Refinery Operator Trainee

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation; Alaska; On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Petro Star Inc., Alaska’s locally owned refining and marketing company, is seeking a Refinery Operator Trainee. The role involves a multi-step trainee program, learning hazards, safety procedures, and process operations in a demanding refinery environment.

The position requires a high school diploma, ability to work 12-hour shifts, and willingness to participate in training and occasional overtime. CDL is not required, and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong safety awareness and commitment to incident-free operations.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment.
• Proficiency with basic computer tools and software.
• Ability to follow instructions and adapt to continuing training.
• Willingness to participate in extended training and on-call activities.

Responsibilities

• Support training program with three-step progression from Trainee 1 to Trainee 3.
• Learn refinery hazards, safety procedures, distillation process, and unit components.
• Assist in 12-hour shift coverage with 7 days on / 7 days off schedule.
• Support start-ups, shutdowns, and process upsets; help with housekeeping and maintenance.

Skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About

Join Petro Star Inc., Alaska’s only locally owned operating refining and marketing company, a trusted supplier of fuels and petroleum products throughout the state. With refinery operations in North Pole and Valdez, Petro Star plays a vital role in supporting Alaska’s military installations, aviation industry, commercial businesses, and remote communities.

As a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), Petro Star is committed to operational excellence, safety, integrity, and service. Our employees are the foundation of our success, bringing expertise, innovation, and dedication to every aspect of our business.

At Petro Star, we foster a collaborative work environment where employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a lasting impact on Alaska’s energy future. We are proud to offer rewarding career opportunities for individuals who share our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Overview

Responsible for monitoring, controlling and conducting activities that pertain to the safe operation of the refinery, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure that all conditions and operations are in compliance with safety, environmental and operating policies and procedures.

Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 14 - 12-hour shifts on and 14 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.

Essential Responsibilities

• The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. Trainee 3’s that successfully complete their training program will have an opportunity to advance to the Operator 1 position.
• Learn the refinery hazards, safety procedures, distillation process, and the various components that make up the refinery. During the course of the one-year training period, trainees will be provided with training regarding the plant’s hazards, safety procedures, and educational materials explaining the distillation process and various components that make up the refinery. The trainee will be tested quarterly for comprehension of assigned training curriculum.
• Operators and trainees will work side‑by‑side on a 12‑hour 7 days on / 7 days off work schedule. The trainee will help cover shifts and may not follow the typical shift rotation of one shift of days and one shift of nights. Together, the operators and trainees will constitute a “shift” and be responsible for all aspects of the refinery’s operation, ranging from housekeeping and maintenance of the unit and property, to operation of the process unit during steady‑state conditions, start-ups/shutdowns, and process upsets.
• While personal safety and safe operation of the refinery are the most important goals, trainees will be expected to participate in all new construction projects and turnarounds (maintenance work undertaken while the process unit is offline). Many times this work will fall on non‑shift days, and while Petro Star will not usually require you to work overtime, you should be willing to work a reasonable amount of O/T if requested.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License; will be required to drive company vehicles. CDL is not required.
• Minimum of two years of any type of work experience. Military experience is counted as work experience.
• Candidates must demonstrate personal commitment to Incident and Injury Free Operations with a proven track record in Safety and Reliability.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer tools.
• Ability to quickly grasp and master complex ideas and procedures.
• Ability to work and function well with other people in a team environment.
• Ability to follow instructions.

Preferred:

• Process technology AA Degree preferred.
• Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or construction skills are beneficial but not required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk, climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The employee must have the ability to climb towers up to 105 foot utilizing ladders and platforms and perform their job at those heights. The employee must be able to perform job duties while wearing either half or full-face respirators. Employee must be able to hear process and system alarms. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment is in various units of an oil refinery. The noise level in the work environment is usually high while performing the duties of this job; the employee will be exposed to adverse weather conditions.

Why Petrostar is Different

Purpose-Driven Work: Every day, Petro Star employees help fuel Alaska's economy and infrastructure. From supporting military readiness and aviation operations to delivering energy solutions to remote communities, your work directly contributes to keeping Alaska moving.

Safety-First Culture: Safety is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship, operational integrity, and workplace safety while empowering employees to take ownership of safe and responsible operations.

Career Growth Opportunities:

• Professional development and technical training programs
• Mentorship from experienced industry leaders
• Opportunities for advancement across refinery, operations, engineering, maintenance, commercial, and corporate functions
• Continuous learning and career development support

Industry Leadership & Stability:

• Alaska’s only locally owned and operated petroleum refining and marketing company
• 40+ of experience serving Alaska's energy needs
• Backed by the strength and stability of ASRC, one of Alaska's largest and most successful companies
• Critical supplier to military, aviation, commercial, and rural markets throughout Alaska

Total Rewards

At Petro Star, we believe exceptional people deserve exceptional benefits. Our comprehensive total rewards package reflects our commitment to your success, well-being, and financial security.

Financial Security:

• Competitive salaries with performance-based opportunities
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions*
• Employee referral bonus opportunities

Health & Wellness:

• Comprehensive medical plan options through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program*
• Dental and vision insurance options*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families
• Supplemental insurance offerings including life insurance, disability coverage, AD&D, accident insurance, critical illnessinsurance, hospital indemnity, legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance*

Professional Development:

• Leadership development programs
• Technical and professional skills training
• Mentorship and career advancement opportunities

* Benefit eligibility varies by position, employment status, and work location. Specific benefits for this role will be discussed during the hiring process.

Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug-free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other legal protected status. EOE: M|F|D|V EEO Poster.

Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].