Refinery Operator job description

Job brief

We are seeking a highly disciplined Refinery Operator to join our production team and oversee the operational excellence of our advanced refining units. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our facility meets daily output targets while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to workplace safety and environmental stewardship. If you possess a sharp eye for technical detail, extensive knowledge of chemical processing, and the ability to thrive in high-stakes environments, we invite you to help us power the future of energy.

What is a Refinery Operator?

A Refinery Operator is a specialized industrial professional responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of complex processing units within downstream oil and gas facilities. Utilizing sophisticated Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), a Refinery Operator monitors flow rates, pressures, and temperatures to ensure continuous production. Their work is central to transforming crude oil into high-value products, playing a vital role in maintaining the operational integrity of the entire energy infrastructure.

What does a Refinery Operator do?

On a daily basis, a Refinery Operator monitors process parameters via human-machine interfaces (HMI) to optimize throughput while strictly adhering to rigorous safety and environmental guidelines. They perform field inspections of pumps, compressors, and heat exchangers, identifying mechanical anomalies before they escalate into process interruptions. The role requires constant coordination with board operators, maintenance crews, and shift supervisors to execute startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures in alignment with ISO 14001 and OSHA PSM standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage critical refining unit processes via DCS and SCADA interfaces to maintain optimal product quality and flow efficiency.
• Conduct regular field inspections of refinery equipment, including furnaces, distillation columns, and flare systems, to ensure mechanical integrity.
• Execute precise startup and shutdown procedures according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent equipment damage and process loss.
• Monitor real-time data trends to detect operational deviations, proactively adjusting process controls to mitigate risk and maintain site output.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance checks on mechanical seals, pumps, and valves, coordinating with the maintenance team for major repairs.
• Participate in daily toolbox talks and comprehensive hazard identification sessions to ensure all activities comply with OSHA safety protocols.
• Maintain detailed shift logs and technical documentation in SAP or relevant CMMS platforms to track operational performance and regulatory data.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts, including containment of spills or gas leaks, according to site-specific environmental safety directives.

Requirements and skills

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in a refinery, petrochemical plant, or complex downstream industrial processing environment.
• Associate degree in Process Technology, Petroleum Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent journeyman-level industrial experience.
• Hands-on technical proficiency with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, or Yokogawa Centum VP.
• Advanced understanding of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), process flow diagrams, and mechanical engineering specifications.
• Certification in Process Technology (PTEC) or specific safety credentials such as OSHA 30-hour for General Industry and HAZWOPER.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and chemical process issues under pressure while following strict safety protocols.
• Strong technical writing skills for incident reporting, equipment logs, and clear communication with cross-functional engineering departments.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, within a high-consequence, 24/7 industrial production environment.

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