Refinery and Upgrader Process Operator
Refinery and upgrader process operators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of oil refineries and upgraders.
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Bitumen Extraction Plant Operator, Bitumen Upgrading Plant Operator, Oil Refinery Process Operator, Upgrader Process Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Oil or oil sands (bitumen) that comes directly out of the ground must go through several processes before it can be used to meet energy and raw material manufacturing needs. In the field, raw oil (or oilsand) is treated to prepare it for movement down major pipelines. At upgraders, it is treated through distillation, coking, fractionation, hydrotreating, amine sweetening, or sulphur recovery processes. It must be treated to the point that it can be used by a refinery.
At refineries, it goes through several more distillation processes. Processes, such as cracking, blending, and reforming, separate the refined oil into usable products. These include gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, light and heavy fuel oils, jet fuel, greases, lubricating oil, waxes, and asphalt.
Refinery and upgrader process operators’ job titles and duties vary from one refinery or upgrader to another. There are often different categories of process operators. Different refineries and upgraders have various combinations of categories.
Operators may be known by the process they are involved in, such as treater, blender, bitumen extractor, or upgrader operator. Or they may be known by the unit they work in, such as catalytic cracking unit operator or pumping unit operator. Their duties depend on the unit they work in, the area of the unit, the refinery’s level of automation, and the company they work for.
In general, refinery / upgrader process operators:
Some refinery / upgrader process operators are control room operators. When working in the control room, operators:
Control room operators work with special types of technical equipment. In highly automated refineries and upgraders, they use distributed control systems.
Refineries and upgraders operate 24 hours a day, year-round. Refinery and upgrader operators most often work 8- or 12-hour shifts. Process operators spend about half of their time working in the control room. They spend the other half outdoors.
Operators conduct routine checks at all hours regardless of weather conditions. They lift heavy items. Where refinery or upgrader units are spread over a wide area, operators do a lot of walking.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting; and in operating electronic or computerized control panels from a central control room; and in shutting down, isolating and preparing process units or production equipment for maintenance
Interest in analyzing information to develop operator procedures for normal operations, start-up and shut-down of units; and in participating in safety audits and programs, and in providing emergency response when required
Interest in speaking with team members and trainees to authorize or co-sign maintenance work orders; in ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations; may work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Refinery / upgrader process operators need:
They should enjoy controlling equipment, instruments, and machinery. They should like analyzing information to solve problems. They should be at ease working with others in a team.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 22 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 23, 2022 and Sep 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Health benefits: Health care plan | 21 |
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Health benefits: Dental plan | 21 |
Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 18 |
Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 18 |
Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 18 |
Work Setting: Remote location | 17 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 17 |
Attention to detail | 17 |
Tasks: Participate in training of other workers | 17 |
Tasks: Develop operator procedures for normal operation, start-up or shut-down | 17 |
The minimum education requirement for refinery / upgrader process operators is a high school diploma, plus training in power engineering or process operations. Employers most often prefer applicants to have 3rd or 2nd Class power engineering certification. For some positions, employers prefer applicants with a 2-year diploma in chemical or power engineering technology. Course work or practical experience with machines or electrical equipment is an asset.
Prospective employers may require employees to obtain certificates in:
Before enrolling in an education program, prospective operators should contact potential employers to discuss hiring practices and preferences.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Newly hired refinery / upgrader process operators usually take in-house training courses. They learn on the job by working with other operators.
Experienced operators may advance to supervisory positions or move into related positions in:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
2016 NOC: 9232
77.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In general, salaries for refinery / upgrader operators are at the lower end of the range shown below.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $27.85 | $62.02 | $39.46 | $37.00 |
Overall | $35.13 | $74.99 | $50.78 | $50.62 |
Top | $44.85 | $90.80 | $59.57 | $57.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $105,676 |
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Manufacturing | $115,988 |
Careers in Oil and Gas (COG) website, Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) Division of Energy Safety Canada: www.careersinoilandgas.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.