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Refinery Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Summary CHS has an exciting opportunity at our Oil Refinery facility in McPherson, Kansas. We are looking for a Process Engineer to work in the daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process ...

Summary CHS has an exciting opportunity at our Oil Refinery facility in McPherson, Kansas. We are looking for a Process Engineer to work in the daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process ...

Basic Function HF Sinclair is seeking a Refinery Planning Optimizer based in El Dorado, KS. In this role, you will conduct complex oil flow planning, scheduling, optimization, economic analysis, and ...

Basic Function HF Sinclair is seeking a Refinery Planning Optimizer based in El Dorado, KS. In this role, you will conduct complex oil flow planning, scheduling, optimization, economic analysis, and ...

Basic Function HF Sinclair is seeking a Refinery Planning Optimizer based in El Dorado, KS. In this role, you will conduct complex oil flow planning, scheduling, optimization, economic analysis, and ...

Safety-Kleen Systems , in Wichita , KS , is hiring for Refinery Operations Manager , to join their safety conscious team! This Manager will need to have strong leadership skills to see over ...

Safety-Kleen Systems , in Wichita , KS , is hiring for Refinery Operations Manager , to join their safety conscious team! This Manager will need to have strong leadership skills to see over ...

Overview Company Overview: Allied Universal, North America's leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic ...

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Refinery information

See Kansas salary details

$31.7K

$37.4K

$42.4K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Kansas is $37,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,900.00 and $41,900.00 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 Kansas?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Kansas are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Refinery jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Refinery jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,404 per year, or $18 per hour.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

CHS, Inc.

Mcpherson, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


CHS Inc. rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.
Summary
CHS has an exciting opportunity at our Oil Refinery facility in McPherson, Kansas. We are looking for a Process Engineer to work in the daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process units. You must be a detail-oriented, results-driven individual with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and the ability to organize and prioritize workloads to meet deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a strong commitment to customer service and the ability to work in both a team environment and on self-directed tasks are necessary.
Responsibilities
  • Work in a team environment to review daily operation and track key performance indicators.
  • Review, approve, and walk down technical drawings such as P&IDs, Isometrics, and PFD drawings.
  • Write, develop, and participate in MOC reviews, PSSRs, PHAs and PSM audits as necessary.
  • Track performance of heat and mass transfer equipment by completing field surveys, lab data evaluations, performing mass and energy balances and issuing technical reports on a regular basis.
  • Work with industry experts to track catalyst performance throughout run life and issue timely reports to key stakeholders.
  • Foster an environment of open communication, problem resolution, and project ownership that helps identify areas for performance and process improvements.
  • Perform other duties as needed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (required)
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering required
  • 2+ years of experience in Oil Refining Process or related field
  • Must be proficient with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook software

Additional Qualifications
  • Proficient in SAP
  • Prior experience working in the Oil & Gas Industry
  • Knowledge of Process Simulation Software such as HYSYS, PETRO SIM, PROII, etc.

Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators.
  • Must have ability to climb stairs and ladders to access equipment at heights.

CHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Compensation includes base wage and, depending upon position, may include other earnings such as bonus, incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills and certifications, minimum wage/salary requirements under local law.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care spending accounts, paid time off, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance, subject to the eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.
CHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.
Please note that any communication from a CHS recruiter would be sent using a chsinc.com email address. In addition, a CHS recruiter will not ask for confidential information over the phone or in an email, or request money from a candidate involved in an offer process. If you have questions regarding an employment opportunity, please reach out to chscareers@chsinc.com; to verify that the communication is from CHS.

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