Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving energy sector, the role of an oil refinery control room operator has never been more critical.

As the industry progresses, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can effectively manage, oversee, and ensure the smooth operation of our oil refineries.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an oil refinery control room operator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drawing up the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of oil refinery operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable oil refinery control room operator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Duties and Responsibilities

Oil Refinery Control Room Operators monitor and control all operations of an oil refinery from a centralized control room.

They ensure the refinery’s safe, efficient, and compliant operation by operating and adjusting control systems and equipment.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and controlling process units and auxiliary equipment in refinery network using process control panels, computer terminals and other control systems
• Reading and interpreting data from various systems, sensors, and gauges such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate
• Communicating with field operators and other departments to coordinate operations and maintenance activities
• Reacting to emergencies or process disruptions by adjusting equipment and systems, following emergency response procedures
• Starting up, shutting down, and troubleshooting equipment and systems to maintain efficient operations
• Implementing operational changes as directed by engineers and other refinery personnel
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Documenting and reporting operational changes, abnormalities, and results of system and equipment inspections
• Participating in training and safety meetings, and maintaining knowledge of current industry best practices and standards

 

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a skilled and diligent Oil Refinery Control Room Operator to supervise and control our refinery operations.

Your primary responsibilities include monitoring process parameters, coordinating production plans, and troubleshooting equipment issues.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of refinery operations, a keen eye for detail, and exceptional troubleshooting abilities.

The role of the Oil Refinery Control Room Operator is to ensure that all refinery operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control refinery operations through control panels
• Adjust control room equipment to regulate flow and pressure of oil
• Coordinate with field operators and supervisors to execute production plans
• Identify and troubleshoot equipment and system malfunctions
• Prepare and maintain logs, reports and operational documentation
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company standards
• Monitor alarm systems and escalate issues when necessary
• Participate in emergency response planning and drills
• Train new control room operators on equipment, procedures, and safety protocols

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a control room operator in an oil refinery
• Strong understanding of refinery operations and processes
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and schematics
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work under pressure and in shift rotations
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; higher degree in relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Safety training and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oil Refinery Control Room Operator
• Work Environment: Control room setting in an oil refinery. This position requires shift work and may require working in adverse weather conditions at times.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Refinery Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Do?

Oil Refinery Control Room Operators work in the control rooms of oil refineries, monitoring the processing units, gauges, and dials to ensure the smooth operation of the refinery.

Their primary responsibility is to control and monitor the entire processing operations through a computer-controlled console.

They adjust the controls of the machinery to alter the flow of oil, increase the temperature, or pressure, and introduce catalysts into the system.

Operators have to track the performance of the equipment, inspecting for malfunctions and arranging for the repair or replacement of faulty components.

They also take samples of products to ensure they meet quality standards.

In case of emergencies or any irregularities, they are responsible for shutting down the system or adjusting the process parameters to rectify the situation.

They often work with other technical staff, engineers, and managers to ensure that the oil refining process is efficient, safe, and within the regulatory standards.

These operators are also tasked with keeping detailed logs of operations, tests, maintenance, and repairs.

Overall, the role of an Oil Refinery Control Room Operator is crucial in managing the complex processes in an oil refinery, ensuring that oil is processed and refined efficiently and safely.

 

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Qualifications and Skills

An adept Oil Refinery Control Room Operator should have the skills and qualifications that correspond with the job role, such as:

• Technical knowledge of oil refinery processes and operations to monitor and control plant operations effectively.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
• Strong attention to detail to accurately monitor multiple screens and systems simultaneously and detect any deviations in operation.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with team members, report anomalies and update superiors about plant operations.
• Understanding of safety protocols and standards to ensure the safety of all personnel and avoid accidents.
• Physical stamina and mental alertness to manage long shifts, often under stressful conditions.
• Ability to understand and implement complex operational procedures and manage equipment controls.
• Computer literacy to operate control systems and document operations as required.
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures to effectively handle any emergencies that may arise during operations.

 

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the position of Oil Refinery Control Room Operator often have at least 2 years of experience in a related field.

This experience could be obtained through a comprehensive internship, part-time role, or an apprenticeship in an oil refinery, petrochemical industry, or similar operation.

Candidates who have worked in roles such as a Process Operator, Plant Operator, or other similar positions within an oil refinery, gain practical experience operating, controlling and monitoring a variety of plant equipment, systems, and processes.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level operator roles or similar positions.

They are typically well-versed in safety protocols, quality control, and emergency response procedures, and have experience in the operation and troubleshooting of refinery equipment and processes.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience will generally have in-depth knowledge of refinery operations and control room systems.

They are likely to have experience in a supervisory or team lead role, coordinating and directing the activities of other operators, and may be ready for a managerial position.

In addition, experience with specific control systems, software, and technologies used in oil refineries, such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS), can be a significant asset for these roles.

Ongoing training and development to stay current with new technologies and methods is also commonly required in this rapidly evolving industry.

 

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Education and Training Requirements

Oil Refinery Control Room Operators typically require a high school diploma or an equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

However, many employers prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in process technology, chemical engineering, or a related field.

On-the-job training is a significant part of the role.

This can include extensive training in the control room under the supervision of a senior operator, as well as hands-on training on the refinery floor.

In addition to academic requirements, a strong understanding of refinery operations, including the operation of process control systems, is essential.

Many Control Room Operators gain this knowledge through years of experience in lower-level positions within a refinery.

As a result, previous experience in an oil refinery, particularly in operations, can be very beneficial.

Knowledge of specific software, such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems or DCS (Distributed Control Systems), may also be required.

Safety training is crucial for this role, as operators must understand and comply with safety regulations and procedures.

Certain certifications may be beneficial for those seeking a position as a Control Room Operator.

These include Process Technology (PTEC) certification or certification from the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE).

Continuing education is important in this role to keep up with changing technology and safety standards.

As such, commitment to ongoing learning is highly valued.

 

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Salary Expectations

An Oil Refinery Control Room Operator can expect to earn an average salary of $67,610 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the refinery operations, the geographic location of the refinery, and the company that operates the refinery.

 

Oil Refinery Control Room Operator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oil Refinery Control Room Operator need?

Oil Refinery Control Room Operators need a deep understanding of refinery operations and processes.

This includes knowledge of various refinery machinery, techniques for controlling operations, and safety standards.

They should also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any issues in the process.

Good attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and effective communication skills are also essential.

 

Do Oil Refinery Control Room Operators need a degree?

While many oil refinery control room operators have a degree in a related field like chemical engineering or petroleum engineering, it’s not always required.

However, they will need to have substantial experience in the oil refinery industry.

This role often requires specialized training and certifications, particularly in safety procedures and equipment operation.

 

What should you look for in an Oil Refinery Control Room Operator resume?

Look for a strong background in refinery operations and process control in their resume.

Relevant certifications, a degree in a related field, and extensive experience in the industry are also crucial.

They should also demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and equipment, as well as experience working with computer control systems.

 

What qualities make a good Oil Refinery Control Room Operator?

A good Oil Refinery Control Room Operator should be highly detail-oriented to manage the complex operations of a refinery.

They should have excellent problem-solving abilities to quickly address any operational issues that arise.

Strong communication skills are also important, as they need to convey crucial information to other team members.

Additionally, they should be able to work under pressure and make quick decisions when necessary.

 

What are the working conditions for an Oil Refinery Control Room Operator?

Oil Refinery Control Room Operators typically work in a control room environment, monitoring various screens and control panels.

The job can be stressful, as operators must quickly react to any problems that could affect the refinery’s operations or safety.

They may also need to work in shifts, as refineries operate 24/7.

However, safety procedures and protocols are strictly followed to ensure a safe working environment.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone a light on what it truly means to be an oil refinery control room operator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about monitoring pipelines.

It’s about orchestrating the intricate machinery that fuels our world, one process at a time.

With our comprehensive oil refinery control room operator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every process in the refinery is part of the bigger energy picture.

Let’s fuel that future. Together.

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