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Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

We are seeking a safety minded Refinery Operator II for our East Chicago, IN facility. Performs and oversees various refinery plant operational duties within an industrial work environment while ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

Refinery Operator

Boss, MO · On-site

$26.04/hr

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Refinery Operator to form and cast lead, make oxide, and move finished product to meet customer specifications. This rotating position is located at The Buick ...

Refinery Operator

Boss, MO · On-site

$26.04/hr

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Refinery Operator to form and cast lead, make oxide, and move finished product to meet customer specifications. This rotating position is located at The Buick ...

Update the Refinery Risk Management Program (RMP) as needed * Design plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products * Conduct research to develop new and improved ...

Update the Refinery Risk Management Program (RMP) as needed * Design plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products * Conduct research to develop new and improved ...

Update the Refinery Risk Management Program (RMP) as needed * Design plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products * Conduct research to develop new and improved ...

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Refinery information

See salary details

$35.5K

$41.9K

$47.5K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in the United States is $41,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the refinery industry, senior roles such as plant managers or specialized engineers can earn around $10,000 or more per month, often requiring extensive experience, technical skills, and industry certifications rather than a formal degree. These positions typically involve overseeing operations, safety, and maintenance in a high-pressure environment.

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.

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.

How do I get into refinery?

To become a refinery worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and safety certifications such as OSHA. Prior experience in industrial or manufacturing settings can be beneficial, and roles often require physical stamina and knowledge of safety protocols. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are common pathways into refinery employment.

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.

How much do oil refiners make?

Oil refinery workers, including operators and technicians, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or specialized positions can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. The job often requires technical skills, safety training, and working in industrial environments with shift schedules.

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 cities are hiring for Refinery jobs? Cities with the most Refinery job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs? The most popular types of Refinery jobs are:
What states have the most Refinery jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,940 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Refinery Operator

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Louis Dreyfus Company rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position
The Edible Oil Refinery Operator ensures the safe and efficient operation of refining processes to consistently produce high-quality edible oils. The role involves monitoring operations, conducting inspections, and troubleshooting equipment to maintain optimal performance, while adhering to safety, environmental, and food safety standards (HACCP/GMP). Responsibilities also include data recording and analysis, sampling and basic testing, and supporting audits and regulatory requirements.

Primary Responsibilities / Essential Functions

  • Operate and monitor processing equipment to meet SOPs, company standards, and efficiency targets.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Respond to equipment issues and alarms, investigate root causes, and implement solutions.
  • Follow safety protocols, perform and support lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Comply with HACCP and GMP standards; perform quality checks, record data, and operate control systems.
  • Conduct inspection rounds, log readings, and report operational or safety concerns.
  • Collect, record, and analyze process data to improve performance and product quality.
  • Take product and process samples and perform basic laboratory tests.
  • Document process deviations and corrective actions.
  • Assist with audits and regulatory inspections.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Maintain housekeeping standards across the refinery, including hazard removal and general upkeep.
  • Complete tasks assigned by supervisors, including minor maintenance activities.
  • Actively participate in team activities, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to SOPs.
  • Engage in required job-related training.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

  • Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
  • Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
  • Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Required qualification: High school diploma/GED.

Preferred qualification: Technical degree

Experience

Basic qualifications:

  • 4 years of experience in an industrial environment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and procedures.
  • Ability to operate machinery and computer systems while maintaining compliance with regulatory safety requirements, e.g., OSHA (including PSM), EPA, USDA, ISO 9000 and B-Q-9000.
  • Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights; manage confined space entry, withstand extended periods of walking and standing; move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more which requires bending and lifting. 
  • Mechanical aptitude, effective communication skills, basic math, light maintenance and fundamental PC skills.

Preferred qualifications:

  • General knowledge of oilseed processing operations
  • Experience in the operation of skid loaders, front-end loaders and/or forklift.

Equipment Used

  • Production machinery and operating equipment with dials, gauges and controls.
  • Use of computer for entering data into electronic data system and control operating equipment.
  • Use of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors) in compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Working Conditions:

Safety-sensitive role in continuously operating 24/7 facility. The position involves routine exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions, as well as gases, vapors, dust, odors, and flammable liquids. There is occasional exposure to wet surfaces and high noise environments. The role requires heavy lifting of materials and finished products. Regular stair climbing, along with prolonged periods of walking and standing, is necessary to access and occasionally work in remote areas, at heights, and in confined spaces. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Extended work hours may be required at times to meet critical deadlines or respond to emergency situations.

Quality & Product Safety Responsibilities

  • Maintains a strong understanding of applicable Quality and Product Safety policies, procedures, and requirements, ensuring full compliance within the assigned area
  • Maintains the assigned area in an organized manner that supports product safety standards
  • Promptly addresses and corrects any unsafe product or working conditions as soon as reasonably possible

Employee Supervision

  • No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Decision Making/Accountability

  • Performs routine tasks independently, seeking guidance from the supervisor when issues arise
  • Complies with all applicable company and regulatory policies, standards, and requirements to maintain full compliance

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status.

Additional Information

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion
LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.
LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability
Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.
We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us


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