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Refinery Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

As a Refinery Safety Manager you will direct the Health and Safety programs and ensures readiness of the Fire Protection and Emergency Response System (personnel and equipment) for the Refinery in ...

Manager Refinery Safety

Ardmore, OK · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

As a Refinery Safety Manager you will direct the Health and Safety programs and ensures readiness of the Fire Protection and Emergency Response System (personnel and equipment) for the Refinery in ...

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Technical Services Manager

Wynnewood, OK · On-site

$98K - $98K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Technical Services Manager is a member of the Refinery Leadership Team that provides leadership, direction and guidance for the Refinery's technical support needs. With minimal ...

Technical Services Manager

Wynnewood, OK

$98K - $98K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Technical Services Manager is a member of the Refinery Leadership Team that provides leadership, direction and guidance for the Refinery's technical support needs. With minimal ...

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Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent preferred. 10+ years' experience in oil refinery process engineering, controls or operations required 5+ years supervisory experience required ...

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Refinery information

See Oklahoma salary details

$32.8K

$38.7K

$43.9K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Oklahoma is $38,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,100.00 and $43,400.00 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 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 Oklahoma?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Oklahoma are:

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

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

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Refinery jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,725 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Manager Refinery Safety

Valero Energy

Ardmore, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Valero rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Description
Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.
As a Refinery Safety Manager you will direct the Health and Safety programs and ensures readiness of the Fire Protection and Emergency Response System (personnel and equipment) for the Refinery in compliance with all Federal, State and Local safety regulations.
At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can:
  • Provide occupational safety and health expertise to ensure OSHA and other regulatory compliance and company safety and health guidelines.
  • Manage work related injuries through direct involvement with staff and professional medical personnel.
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with corporate HS&E and Risk Management, Refinery Leadership Team, first line supervision and field personnel, Human Resources, Accounting, and contractor management and work force personnel.
  • Ensure compliance with appropriate governmental and industrial safety standards.
  • Oversee emergency response activities according to the situation.
  • Assure training of refinery personnel in fire protection/fire prevention and other aspects of emergency response.
  • Manage departmental operating budget and exercises appropriate controls.
  • Maintain and analyze incident statistics to determine which prevention efforts need to be directed, then prescribes changes in existing systems to meet the needs identified.
  • Review Federal, State and Local safety regulations and ensures Refinery maintains compliance.
  • Review engineering design drawings for safety provisions and assess the adequacy of those provisions, making changes as necessary to satisfy Federal, State, and Local safety and health regulations.
  • Develop and implements procedures, checkpoints and monitor programs to ensure that personnel and property are adequately protected.
  • Act as a refinery representative on Local Emergency Planning Committee assisting in developing plans in case of an emergency which affects the public sector.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Ardmore Refinery, required.
  • 10 years of refinery, petrochemical, and/or chemical plant safety experience required.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Bachelor degree in Safety or related field preferred.
  • 5 years supervisory experience preferred.
  • 5 years of industrial fire protection experience preferred.
  • Specialized/technical courses such as certification as a safety professional, industrial fire instructor certification, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation preferred.

Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:
  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
  • Company-sponsored Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Program

Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee's eligibility and work location.
Discover more about Ardmore and how we're making a difference there.
Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We're invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers.
Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.
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