Refinery Operator Trainee

Are you looking for a career in a dynamic and innovative company that values versatility, growth, and teamwork? Look no further than Delek US Holdings!

WHAT IS DELEK? WHAT DO WE DO?

We are a boutique-sized diversified downstream energy company with a range of assets, including petroleum refining, logistics, renewable fuels, and convenience store retailing.

• Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels per day
• Our logistics business currently owns and operates 720 miles of crude and product pipelines, a 600-mile crude oil gathering system, and storage tanks and terminals.
• Our Retail or convenience store part of Delek, runs over 250 stores in Texas and New Mexico. We also have company-branded New-to-Industry DK stores in the southern part of the US!
• Our three renewables’ plants in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi combined can produce 40 million gallons of biodiesel fuel a year.

DELEK BENEFITS

We offer fantastic benefits that include a 10% employer match for 401K on day one of hire, with a vesting timeline of only one year, and medical benefits that start on day one with a 30% premium rebate annually! Also, we're thrilled to announce that Delek has maintained six years of consecutive stability in employee premium rates without any increases! With one of the highest bonus payouts in recent years, we know that our success is due to our talented and dedicated team.

JOB SUMMARY 

Delek US – Big Spring Refinery is looking to hire our next Refinery Operator Trainee class to join our team!

In this entry-level position, the Refinery Operator Trainee will help ensure the safe and efficient operation of our refinery process by monitoring, maintaining, and running various machines used in the refinery process. You'll work closely with our Unit Operator, reporting readings, opening, and closing valves, operating pumps, taking required samples, and performing incidental maintenance tasks.

Plus, as a Refinery Operator Trainee, you'll be required and have the opportunity to join our fire brigade or emergency response team.

COMPENSATION AND ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

During the training period, you'll receive 10 hour/day training from 6 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday at a competitive rate of $32.79/per hour.

Upon successful completion of training and testing, your regular schedule will operate on an industry DuPont 12-hour rotation: Compensated at a $28.77 hourly rate for the first 8 hours & $43.16 for the remaining 4 hours, with a fixed schedule of 7 shifts per pay period (biweekly). Any overtime worked outside the scheduled shifts will be rewarded at a rate of $49.19.

Please note that these hourly rates are separate from the 3.5% merit raise scheduled for 2025.

Additionally, our career advancement program offers four certification levels within the first two years for employment based on successful training and experience in the assigned unit, each corresponding to a higher hourly pay rate.

• Eligibility for promotion to Level 1 within 6 months 
• Eligibility for promotion Level 2 at 12 months 
• Eligibility for promotion Level 3 at 18 months 
• Eligibility for promotion Level 4 at 24 months

VACATION

After six months of employment, you will be entitled to 40 hours of vacation, which includes 3 days of sick leave & 2 days for personal use. Moving into the following year of 2026, your vacation allowance will double to 80 hours.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED/equivalent (Required)
• Associate or technology degree in process technology or science discipline. (Preferred)
• Training & Participation on the Fire Brigade and Emergency Response Team. (Preferred)
• Two (2) years of experience in refining process, chemical facility or heavy industrial environment. (Preferred)
• Two (2) years of experience in mechanical or industrial maintenance position. (Preferred)
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record
• Ability to follow written plans and procedures
• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds and climb vertical heights up to 200 feet
• Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus
• Ability to participate in an emergency response and handle 2½” fire hose
• Ability to work a twelve (12) rotating shift schedule, holidays, and overtime
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must be able to pass pre-employment background screening and drug screen
• Proficient computer skills
• Knowledge of basic science and industrial mathematics concepts
• Demonstrated safety training in an industrial environment
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Monitor and operate process units using a wide range of control systems and equipment that includes tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, pumps, furnaces, and vacuum systems
• Regulate product flow, temperature control, pressure regulation, and other functions necessary for the safe and efficient function of the units
• Read and explain processing schedules, operations logs, and laboratory results to determine if adjustments are required to maintain the quality of the product
• Continuously enhance one’s knowledge of the equipment and keep up with changes in individual process systems
• Sample liquids and gases for chemical characteristics, color, gravity, etc
• Collect and deliver samples to the laboratory to identify product quality issues
• Perform housekeeping to maintain a clean work environment and clean equipment such as filters, tanks, exchangers, and other equipment
• Communicate with the Unit Operator, Maintenance, and Supervisor to make field adjustments in response to changing process conditions to address or prevent issues
• Follow all Company safety and environmental practices

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans.