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Refinery Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Technician The Refinery Technician operates and monitors glycerin refinery equipment to achieve production targets safely and efficiently. This role uses Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to ...

He or she must have a strong knowledge of physical, thermal, and chemical transformation processes during steel melting and refining processes with a deep understanding of the principles of reaction ...

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Park View, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Davenport, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Walcott, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Montpelier, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Blue Grass, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Long Grove, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Buffalo, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

Driver OTR

Pleasant Valley, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refinery information

See Iowa salary details

$33.3K

$39.4K

$44.6K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Iowa is $39,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $44,100.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Refinery jobs in Iowa? For Refinery jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Refinery jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Refinery job openings:
Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,393 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Refinery C/D Production Shift Team Leader

Roquette Frères

Keokuk, IA • On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients.
Want to help us make a difference?
Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients.
Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.
We are looking for our next Production Shift Team Leader within Refinery C/D. The Production Shift Team Leader will be responsible for supervising the bargaining unit shift of the assigned production area to ensure safe actions, environmental compliance and quality production in a Good Manufacturing Practice food-grade operation.
This position is located in Keokuk, IA.
Compensation:
The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $82,000 - $120,000. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead shift production activities to ensure actions result in safe, compliant and quality work achieving scheduled production.
  • Implement or provide support for projects and programs to improve safety, compliance and quality performance.
  • Lead shift operations activities with clear, consistent communication.
  • Technical troubleshooting as needed.
  • Plan within the department and/or interdepartmentally to maximize efficiency. Participate in the maintenance planning process and initiate maintenance requisitions to achieve quality and performance targets.
  • Plan and coordinate to assure that production is aligned with customer's needs and that customer orders are produced and shipped right the first time.
  • Achieve targeted production efficiencies, yields, volumes and material usage. Execute improvement projects for reliability, yield, and rates and/or to reduce fixed and variable costs. Draw innovation from employees, other team leaders, engineers and other departments.
  • Implement and maintain sound process controls through computer-controlled systems and operators.
  • Direct, train, and monitor on-shift employees as to the knowledge, understanding, and compliance of all policies and procedures.
  • Conducts regularly scheduled shift meetings and leads to inform, communicate, listen, and react to suggestions and concerns.
  • Manage and communicate Key Performance Indicators for the production area.
  • Develop production employees through training, coaching, evaluation and administering personal performance reviews.
  • Lead adherence to established policies, procedures, programs, principles, and the bargaining unit contract

What You'll Need
Education
  • BS degree or equivalent experience

Experience
  • 1-3 years' experience in a food and/or chemical continuous processing plant desired or engineering new graduate
  • 1-3 years' leadership and/or supervisory experience desired, with 3-5 years supervisory experience preferred
  • Previous experience in a chemical processing plant or sugar processing plant preferred
  • Demonstrated sound, assertive, positive leadership skills, as well as strong and effective coaching skills
  • Demonstrated clear, informative and persuasive (verbal, written and presentation) communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience in project execution, with project management experience preferred
  • Effective organizational and planning skills with the demonstrated ability to multitask
  • Working understanding of chemical unit operations of food-grade processes desired
  • Understanding of theory concerning food-grade processing and mechanical aptitude with food-grade process equipment preferred
  • Demonstrated fundamental understanding of mechanical equipment
  • Demonstrated experience in successful troubleshooting and problem solving facilitation skills
  • Computer skills desired, especially Microsoft XL, Outlook, Power Point and Word

Physical Demands
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; work in hot, cold and loud environments.

Position Type
  • This is a full-time position. Days and flexible hours of work are required to meet facility demands.

AAP/EEO Statement
Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
If you identify yourself in this position, please apply by uploading your resume and let's start the journey together!
Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.
Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws.
As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.
To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com