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Refining Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chevron

Refinery Chemist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$91K - $180K/yr

The Refining Chemist serves as a technical resource for refinery laboratory operations, providing analytical chemistry expertise to support safe, reliable, and compliant operations. This role is ...

Chevron

Refinery Chemist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$91K - $180K/yr

The Refining Chemist serves as a technical resource for refinery laboratory operations, providing analytical chemistry expertise to support safe, reliable, and compliant operations. This role is ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsRefining JobsRefining Jobs in California

Refining information

See California salary details

$39K

$66.5K

$88.8K

How much do refining jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for refining in California is $66,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refining vs Processing Plant Operator?

AspectRefiningProcessing Plant Operator
Primary FocusConverting raw materials into refined products like gasoline, diesel, or chemicalsOperating and monitoring equipment in processing plants to produce various products
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical plants, petrochemical facilitiesProcessing plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical plants
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil, gas, and chemical industriesUsed across manufacturing, chemical, and energy sectors

Refining involves the chemical and physical processes to convert raw materials into usable products, often in specialized refineries. Processing Plant Operators focus on operating equipment within processing plants to ensure efficient production. While both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, refining emphasizes chemical processing, whereas processing plant operators manage day-to-day operations in manufacturing environments.

What are some of the main challenges professionals face when working in a refining role, and how can they overcome them?

Professionals in refining roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety standards, managing complex equipment, and adapting to evolving environmental regulations. Daily responsibilities typically involve monitoring process units, troubleshooting operational issues, and collaborating with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and continuous training can help overcome these challenges, ensuring safe and efficient plant operations. Effective communication and teamwork are also essential for addressing unexpected situations and achieving production goals.

What is refining?

Refining is the industrial process of transforming raw materials, such as crude oil, into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The process involves removing impurities and separating components through various methods, including distillation, cracking, and chemical treatment. Refineries play a critical role in the energy sector by ensuring that crude oil is converted into products that meet quality and environmental standards. The refining industry also includes the processing of metals and other materials, but it is most commonly associated with petroleum. Careers in refining can involve engineering, operations, safety, and environmental management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a refining role?

To thrive in a refining role, you need a strong background in chemical engineering or process technology, along with knowledge of refinery operations and safety protocols. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process simulation software, and certifications such as OSHA or relevant safety training are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations.

Is it hard to get into refining jobs?

Refining jobs can be competitive and often require technical skills, relevant certifications, and experience in industrial environments. Entry-level positions may be accessible with proper training, but advanced roles typically demand specialized knowledge and safety training due to the complex and hazardous nature of the work.
What are popular job titles related to Refining jobs in California? For Refining jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refining jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refining jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refining jobs? Cities in California with the most Refining job openings:
Refining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refining job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,451 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

SALT Refinery Superintendent

Intermedia Group, Inc.

Newark, CA • On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

OPEN JOB: SALT Refinery Superintendent
LOCATION: Newark, California
***Relocation Assistance Available
BASE SALARY: $124,000 to $160,000
INDUSTRY: Food & Beverages
JOB CATEGORY: Manufacturing - Plant Management
 
  • This position is in our client’s Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. The salt refinery in  California, utilizes over 12,000 acres of evaporation ponds to produce approximately 500,000 tons of sea salt annually through a three-year natural solar process.

Job Purpose and Impact
  • The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee safety, food quality, operational effectiveness and financial performance.

Key Accountabilities
  • Ensures employee safety, food safety and environmental compliance program standards and goals are implemented.
  • Accountable for all internal and external operating and regulatory procedures.
  • Including strategic and tactical execution in alignment with corporate EH&S, food safety, quality and regulatory functions as well as government regulations.
  • Lead production and quality management deliverables to ensure customer, product and quality standard requirements are met within specifications.
  • Establish and deploy operational priorities for Newark Refinery plant.
  • Oversee the overall operational management of a single plant and implement operational efficiency improvements which may include standardization of plant information manufacturing systems, quality control, safety, production reliability excellence and maintenance and operator's best practices.
  • Leads, directs and controls capital and operating budgets for a single plant to achieve medium term outlook financial performance objectives set by the business.
  • Ensure and hold direct reports accountable for meeting production deliverables and controlling operating expenses and established targets.
  • Lead and develop a team, coach and make decisions related to talent management, hiring, performance, and disciplinary actions.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Two years of supervisory experience
  • Lean six sigma

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please respond back and include the following:
 
  • MS WORD Resume
  • required compensation.
  • Contact information.
  • Availability
 
Upon receipt, one of our managers will contact you to discuss the position in full detail.
Stephen Fleischner
Recruiting Manager
INTERMEDIA GROUP, INC.
EMAIL: sfleischner@intermediagroup.com  
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefleischner/