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Refinery Operator Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Oversaw routine operation of Catalytic Reforming Unit, [company name], Chemical Aromatics Complex, and Plant Flare System. Operated, maintained, and inspected unit equipment such as valves, pumps, compressors, turbines, fired heaters, boilers, cooling towers, tanks, and refrigeration systems. Prepared unit equipment safely for maintenance, followed lockout/tagout procedures, and issued work permits accordingly. Made thorough rounds and took readings and samples as required. Maintained accurate and updated log books.
- Helped cut costs and improve efficiency by performing minor maintenance on unit equipment and closely monitoring necessary unit-specific conditions
- Responded to unit upsets and emergencies in a safe and effective manner
- Minimized safety hazards by practicing good housekeeping and reporting potential near-misses
- Trained and provided assistance to other employees on a regular basis
- Ensured safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly operation of process units
6-10 years of experience
- Continuously operated both Refining and Hydrogenation facilities above 100% designed plant production levels
- Performed every plant operation position including operating a Hydrogen Gas Production facility
- Guaranteed final product customer specifications were met and exceeded for soybean oil and soybean commodities
- Monitored plant inventory levels to ensure timed deliveries to customers were met
6-10 years of experience
Monitored and maintained outside process equipment consisting of valves, pumps and controls
- Authorized maintenance work orders to repair outside process equipment
- Sampled products, performed test, recorded data, carried out statistical process control on process operations and updated production logs
- Participated in safety audits, programs & training and provide emergency response when required including adherence to safety and environmental regulations
10+ years of experience
The safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible execution of refinery operations including interacting and communicating with various process units within in the refinery as well as the Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Instrumentation and Contractor departments.
- Qualified as Board Operator on both Distillation and Catalyst sections.
- Responded to adverse operational conditions in a rapid, efficient, organized, and safe manner under extreme time constraints with constant regards to the impact on operating personnel, the community, the environment, and the business itself.
- Qualified on the Distillation and Catalyst outside jobs to include the active monitoring of energized equipment including pumps, fans, turbines, etc. Operated and maintained various equipment including boilers, heaters, heat exchangers, and other refinery equipment.
- Provided on-the-job training of apprentices.
6-10 years of experience
- Supply and distribution, loading oil and gases onto large ships and barges.
- Transporting oil and gases throughout the refinery via pipelines.
- Ensured safety and reliability of refinery fixed equipment and inspected piping and equipment.
- Provided technical support to production teams.
- Directed craft-persons to ensure the highest level of safety, productivity and reliability.
- Reviewed and provided input on all mechanical engineering projects to ensure high level of reliability and adequate maintainability.
0-5 years of experience
Operation of process distillation equipment, amine gas treaters, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, pumps, gas-fired heaters, and multiple valve types
- Performed minor maintenance and change out of valves, piping, gauges, and various instrumentation
- Emergency Response Team, trained in industrial firefighting, emergency medical, and environmental awareness
- Member of HSE department’s Voluntary Protection Program Team
- Countless certifications for handling of various chemicals and hydrocarbon compounds
0-5 years of experience
Worked with supervisors, control board operators, and leadership team to ensure unit process, equipment, and vessels operate and function accordingly to achieve reliable and efficient goals set.
- Made necessary adjustments to valves to control pressures and flows to meet safety, environmental, quality and performance goals.
- Prepared equipment for maintenance and placed equipment back in service after repair or troubleshooting
- Maintained a logbook of unit changes, equipment status, products, safety equipment status, and special sampling needed
- Assisted with ON THE JOB TRAINING of new hires and newly qualified existing employees
- Worked with console operator, supervisors, and Incident Command to ensure all control operations in and emergency response are fully coordinated with first response, on scene command, and emergency rescue
- Member of fire brigade and aerial rescue team
- Member of employee driven audit team for length of employment
6-10 years of experience
Development and maintenance of Cal/OSHA Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
- Data analysis of First Reports of Incidents and injury/illness statistics.
- Conducted Site Audits of contractors and Valero mechanics
- Designed database system which tracked to completion all employee-generated and all inspection-generated safety discrepancies
- Developed and managed refinery-wide safety committee structure
- Served as team leader for Worksite Analysis through Cal/OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Application process
- Developed job analysis and safety incentive program for 3000 person refinery-wide shutdown using Behavior Based Safety elements
- Facilitator of Contractor Safety Orientations and biennial IIPP review training
- Refinery Operator and General Mechanic for 8 years
10+ years of experience
Operated equipment that refines raw cottonseeds into oil for use cooking and other food related products.
- Cleaned equipment on a regular basis and replaced parts as needed.
- Observe oil during refining process to define if color and consistency meets company standards.
- Performed training and orientation for incoming new hires.
- Trained fellow crew members in any new production or process changes.
- Investigated and made repairs to cotton press and gin equipment in a timely fashion.
- Monitored the cotton gin and press for product yield and efficiency.
- Consulted with supervisor to evaluate and decide on solutions to issues with the gin mechanics or any problems that may hinder production.
6-10 years of experience
Qualified to operate an alkylation unit, sulfur removal unit and a boiler room.
- Responsible for data entry into Inteletrac data collection system.
- Performed online analysis of products for quality control.
- Used and supervised power plant and process equipment.
- Monitored both continuous and batch type operations.
- Reported equipment performance and maintenance issues.
- Prepared plant equipment for preventative maintenance and replacement as per company procedures and lock-out tag-out requirements.
- Assisted in the preparation of professional and technical manuals.
- Instructed newly hired and active employees in daily plant operation and procedures.
- Adhered to and enforced DEP, EPA, Coast Guard, DOT and OSHA enviromental and safety practices.
6-10 years of experience
Operating refinery controls and processes to ensure maximum production while always keeping safety of myself and others the ultimate goal
- Routine testing of all refined products to maintain maximum quality and integrity with a strong focus on quality control to ensure all product is within specifications.
- Running and maintaining a wastewater treatment facility within the plant
- Regularly supervising and instructing 3 assistants and helpers
10+ years of experience
Qualified operator in several areas within the oil movement and storage area of an Oil Refinery, including, Tank Farm, Wastewater and API Separator.
- Manage in-process inventory in storage tanks for process manufacturing units.
- Monitor flow of Crude oil into process system.
- Up rated to project management status for turnaround 06.
- Supervise area contractors on work assignments within designated areas of refinery.
- Coordinate state samples as well as in house samples for pickup and analysis at lab, run and test samples to ensure quality of wastewater, as well as maintain strict operating guidelines and restrictions imposed by federal and local regulatory agencies.
6-10 years of experience
Controlled semiautomatic refinery equipment used to convert ethane and propane into ethylene and propylene
- Controlled semiautomatic refinery equipment used to produce electricity and steam used in the refinery
- Added acid and alkaline to remove oxygen from water
- Collaborated on refinery operations maintenance
- Controlled pumps and flow of materials through converters, neutralizers and evaporators, as instructed
- Observed instruments in order to detect equipment malfunctions and reported readings.
- Observed equipment to detect and correct fluid leakage and spillage
- Took samples of products to be tested to verify specific gravity, acid strength and filtration
- Maintained daily logs
10+ years of experience
Worked Process Control Computer to oversee all outside plants processes
- Monitored outside equipment and performed routine preventive maintenance
- Worked as Head Operator in all plants
- Served on Emergency Response and Hazmat Teams
- Served on Hurricane Ride Out Crew to monitor refinery plants during crisis situations
- Served on numerous refinery committees and civic minded organizations as a refinery representative including Soap Box Derby, Island Clean Up, Relay for Life (Cancer) and Heart Walk (American Heart Association)
6-10 years of experience
Controlled refinery equipment to produce soybean oil products.
- Read dials, meters and gauges.
- Moved controls to adjust and regulate the treating time, temperature, rate of flow and density of oil through filter and evaporator units.
- Monitored panelboard to detect and correct equipment malfunctioning.
- Recorded processing, control and other production data in logs.
6-10 years of experience
Helped in crude distilling unit (CDU) to pre-heat crude oil.
- Worked in Hydro-Treater unit to remove the sulfur from the Hydrocarbon.
- Operated L.P.G (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) to produce Butane.
- Transformed Naphtha to Platformate by heating it through furnaces and reactors and operated high efficiency boilers and steam generators for the power plant generators, and assisted in treated sea water for boilers use, and domestic water for plant cooling system.
- Worked on blending unit to blend various products, operating crude storage terminal and worked as a panel operator in the control room.
10+ years of experience
Delayed Coker II Unit
- Operate and maintain all equipment throughout the Coker Unit.
- Efficiently operate De-coking equipment in a safe and productive manner.
- Personally ensured a safe and productive work environment thru safe work practices, housekeeping and preventative maintenance.
- Oversaw and assisted in coordinating projects in my respective areas of the unit for scheduled, planned and unplanned maintenance as well as multiple upgrades and repairs for our recent turnaround.
- Active member of Citgo Petroleum VERT (Volunteer Emergency Response Team).
- Managed and maintained all rotating equipment, product storage vessels and pipelines with a focus on safety, mechanical quality and integrity.
- Operated and controlled raw and finished products in and out of the refinery.
- Plan/Coordinate transfer and shipping of finished Gasoline, Jet Fuel, Diesel, Butane, and Propane to multiple pipelines and vessels with regard to Environmental Responsibility and Product Quality.
- Worked in conjunction with Capitol projects, OSI, and TPR Programs, coordinating, planning and executing pipeline and valve jobs on multiple routine and Turnaround projects.
- Current member of the Citgo Petroleum Hurricane Ride-Out Crew, with experience with multiple hurricanes, complete shut downs and cold start-ups. Hurricanes Rita, Ike and Gustav.
0-5 years of experience
Worked rotating shifts within refinery which produced crude oil, petroleum coke, fuel oil, intermediated, gasoline, diesel, steam and electricity
- Used hazardous and volatile materials under high temperature and pressure
- Maintained equipment and operations; climbed ladders, tanks and towers
- Followed proper safety rules and operating procedures
6-10 years of experience
Zero work related injuries
- Mitigated safety hazards and audited maintenance during normal routine tasks
- Responsible for analyzing samples and reviewing laboratory results
- Made sure that all equipment was in good condition and were operating properly
- Handled maintaining all production and consumption records
- Checked daily logs that helped to determine proper operation of equipment
- Prepared equipment for maintenance – LOTO
- Provided training and instructions in the proper methods and processes
- Checked and inspected new machinery and equipment installations
6-10 years of experience
Nine years refinery operational skills in various units, including sulfur tank car loading and lab tests to ensure product was on spec.
- Developed a flexible blind list for the company to use during turnarounds, resulting in quicker turnarounds and I coordinated the turnaround of the Desulfurizer/Ether plant.
- Obtained the following experiences: HSSE (first aid, fire, rescue, safety audits) experience, inspection and reliability experience, operational (including board) experience, rail car experience, and turnaround maintenance planning and coordination.
- Union Representative for 5 years and aided in contract negotiations.
0-5 years of experience
- Worked in Crude oil distillation and Oil Movement Units.
- Manning respective units; complying with safety codes and ensuring efficiency and reliability of equipment and processes.
- Understanding of heat exchange and recovery processes; working knowledge of heat exchangers, draft cooling towers and fin fans.
- Control of process temperatures pressures and feedstock quantity/quality.
- Working with Oil Technology group in planning for plant set points to comply with target output.
- Participated in team score of six million hours without lost time Injury (LTI) on August 3 2006.
10+ years of experience
- Qualified Board Chief on Catalytic Reforming Unit at 17 Plant section of refinery. Other unit qualifications include: Udex Unit, Sulfur Recovery Unit, Cyclohexane Unit, Feed Preparation and Tank Area
- Control and regulate temperatures, pressures, flows, and other related unit variables using Honeywell TDC3000 operating systems
- Operate, maintain, and inspect unit equipment such as valves, pumps, compressors, turbines, fired heaters, boilers, cooling towers, and tanks
- Prepare unit equipment safely for maintenance, follow lockout/tagout procedures, and issue work permits accordingly
- Make thorough rounds, take readings and samples as required, and maintain accurate log books
- Respond to unit upsets and emergencies in a safe and environmentally sound manner
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for safe and reliable alignment and operation of the Refinery Plant equipment including the monitoring of any environmental requirements or regulations.
- Quality Control Inspector for the construction phase of the new gasoline De-Sulfur unit. Responsible for inspecting hydro tests, flange connections and correct piping and instrumentation layout as required by the piping and instrumentation diagrams.
- Subject matter expert in Refinery Plant equipment, systems, sub-systems, including Gasoline De-Sulfur Units.
- Control Board Operator for Gasoline De-Sulfur Unit.
- Outside Operator for Gasoline De-Sulfur Unit.
- Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit outside operator.
- Subject matter expert in maintenance, repair, testing, modernization, product improvement, alteration, of refinery equipment, systems, sub systems.
- Quality Assurance operator adjusting plant pressures and temperatures to ensure the finished product would meet or exceed company standards.
0-5 years of experience
Monitored and maintained furnaces, reactors, strippers, fractionators, seperators, multi stage positive
displacement/centrifugal compressors used in the conversion of heavy gas oil into Naptha, ULSD, and Heavy
Diesel.
- Troubleshooting equipment and unit issues.
- Participating in emergency drills and procedure reviews.
- Performed inteletrac rounds and routine duties.
0-5 years of experience
- Operate various pieces of complex machinery including, but not limited to pumps, heaters, heat exchangers, compressors, and fin fans in a Hydrocracker unit.
- Perform routine safety inspections and minor maintenance on equipment. Maintain good housekeeping.
- Draw product samples such as reactor effluent, H2, diesel, and sour water for analysis. Receive Lab results and record information.
- Adhere to all safety regulations and perform duties with minimal supervision.
0-5 years of experience
QSM, HOV site specific, C.S Entrant
- Bottle watch, insure the safety of workers under oxygen support
- Hole Watch, standby for workers in hazardous gas tanks
- QSM, qualified safety monitor keeping a written attendance for workers entering and exiting work space
0-5 years of experience
- Responsible for the Extraction of Precious metals ( Pt, Pd, Rh, Ag, Au )
- Performed material tracking/ documentation of the precious metals
- Responsible for handling and processing hazardous material as required and in safety manner
- Maintains good house keeping
- Performed other jobs as required
6-10 years of experience
- Responsible for Quality Control and Confirmation testing of crude oil products, according to API standards.
- Test and Inspection of Refinery Plants
- Maintenance of all rotating and reciprocating equipment
- Petroleum refining, petrochemical and chemical processes
- Emergency procedures and response to abnormal operations
- Operation of DCS and pneumatic control systems
10+ years of experience
Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
- Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
- Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
- Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
- Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
- Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
- Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters in order to detect and report any possible problems.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for all product tank transfers/levels
- Supervised maintenance workers
- Offloaded and loaded LPG tank cars
- Signed maintenance work/safety permits
- Responded to fire calls and medical emergencies
- Attended University of Nevada Reno Fire School
0-5 years of experience
Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters in order to detect and report any possible problems.
- Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of grease in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a refinery.
- Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
- Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of grease into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
- Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
- Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, utilizing knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
- Read and analyze specifications, logs, test results, and laboratory recommendations to determine how to set equipment controls to produce the required qualities and quantities of products.
10+ years of experience
- Refinery Chemicals Area Operator – Conduct benzene & cumene transfers to/from units & vessels. Load & off-load benzene & cumene railcars & trucks. Tank gauging & sampling duties, pump operation & maintenance.
- Refinery Tank Field Special Projects Coordinator – Write permits & coordinate maintenance with contractors & refinery personnel.
- Trainer/Writer – Write operating procedures & training manuals for tank field & dock areas job tasks. Train & qualify operators for in tank field & dock areas.
- Line Tester/Pigging Operations – Pressure test & coordinate DOT pigging operations for product lines in tank field & dock areas.
- Refinery Tank Field Head Operator – Oversee & assist area operators with daily tank field operations (product movements, gauging of storage tanks, product sampling, troubleshooting, etc).
- Dock Operator – Connect& disconnect, load & off-load vessels at refinery docks.
- PSV (process safety valve) installations, tracking, ordering & maintenance in tank fields & docks.
0-5 years of experience
- Operate a refined fuel oil distillation process
- Operate a vacuum gas oil distillation process
- Automatic valve and DP cell processing equipment experience
- Manage tank farm fluid levels and transfers
- Heavy machinery experience, back hoe, fork lift, and hydro blasting
0-5 years of experience
- Operated plant machinery and ensure optimal equipment functioning.
- Operated plant from a central monitoring and control site using TV monitors, PLC’s, gauges, valves, and a computer for water well monitoring and control start and stop/restart. Tank levels.
- Operated gas fired dyers, boilers, filtering and vacuum systems.
- Performed laboratory samples using portable centrifuges, flame photometers, chemical and mathematical formulas to arrive at a final result.
- Operated man and ore double-cable hoists.
- Mixed chemicals by batch mixing and pumped and distributed to process as required.
- Industrial sand blast and painting on an as needed basis.
6-10 years of experience
Production quality and volume variations.
- Plant Welding and modifications, bearings, lubrication.
- Wash plant operator, repairs, pump, and pipe fitter.
- Raw product production, biology monitoring EPA standards.
- Loader operating / stockpiling / truck loading / earth works.
- ABN – Fitter / Welder / Operator.
6-10 years of experience
- Gasoline and Diesel Blender to include storage, pipeline movements of intermediate and finished products, and control of process with Honeywell DCS communication equipment.
- Treatment of process water through Oil Recovery Units, Activated Sludge Unit, and oil traps.
- Transporting Hydrocarbon product by pipeline, tanker truck, and railroad carloads.
- Active in unit Projects to include new construction and retrofits.
- Thoroughly familiar with NESHAP, NPDES, and DOT regulations.
0-5 years of experience
Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, and shift production.
- Read and analyze specifications, schedules, logs, test results, and laboratory recommendations to produce the required qualities and quantities of products.
- Test samples to determine acidity, specific gravity or viscosity, use test equipment such as pH
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose sewage.
0-5 years of experience
Operated an oil refinery with safety as the prime consideration.
- Monitored instrumentation and the operation of equipment.
- Made adjustments to keep system process variables, such as flows, temperatures, and pressures, within acceptable ranges.
- Detected problems and took corrective action to prevent the interruption of system operations.
- Analyzed operational trends and took corrective actions.
- Used standard operating procedures to start and stop production equipment.
- Maintained communication with other operators, maintenance, and management.
- Answer refugees’ inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Set up equipment for refugees use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment.
- Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
10+ years of experience
Production Superintendent: Worked as a production superintendent of operations overseeing several refinery units such as the FCC, Sulfur & Acid Plants, Power Plant and Alkylation Units, as well as Tank Farm and the Docks providing expertise and guidance to the operators during daily operations and unit outages.
- Refinery Scheduling Analyst: Worked as a refinery scheduling analyst to schedule and move various refined products such as iso-butane, normal butane, propane, propane propylene and butane butylenes, as well as sulfur and acid via truck and/or railcar in an effort to maintain refinery levels, tracking, tracing and expediting railcars to assure efficient movement of cars to customers and keeping empty cars moving back to our plant. I also scheduled the movement of propane and propane propylene on the DuPont pipeline, ensuring that the product specs were met for the pipeline movement and resolving issues for off-spec products.
- Trained as a refinery gasoline blender, coke analyst and as a crude scheduler moving various types of crude into the refinery for processing in our fuels and crude processing units and scheduling railcars and/or trucks for the movement of petroleum coke, as well as sulfur and acid trucks and railcars.
- Alkylation Unit Operator: Worked as an operator in the Alkylation Unit qualifying to Honeywell console operator (Power Plant operator, Alky Unit operator, Thermal Unit operator & Console operator). I possess extreme knowledge of rotating equipment such as reactors, compressors, fractionation towers, steam and electrical driven pumps, as well as steam boilers and generators for providing efficient power plant operation.
- As an outside operator, I worked as a shutdown and start-up operator for the Alkylation and Thermal units utilizing Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures to ensure that all equipment was securely isolated from all power sources and also verified that all equipment was completely cleared of hydrocarbons prior to entry for any mechanical work, entering all mechanical work orders into SAP and prioritizing the work for Maintenance.
0-5 years of experience
Coker/WPU Operator
- Inspect Equipment (pumps, motors, heaters, cooling tower(s))
- Monitor Gauges and Instrumentation
- Perform Sampling of multiple product streams
- Perform Scheduled water analysis tests for hardness, conductivity, and pH
- Perform Minor maintenance
- Perform Lock Out/Tag Out
- Perform Required Gas Testing/Monitoring (Confined Space/Unit)
- Perform Operational duties, per SOP, and Supervisory directives
- Tank Gauging and Material Transfer
0-5 years of experience
- Unload and load railcars and trucks in a timely manner
- Receive products in the warehouse and load out products for the customer
- Fill totes and drums full of products to complete a customer’s order
- Adjust batches according to customer’s specifications
- Troubleshoot unexpected issues and assist others to effectively complete the tasks
- Analyze samples using multiple tests to verify the products were correct before distribution
- Create special blends according to customer’s specifications and ensure they are delivered on time
- Complete standard operational procedures
0-5 years of experience
- Directly responsible for all refinery product distribution, shipments, transfers, and oil analysis.
- Regulated and controlled valves, pumps, and pipeline system alignments.
- Operated gas/oil fired heat exchangers.
10+ years of experience
Day to day operations of Alky and Condensate Units
- DCS board operation
- SAP
- Turnaround Coordinator for turnarounds
- Permitting and Gas testing
0-5 years of experience
- Weigh and unload rail cars.
- Weigh and unload semi-trailers.
- Refinery Operator.
Refinery Operator Duties and Responsibilities
Specific tasks and duties for refinery operators vary slightly depending on the employer, facility, and nature of the finished product. However, there are several core responsibilities commonly associated with refinery operators, including:
Refine Crude Oil Although many steps are involved, the ultimate responsibility of the refinery operator is to properly refine crude oil into a specific product. This product – whether it’s fuel, feedstocks, or any other petroleum-based commodity – must meet a certain set of standards the refinery operator is also responsible for. Meeting these standards requires operators work with or manage equipment used in the various refining processes, including hydrogenation, deodorizing, and bleaching.
Monitor Refining Processes To ensure the quality of refined oil and an optimal rate of production, all refinement processes must be carefully observed and maintained. Refinery operators continually monitor and evaluate all refinement equipment, machinery, and the quality of oil to ensure standards and effective production, and to identify and forecast possible problems.
Coordinate with Workers Refining oil is not a one-person job. It requires careful planning and coordination with multiple parties and pumphouses. To that end, a refinery operator must effectively communicate with other workers to ensure refinement tasks are carried out on time and in an effective manner.
Maintain Records and Log Sheets Because of the highly complex nature of the refining process, it is absolutely critical that accurate data be recorded and maintained. Refinery operators must keep meticulous records of all operational data, including instrument readings, lab results, and shipping logs – to name a few.
Ship and Receive Oil The oil refining process involves both shipping and receiving crude and finished product, otherwise known as load out processes. These processes involve careful planning and coordination to ensure oil is properly handled, shipped, received, and stored.
Refinery Operator Skills and Qualifications
Refinery operators possess a strong technical aptitude, an analytical mind, and the ability to work long hours alone or in a team setting. Many employers also prioritize candidates who have the following abilities:
- Oil refining experience – regardless of the finished product, refining oil traditionally involves many of the same processes, including bleaching, deodorizing, and hydrogenation. Operators who possess a strong understanding of these processes will be better prepared to work in a refinement facility
- Mechanical skills – refinery operators spend most of their day working with tools and equipment. They should be skilled using a long list of hand and power tools and should be comfortable working with all types of machinery
- Quality control – regularly monitoring and testing the quality of oil is an essential step in a refinery operator’s workflow
- Troubleshooting – because of the complex nature of the job and the equipment involved, refinery operators regularly face mechanical problems. To properly address these challenges, refinery operators need strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills – many tasks require coordination with additional parties, including managers, coworkers, and transport professionals. Refinery operators must communicate effectively with others in order to complete tasks in a timely and effective manner
Refinery Operator Education and Training
Most employers require a high school diploma or GED for employment. In some instances, previous experience working with refining equipment or similar machinery can suffice in lieu of educational requirements. Depending on the exact nature and responsibilities of the position, refinery operators might receive some level of on-the-job training, including instruction on proper operating and safety procedures.
Refinery Operator Salary and Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists refinery operators under the general category of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers, and reports a median annual salary of $68,190, which is equivalent to an hourly rate of $32.78. These numbers are consistent with salaries offered for refinery operators on multiple job sites and career boards. Refinery operators in the 10th percentile earn close to $42,000 year ($20.20 per hour), while the highest-paid operators make nearly $98,000 ($46.94 per hour). While the BLS does not provide specific outlook data for refinery operators, it does provide information for several occupations that fall under the same employment umbrella, such as petroleum technicians and refinery process engineers. On the whole, the BLS projects employment for these occupations will grow between 4 and 16 percent by 2026.
Helpful Resources
Interested in becoming a refinery operator? Here are some valuable resources to get you on your way:
Troubleshooting Process Operations – this in-depth resource provides useful troubleshooting tips and techniques to help improve your problem-solving skills. Author Norm Lieberman leverages his 45 years working in the petrochemical and refining industry to deliver over 700 pages of useful information, including detailed descriptions of common refinery problems, practical troubleshooting techniques, and tips for effectively interacting with other plan personnel
A Working Guide to Process Equipment – from authors and chemical engineers Elizabeth and Norman Lieberman, this comprehensive guide teaches you how to effectively diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve problems with refining equipment. Drawing from their combined 80-plus years of experience, the Liebermans cover a wide range of equipment and processes, using both real-world examples and illustrations to teach you practical troubleshooting strategies
Petroleum Refining in Nontechnical Language – William Leffler’s 270-page overview of refining topics provides a basic analysis of the refining industry. Using nontechnical language and easy-to-understand graphs and illustrations, Leffler covers key refining topics, including valuable information on crude oil and other raw materials
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Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II -
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
