Refinery Operator Trainee

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.