical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, processing units, industrial plantsPetrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining industryIn chemical and petrochemical industries

Refinery workers focus on processing crude oil into usable products, while petrochemical technicians work in chemical plants producing plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Both roles require technical skills and safety knowledge, but refinery roles are more centered on oil processing, whereas petrochemical technicians specialize in chemical manufacturing processes.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification relevant to industrial operations. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for effectively managing operations and responding to issues. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a refinery, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working in a refinery often involves navigating complex equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and operating in a fast-paced environment. New employees may find the scale of operations and the emphasis on teamwork and communication challenging at first. To prepare, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry safety standards, develop strong attention to detail, and be open to ongoing training. Building good relationships with more experienced colleagues can also help ease the transition and provide valuable on-the-job insights.
More about Refinery jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in California? The most popular types of Refinery jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery jobs in California? For Refinery jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refinery jobs? Cities in California with the most Refinery job openings:
Refinery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,391 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Refinery Technician

Resource Management Solutions

Paramount, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

A global environmental remediation company has an immediate need for refinery technicians. This position requires that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and proof of vaccination will be required to be eligible for employment.
If interested, please submit an updated copy of your resume, copy of your COVID-19 vaccination(s), and copies of any related certifications. Applications without a resume and proof of COVID-19 vaccination WILL NOT be considered.


A global environmental remediation company has an immediate need for refinery technicians. This position requires that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and proof of vaccination will be required to be eligible for employment.
If interested, please submit an updated copy of your resume, copy of your COVID-19 vaccination(s), and copies of any related certifications. Applications without a resume and proof of COVID-19 vaccination WILL NOT be considered.
Responsibilities:
- Cleaning and servicing tanks for petroleum and other products.
- Responsible for completing various labor tasks, including directing of vacuum hose operations, staging &set up of equipment, and installation of cribbing to support safe access to tank(s).
- Assist Operators with hydro blasting, water jet cutting, and other tasks as needed. Training for high-pressure equipment operation can and will be provided as necessary.


Job Site Conditions:
- Be able to meet the physical demands of the job, including being on your feet up to 100% of the day.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Be capable of wearing respiratory protection for up to 8+ hours in a day.
- Have full dexterity of limbs and range of motion, have good vision and hearing, be capable of climbing and working from elevated surfaces.
- Be capable of working for extended periods in hazmat clothing and inside confined spaces.

- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Preferred Qualifications & Certifications:
- 40 Hour Hazwoper
- OSCA Refinery Safety Orientation
- OSCA Site-specific Training
- Ultra High-Pressure Hydro Blasting training (40K)
- Heavy equipment safety training
- Confined Space Entry
- Man-lift training