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Refinery Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

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 the facility.

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 the facility.

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 the facility.

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 the facility.

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Refinery information

See Indiana salary details

$33.8K

$39.9K

$45.2K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Indiana is $39,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $44,700.00 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 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.

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.

How to get a job in a refinery?

To get a job in a refinery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical skills, and safety training. Many positions require certifications such as OSHA or process safety management, and experience in industrial environments is often preferred. Applying through company career portals or staffing agencies and demonstrating knowledge of refinery operations can improve chances of employment.

Is it hard to get into a refinery?

Getting a job as a refinery worker can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER. Entry-level positions may be available, but higher-skilled roles typically demand technical knowledge and prior industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Refinery jobs in Indiana?

For Refinery jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Refinery jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,909 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Refinery Operator II

CleanHarbors

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while monitoring and controlling the refining/processing equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5
  • 401k  with matching component
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Competitive Union wages, plus weekly overtime opportunities
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Positive and safe work environments
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be able to obtain a TWIC card is mandatory
  • 1-3 Years experience as a manual labor experience (industrial, refinery or construction) preferred
  • 1-3 years in a production driven environment preferred
  • 1+ years forklift experience
  • Must be able to work at heights
  • Permit writing preferred
  • Oil and gas experience is an asset!
  • Mechanically inclined or familiar with general tools
  • Computer literate and can operate an IPAD
  • Punctal
  • Follow direction and take initiative
  • Must be able to work in the elements
  • Lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend, stand for long period and work at heights

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 businesses green. 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. PEOPLEMAKE GREEN WORK.

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

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

*SK

#LI- LDI

  • Operate and monitor refinery plant equipment and processes according to established procedures and safety protocols.
  • Perform routine PM maintenance on refinery plant equipment and troubleshoot any issues as they arise.
  • Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Communicate with other plant personnel and management to coordinate activities and ensure safe and efficient operations
  • Other duties as assigned