Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Refinery Operator
What refinery operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Take turnover at the unit control room. From there, the day usually includes control refinery process units, make field rounds and inspections, and adjust temperatures, pressures and flows. Refineries run nonstop, so operators work rotating 12-hour shifts with frequent overtime and turnarounds.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a refinery operator working full time.
- Take turnover at the unit control room.
- Make outside rounds on pumps and heaters.
- Pull samples for the lab.
- Adjust a distillation column’s temperature profile.
- Write a work permit for a pump repair.
- Gauge a product tank and record levels.
- Turn over to the night shift.
Where refinery operators work
Operators work in control rooms and outdoors across large refinery units, around heat, noise and hazardous materials.
Hours and schedule
Refineries run nonstop, so operators work rotating 12-hour shifts with frequent overtime and turnarounds.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Control refinery process units
- Make field rounds and inspections
- Adjust temperatures, pressures and flows
- Take product samples
- Gauge tanks and track inventory
- Respond to alarms and upsets
- Follow permits and safety procedures
Tools you’ll use every day
- DCS control systems
- Gas monitors
- Pumps and valves
- Tank gauging equipment
- Sample bombs
- Radios
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay and overtime
- Paid training
- Strong benefits
- Process technology path
What’s hard
- Rotating shifts and long turnarounds
- Hazardous materials
- Heat and weather outdoors
- Employment projected to decline
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want high pay with overtime
- I like process control
- I can handle rotating shifts
- I take safety seriously
- I like teamwork
- I’m comfortable outdoors around equipment
Not sure? Take the free Refinery Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear gas monitors and flame-resistant clothing
- Follow work permits and lockout
- Know emergency and evacuation procedures
- Use management of change for any changes