1

Refinery Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Clinton, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Refining fuel for quality * Supervising fuel farms and fueling equipment * Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to fuel and lubricating oil ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Electrical Technical Instructor

Interstates

Sioux Center, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Interstates rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As an Electrical Technical Instructor, you'll train and develop the next generation of electrical professionals by delivering hands-on, practical instruction that builds real-world skills. You'll use your field knowledge to guide learners through electrical fundamentals, safety, troubleshooting, and systems used across industrial environments.

You won't be designing curriculum from scratch every day, but you will refine content, demonstrate equipment, and coach learners to help them grow. Joining Interstates means joining a team that values teaching, craftsmanship, and long-term career development.

Responsibilities:

Instruction & Coaching: Deliver engaging training on electrical theory, safety, controls, and industrial systems.
Hands-On Demonstrations: Teach through practical application-equipment use, troubleshooting, wiring, and safe work practices.
Learner Development: Assess skill levels, provide feedback, and support learners at all stages of their training journey.
Curriculum Support: Help refine training materials and adapt content to learner needs or industry trends.
Safety Leadership: Model and reinforce safe electrical practices and compliance expectations.
Partnership: Collaborate with training, field, and HR teams to support workforce development needs.
Other Duties as Assigned: Support training initiatives as the program evolves.

Preferred Skills or Industry Knowledge:

Strong knowledge of electrical systems, industrial environments, and safe work practices.
Experience with electrical troubleshooting, controls, or automation preferred.
Prior teaching, mentoring, or training experience is a plus but not required.
Ability to communicate clearly with learners of all experience levels.

Knowledge and Expertise for This Role:

Journeyman or Master Electrician credential preferred.
5+ years of electrical experience in industrial, commercial, or construction settings.
Strong communication, patience, and a coaching mindset.
Ability to work with hands-on training tools and equipment.

Location:

This position will be based in Sioux Falls, SD. The individual will travel and work in Sioux Center, IA and work until training center is complete in Sioux Falls, SD.

Travel:

Occasional travel may be required (up to 20-30%) for training events, site visits, or onboarding support.


What Interstates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom