Operator Trainee

Par Pacific; Kapolei (HI); On-site; USD 77,146,000 - 103,320,000; Full time

Job summary

Par Pacific is seeking an Operator Trainee for the Kapolei Refinery to learn and support safe, reliable refinery operations. You will receive hands-on training to operate processing units with manual controls, perform field QC testing, and participate in shift turnover and safety meetings.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, TWIC eligibility, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and willingness to work 12-hour day/night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Training will start in April 2027.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Three years of successful full-time employment (preferred).
• Electro-mechanical operation or trade training preferred.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, engineering, and/or physics desirable.
• Must possess a valid U.S. Driver's License and TWIC eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down process equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process-related issues and report unsafe conditions.
• Collect samples and perform field quality-control testing up to heights of 115 feet.
• Complete shift turnovers and maintain surveys, checklists and journals in company systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance, environmental, inspection and contractor staff.

Skills

TWIC card eligibility

Driver's license

12-hour shifts

Work at heights 115 ft

Safety awareness

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Electro-mechanical operation training

Basic chemistry/engineering/physics knowledge

Job description

The Opportunity

• Operator Trainee at the Kapolei Refinery
• Launch a rewarding operations career with a growing downstream energy company committed to safety, teamwork, and employee development.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team where clear communication, strong relationships, and working together are essential to our success.
• Receive hands-on training to safely operate processing, treating, and distribution units using manual equipment controls.
• Reporting to the Operations Assistant Superintendent, you will build the technical skills and operational knowledge needed to support safe, reliable refinery operations.

Key activities include:

• Comply with and enforce established safety and environmental rules, standards, and regulations, including exercising Stop Work Authority when appropriate.
• Start up, operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down process equipment and systems, including pumps, air coolers, fired furnaces, and reciprocating and centrifugal compressors.
• Monitor process flows, temperatures, levels, and pressures in an outdoor operating environment, recognizing hazards and taking prompt action to prevent, eliminate, or mitigate process upsets.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process-related issues, monitor maintenance needs, prepare work notifications, and promptly report unsafe or abnormal conditions to the Shift Supervisor.
• Collect product samples and perform required field quality-control testing, including work at heights of up to 115 feet.
• Complete shift turnovers, participate in shift safety meetings, and accurately maintain required surveys, checklists, inventories, reports, and journals using company computer systems.
• Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
• Collaborate effectively with maintenance, environmental, inspection, and contractor personnel, and assist with employee training as assigned.
• Attend emergency-response training, remain current on all required qualifications, including basic firefighting and respond to refinery emergencies as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Supervisor.

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position. Additional responsibilities and opportunities may be identified based on current business needs.

Qualifications

To meet the basic qualifications for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To comply with the regulations at this work location, successful applicants must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Three (3) years of successful full-time employment, previous full-time employment in an industrial capacity preferred
• Documented successful training in an electro-mechanical operation or trade preferred
• Computer knowledge, skills & abilities desired
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, engineering, and/or physics desired

Other Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid, acceptable U.S. Driver's License
• Availability and willingness to work 12-Hour shifts on rotating day/night shift schedule required
• Must be available to work during off-hours to include staff coverage needs, emergencies & turnarounds
• Must be able to take call outs and be on standby frequently. Mandatory overtime required.
• Must be available and able to work weekends, holidays, day and night shifts on a regular and reliable basis
• Must be willing and able to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 115 feet (approximately 10-12 stories)

Additional qualifications include:

Complete aptitude testing within the test window - October 31-December 19
Available to start in April 2027

About Us

At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically complex markets. We have built a team of downstream industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.

More Good Reasons to Work for Par Pacific

Unique Culture and RICH Values

There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific employees. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneurial-minded professionals who love to win. Our RICH values describe how we approach our work: Respect for Others, Integrity, Collaborative Innovation, and Heart. If that describes you, you'll fit right in.

Location, Location, Location

Because Par Pacific operates in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives. The manufacturing plant where you'll work is in the Kapolei (Campbell Industrial Park). Located on the southwest side of O'ahu, Kapolei, named for the volcanic cone Pu'u of Kapolei, is colloquially known as the "second city." It is a vibrant, affluent city that is growing rapidly and is within a few miles of beautiful beaches, campsites and adventure parks.

Opportunistic Growth Strategy

At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies.

Focused on the Future

We are an energy company that has recognized the imperative and embraced the opportunity to begin the transition from fossil fuels. We are developing products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Excellent Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a robust allotment of paid time off, a 401(k) with company match, retirement savings plans, educational reimbursement, and more. Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription coverage), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program. Employees can purchase company stock at discounted prices through the Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Hiring Range:

The hiring range for this position is $31.62 per hour based on Collective Bargaining Agreement

Our Headquarters

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".

Our Refineries and Logistics Operations

We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 219 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 125,000 bpd of combined refining capacity and related multimodal logistics systems.

Our Retail Operations

We own and operate over 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and over 30 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.

Par Pacific Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.

Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls or unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.