Refining Operator Trainee

Marathon Petroleum Corporation • Saint Paul Park, MN

5d • $43 - $53 • Onsite

About The Position

Marathon Petroleum is hiring Refinery Operator Trainees at its St. Paul Park, Minnesota facility, where crude oil and other feedstocks are refined into transportation fuels and other petroleum products. Trainees learn refining process operations and product movement/loading operations, and work in a process unit, tank farm, or loading position. Operators monitor, regulate, troubleshoot, and safely operate complex process equipment and perform product movement and loading operations in a safety-sensitive environment. Candidates must complete the required pre-employment assessments, screenings, and background check. Relocation is not approved for external candidates. The anticipated training start date is March 29, 2027.

Operators work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule providing 24/7 coverage. Day shifts run from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and night shifts from 5:30 PM to 5:30 AM. The four-week schedule includes alternating day and night shifts and scheduled days off. Voluntary overtime is typically available, and periodic mandatory overtime may be required. Schedules may be modified during major maintenance activities.

Starting pay is $36.48 per hour, with a first qualified rate of $43.01–$53.09 per hour under the collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 120. Employees receive scheduled annual pay increases and may be eligible for an annual bonus program.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Possess basic math, reading, writing, verbal, and computer skills.
• Be willing and able to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including weekends, nights, holidays, and overtime.
• Be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time, indefinite basis without employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) after an offer.
• Be able to pass the Minnesota Special Engineer (Boiler’s License) test during onboarding.
• Participate in the onsite interview process and related assessments, including an online test and onsite work demonstration.
• Successfully complete pre-employment background, drug/alcohol, and medical screenings and participate in random drug and alcohol screenings.
• Successfully complete operator qualification training.
• Be able to learn and apply complex refinery-related processes and procedures.
• Meet the physical requirements of working at ground level and heights, climbing, lifting and carrying loads, pushing and pulling, working in confined spaces, using hand tools, wearing safety equipment, and working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in Process Technology, Technical/Chemical, Power Plant Technology, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience as a process operator in the petrochemical or a related industry.
• Good mechanical aptitude and the ability to make sound decisions.
• Ability to work well in a team, with little supervision, and prioritize daily work schedules based on operational requirements.
• A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor equipment and processes under the operator’s control to maintain product specifications and maximize yields.
• Support unit startups and shutdowns and operate safely during process upsets, power failures, and mechanical failures.
• Conduct periodic equipment monitoring rounds, make required adjustments, sample products, and enter data electronically.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment problems, conduct general equipment checks, and detect unusual operating conditions such as abnormal noises, temperatures, pressures, and leaks.
• Support safe maintenance activities, including equipment decontamination, following lockout/tagout procedures, and completing safe work permits.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, and participate in emergency response activities.
• Assist others with training and day-to-day operations.
• Complete daily shift turnovers and communicate equipment and maintenance status to the oncoming crew.
• Learn and apply refinery-related processes and procedures and complete operator qualification training.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a company match of 7% on a 6% employee contribution, with immediate vesting.
• Cash balance pension plan of 7%, 9%, or 11%, depending on age and years of service, with three-year vesting.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Long- and short-term disability benefits.
• Minimum of three weeks of paid vacation for new hires, prorated based on month hired.
• Scheduled annual pay rate increases.
• Eligibility for a discretionary annual company-sponsored bonus program.
• Paid parental leave.
• Educational reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED