Operator - refinery operations

At Viva Energy, we play a critical role in supplying the energy that keeps Australia moving. Our Geelong Refinery is one of Australia's most important petrochemical facilities, processing crude oil into a wide range of fuels and products that support industry, transport, aviation, and everyday life.

We are seeking experienced and safety-focused Operators to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a complex, high-hazard processing environment where safety, operational excellence and teamwork are at the core of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

As an Operator, you will be responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of refinery processing units and associated equipment. Working as part of a shift-based operations team, you will monitor plant performance, conduct field operations, respond to process upsets and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

You will play a key role in ensuring our refinery operates safely, efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory and operational requirements.

• Monitor and operate refinery process units and equipment.
• Conduct routine plant inspections and field rounds.
• Start-up, shut-down and isolate plant equipment in accordance with operating procedures.
• Monitor process conditions and respond to abnormal operating situations.
• Participate in permit-to-work, isolation and lockout/tagout activities.
• Support maintenance activities through plant preparation and reinstatement.
• Identify and report safety hazards, operational risks and improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to incident investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and shift handover documentation.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance and Technical teams to optimise plant performance.

About you

We are interested in hearing from candidates who have experience operating within major hazard facilities or other complex industrial processing environments.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience in refinery operations, oil & gas, petrochemical processing, chemical manufacturing, LNG, mining processing, or similar heavy industrial environments.
• Strong commitment to safety and process safety principles.
• Experience working within highly regulated and safety-critical environments.
• Ability to understand and follow operational procedures and work instructions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork capabilities.
• Willingness to work a rotating shift roster.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Certificate III or IV in Process Plant Operations, Chemical Operations, Engineering Production Systems, or related discipline.
• Experience working within a Major Hazard Facility (MHF).
• Knowledge of permit-to-work systems and isolation procedures.
• Exposure to distributed control systems (DCS) and control room operations.
• Understanding of risk management, operational integrity and process safety management systems.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within one of Australia's largest and most complex refining operations.
• Competitive remuneration and shift allowances.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• A strong safety and operational excellence culture.
• Access to employee wellbeing and support programs.
• The opportunity to contribute to Australia's energy future.

About Viva Energy 

Join a team that values diversity. Viva Energy is a great place to be yourself. We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, and empower everyone to amplify their voice across the business. We value inclusion because that’s how we get the best outcomes.

Awarded the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the past five years highlights that we are driven by our people and continuing our focus on making Viva Energy reflect the ever-changing face of Australia.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and encourage and support diversity in our traditional and non-traditional roles.

Please note: This role is being sourced through Viva Energy Australia, therefore we will not be accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.

Only applications from candidates holding full working rights for employment in Australia will be considered.

Applications close Wednesday, 30 September 2026