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Refinery Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Valero

Refinery Inspector

Memphis, TN · On-site

As a Refinery Inspector you will ensure that refinery fixed equipment is reliable and safe to operate. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and ...

Valero Energy

Refinery Inspector

Memphis, TN · On-site

As a Refinery Inspector you will ensure that refinery fixed equipment is reliable and safe to operate. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Mascot, TN · On-site

$30/hr

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 ...

Valero

Superintendent Maintenance

Memphis, TN · On-site

Represents the Refinery in the Electrical Safety and Reliability Network (ESARN) and reports to the Refinery Leadership Team (RLT) on ESARN activity that affects the Refinery. This position is ...

Clean Harbors

Class B Route Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $25.50/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 ...

Clean Harbors

Class B Route Driver

Nashville, TN

$20.25 - $25.50/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 ...

CleanHarbors

Class B Route Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $25.50/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 ...

Delek US

Commercial Trading Analyst

Brentwood, TN

Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels per day * Our logistics business currently owns and operates 720 miles of crude and product ...

Delek US

Director, Commercial Asphalt

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels per day * Our logistics business currently owns and operates 720 miles of crude and product ...

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All JobsRefinery JobsRefinery Jobs in Tennessee

Refinery information

See Tennessee salary details

$32.2K

$38.1K

$43.1K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Tennessee is $38,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $42,700.00 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.
More about Refinery jobs

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

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Refinery jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Refinery job openings:

Refinery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,066 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Refinery Inspector

Memphis, TN • On-site

Valero
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees

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

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Learn more about Valeroexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job 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 Inspector you will ensure that refinery fixed equipment is reliable and safe to operate.

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:

  • Monitor the fitness-for-service, safety and reliability of plant fixed equipment through thickness condition monitoring programs and visual inspections.
  • Inspect fixed equipment and piping.
  • Make cost-effective recommendations for repairs, materials selection, and other remedial action in support of long-term reliability.
  • Develop piping and fixed equipment inspection plans, in accordance with API 510, API 570 and API 653, using rule-based and risk-based methodology.
  • Select cost-effective inspection techniques to provide reliable assessment of refinery equipment remaining life.
  • Interpret and evaluate inspection and NDE data.
  • Evaluate corrosion monitoring data, predict equipment life and adjust inspection intervals as required.
  • Maintain complete and accurate records during inspections so they can be transferred to the permanent files.
  • Participate in the planning of and approve the execution of temporary repairs.
  • Develop and maintain fixed equipment inspection procedures/practices.
  • Review design/fabrication drawings and perform fabrication shop/field inspections to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Provide technical support to Operations, Maintenance and other refinery groups.
  • Monitor and direct the daily activities of outside inspection contractors during turnarounds and special activities.
  • Inspect and monitor all repair and construction work to ensure it is being done per the plans and adheres to all specifications and applicable codes.
  • Monitor and report on the activities and quality of contractors in conjunction with their QA/QC representative.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Memphis Refinery, required.
  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • 3 years of experience in the inspection of fixed equipment and piping systems required.
  • At least one of the following certifications are required: API 510, API 570, API 653

Preferred Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • National Board Inspector Commission

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 Memphis and how we're making a difference there.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.  

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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