Southern Oil is a proudly Australian-owned company leading the way in sustainable waste oil recycling. Our Northern Oil Refinery (NOR) in Yarwun is one of two advanced facilities that forms the core of our cradle-to-cradle recycling solution for used lubricating oil across the country.

As part of our growth and commitment to developing future talent, we are offering a Process Operator Traineeship – an exciting entry-level opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Process Plant Operations.

About the Role:
Reporting to the Duty Controller, you’ll be an integral part of the operations team, learning to safely and efficiently operate plant equipment and processes that contribute to our world-class oil re-refining facility. You’ll gain practical skills and industry knowledge through structured on-the-job training and formal study.

Key Responsibilities (Under Supervision):

Assist in operating refinery equipment to meet production and safety targets

Perform routine plant checks, record readings, and collect samples for testing

Participate in safety procedures including permits to work and gas testing

Support plant cleaning, maintenance routines and fault identification

Learn about road tanker loading/unloading processes and quality control standards

Complete logbooks, reports and training records accurately

Work collaboratively with all refinery staff, contractors and suppliers

About You:

Keen interest in starting a career in heavy industry or manufacturing

Willingness to learn and work in a team-based environment

Good communication skills – verbal and written

Basic computer literacy

Mechanically minded or hands-on aptitude

Committed to following safety procedures and protocols

Able to adapt to shift work (including nights and weekends)

School leavers, career changers, and applicants from underrepresented groups in industry are encouraged to apply

What We Offer:

A structured traineeship combining paid employment and formal training

Mentoring from experienced process operators and supervisors

The opportunity to build a long-term career in a growing industry

Supportive and safety-focused workplace culture

Located just 15 minutes from Gladstone with onsite parking and amenities

For more information about the company, visit www.sor.com.au

To Apply:
Submit your cover letter and resume via Seek. Please outline your interest in the traineeship and what motivates you to work in this industry.

All correspondence will be treated in strict confidence.