Title: Refinery Entry Level Operator/Loader
Date:
Aug 11, 2025
Location:
Tulsa, OK, US, 74107
Basic Function
- The process operator or loader performs or directs others to perform the work entailed in the safe and continuous operation of refining equipment in which crude or other oil is upgraded into such marketable products as gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oil, fuel oil, wax, extracts, and a variety of other petroleum products.
- Important Testing Notice: Applicants will be required to take an online assessment via the SHL portal. This assessment link will be provided to you via email no later than August 25. The deadline to complete the assessment is August 31 at 11:59pm EST.
Job Duties
- Acquires credentials for Board Operator assignment by completing duty station qualification test with a minimum score of 85% written exam and 100% skills exam.
- Completes three-year apprenticeship program by rotating through all unit outside jobs while receiving satisfactory feedback on assignment sign off sheets.
- Monitors and regulates process variables of multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations by listening for alarms, watching warning lights and then operating control board to regulate valves, pumps compressors and auxiliary equipment.
- Sets equipment controls to produce the required quantities and qualities of products by analyzing specifications, schedules, logs, test results and laboratory recommendations.
- Obtains company stated targets for production on a daily basis by collaborating with team members and other units and making operational adjustments and tracking hourly production
- Interprets instructions, procedures, rules and regulations by retrieving documents from computer-based systems, reviewing documents and taking appropriate action
- Monitors and regulates the amounts of product in storage tanks by reading local gauges/verecs and meters and making changes to product flow.
- Prioritizes work daily by reading emails, and refinery daily operating instructions (DOIs) including target goals for unit operation and comments and other communications
- Advises team workers of safety hazards, abnormal conditions, and emergency situations by identifying hazardous situations and informing them of appropriate steps to take, based upon company procedures
- Issues safety permit by describing job to be performed, then provides all required pertinent information and obtains authorization
- Complete reports (example: end of shift report) by recording production yields, key parameters (e.g. color, appearance, % oil) tank capacities, unit limits and action taken and work requests issued.
- Replenishes fluids and supply inventories (e.g. antifreeze, acid, etc.) in equipment tanks by checking gauges for amount of fluids in tank and obtaining appropriate amount of specified fluid
- Assists maintenance workers with work orders by clarifying problem, providing safety permit, communicating instructions and checking for sign offs (outside operator)
- Inspects unit for safety hazards prior to start-up by visually observing for leaks or spills, loose parts, trip hazards, open bleeders, proper line up and blinds
- Prepares process associated equipment for maintenance by following lockout/tagout procedures (e.g. shutting down power controls, isolating equipment, open bleeders, etc.)
- Conducts general housekeeping of units by wiping up spills with rags, sweeping debris with brooms, power washing, and placing tools in specified locations and storing hoses
- Enters hazardous areas, high H2S or gas leak, by wearing SCBA
- Shuts down equipment by following company issued Equipment Shutdown Procedures for specific equipment failures
- Examines operations of pumps by checking pressure gauges, temperature, volts and amps settings; feeling for vibration, oil levels, and listening for unusual sounds (e.g. loose belts)
- Collects product samples by putting on gloves, turning bleeder valves, catching sample in specified container for product and taking sample to lab.
- Tests product samples by using ph strips, meters, indicator drops (acid/base), thermometer, probes, scales and records data on log sheet and rinses equipment.
- Changes filters, gaskets or strainers on pump using hand tools (e.g. channel locks and wrenches)
Special assignments or tasks assigned to the employee by their supervisor, as determined from time to time in their sole and complete discretion.
Experience
Minimum of two years of related experience such as mechanical, industrial, military, stationary equipment and/or boiler experience is required.
Experience in refinery or chemical plants is preferred.
Education Level
A minimum of a High School degree, GED or equivalent is required.
PREFERRED EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: Continued education in mechanical or chemical related discipline is preferred.
PREFERRED EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: Continued education in mechanical or chemical related discipline is preferred.
Required Skills
Verbal/written communication, computer literate, good mathematical & problem-solving skills, ability to read & interpret various instructions, procedures, rules, and regulations. Communicate and cooperate in a "team" environment; Develop and maintain good work attitude/habits; Maintain high energy level by showing desire to achieve; Seek opportunities for continuous self-improvement; Adjust to changing conditions in the work environment; Maintain composure during highly stressful/emergency situations; Recognize personal limitations and seek help when needed; Recognize and correct process problems; Make fact-based decisions in a timely manner.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibility
Work Conditions
Job conditions vary depending upon the process operator or loader assignment within a refinery based industrial environment, work conditions include: controlled temperature environments, wet or humid conditions, all temperatures including outdoor inclement weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts and rotating equipment, work in high and precarious places located in excess of 100 feet, dust, dirt, chemical and petroleum product exposures, work in confined spaces, noise and vibration exposure and exposure to electrical shock. Ability to work a 12-hour, rotating shift schedule and work overtime is required. Relief operators work varying 12-hour shifts to cover vacations, call-outs etc.
Benefits
HF Sinclair offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Time-Off
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
- Educational Reimbursement
- Parental Bonding Time
- Employee Discounts
Physical Requirements
Job conditions require the ability to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, make visual inspection, make precise hand and finger movements, reaching or grasping, lifting or carrying 50lbs, pushing or pulling 50lbs, climbing in excess of 100 feet, reading/writing of both technical and nontechnical information sources, communicating verbally and visually, performing math calculations, operating motor vehicles, perceiving color differences, wearing personal protective equipment including flame retardant clothing and full face respirators, and strenuous physical activity.
Our One HF Sinclair Culture:
At HF Sinclair, we are united through our One HF Sinclair Culture, which is underpinned by our five core values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Ownership and Inclusion. Developed to empower our people, our five core cultural values are at the heart of everything we do and extend to how we engage our stakeholders. These values influence our decisions, shape our behaviors and keep us connected across the entire organization. We maintain a true Safety culture for our employees, communities, environments and customers. Our goal is to make sure everyone returns home safely each day. We have a long-standing commitment to Integrity and ethical behavior and do what is right for our employees, investors, communities and the environment. We encourage employees to Step Up and Stand Out by championing a culture of Teamwork and Ownership. We foster a culture of Inclusion by encouraging diversity of experiences, viewpoints and backgrounds. What makes each of us different, together makes us stronger.
About HF Sinclair Corporation
HF Sinclair Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent energy company that produces and markets high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. HF Sinclair supplies high-quality fuels to more than 1,500 branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand at more than 300 additional locations throughout the country. In addition, subsidiaries of HF Sinclair produce and market base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, and export products to more than 80 countries. Through its subsidiaries, HF Sinclair produces renewable diesel at two of its facilities in Wyoming and also at its facility in Artesia, New Mexico. HF Sinclair provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage and throughput services to its refineries and the petroleum industry.
Equal Opportunity Employer
HF Sinclair Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.
Nearest Major Market: Tulsa
Nearest Secondary Market: Oklahoma