Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota plays a key role in the energy industry, with refinery operations supporting local and national fuel demands. Refinery operator training programs in South Dakota provide essential skills for those seeking jobs in this field.
These programs offer hands-on experience and industry-specific knowledge, preparing graduates for positions in oil refining facilities across the state.
Required Skills and Qualifications
There are no refineries; relevant roles are fuel terminals and ethanol/processing plants. Typical asks: HS/GED, mechanical aptitude, shift/rotating availability, safety focus (LOTO/Confined Space), and ability to pass drug/background checks; terminal roles may prefer CDL/HazMat or spill‑response training.
Refinery Training Programs in South Dakota
While there are very few refinery training programs in South Dakota, there are plenty of institutions that offer programs that tie in with a career in refinery operations. Some of these programs are:
Lake Area Technical College – Energy Operations (Plant Operations)
- Address: 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201, United States
- Tel: +1 605-882-5284
- Tuition fee: $9,555/term
A 20‑month training pathway for plant operators that builds the ability to monitor and control power and process‑plant production while isolating and resolving process problems – preparing graduates for roles across power facilities and process plants, including ethanol, biodiesel, and oil refineries.
Program highlights
- 20‑month program focused on plant operations and troubleshooting.
- Skill set: monitor/control production, isolate and identify process issues.
- Career settings include power plants (coal, hydro, wind turbine, nuclear) and process plants (ethanol, oil refineries, biodiesel).
Mitchell Technical College – Automation Controls/SCADA (A.A.S.)
- Address: 1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301, United States
- Tel: +1 605-995-3025
- Tuition fee: $130/credit
An associate‑level SCADA and industrial automation program that teaches how to collect operational data and design, build, and repair automated systems used by utilities, gas and water systems, building and manufacturing automation, food processing, and other industrial applications.
Program highlights
- A.A.S. degree with an 81‑credit plan of study.
- Core courses include Process Controls, Intro to SCADA Software, SCADA Testing & Control Lab, Programmable Logic Controllers (basic & advanced), Control Circuit Analysis, Motor Control, Industrial Wiring, Networking, and OSHA‑10.
- Employment pathways span electric power utilities, gas companies, water systems, building automation, manufacturing automation, and food processing.
University of North Dakota
This self‑paced online program builds core refinery‑operator skills – safety, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting – so beginners can prepare for entry‑level roles. You can start anytime and study 100% online.
Tuition Fee: $2,795.00
Program highlights
- Format: 100% online, self‑paced; open‑enrollment / start anytime.
- Length & access: 400 course hours, up to 12 months to finish.
- Credential: Certificate of Completion (noncredit).
- Key topics: safety (HAZCOM/LOTO), basic instrumentation & control, reading process drawings (P&IDs), pumps/heat exchangers, distillation & core refining processes.
- Who it’s for / prereqs: Beginners; HS diploma/equivalent and basic computer skills recommended.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t have to enroll in a course named “refinery operations” to enter this field. Technical training in related areas can give you the same foundational skills – process control, equipment operation, systems logic, and safety – that refineries depend on.
In South Dakota, the available routes into refinery work include Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Compliance programs. These paths teach you how to monitor systems, troubleshoot equipment, operate control logic, and follow safe procedures – preparing you to begin as an operator and move up over time.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in South Dakota
Here’s a simple snapshot for Lake Area Technical College (Watertown, South Dakota). LATC is a commuter college and does not offer on‑campus housing; students rent nearby. Lake Area Technical College
- Lake Area Technical College (Watertown, SD)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$1,130/month (Watertown city 1‑BR average, Sept 2025). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered (LATC does not own or provide housing). Lake Area Technical College
Additional cost considerations
If you’ll live off campus near LATC, plan for utilities, getting to/from campus or work, and everyday essentials. Figures below are monthly anchors from local/state sources.
Utilities
Most leases around Watertown bill electricity, gas, water/sewer, and internet separately; some bundle part of them. Plan for:
- Electricity: about $126/month – South Dakota’s average residential electric bill (EIA, 2023). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): plan ~ $70/month for a small apartment; state‑by‑state benchmarks put South Dakota ≈ $70/mo. Local billing uses Watertown Municipal Utilities’ residential gas rate (customer charge $10/mo + $0.637/CCF usage). The Energy Professor+1
- Water & sewer (City of Watertown/WMU): Residential sewer $40.61/month; water adds a meter charge (e.g., 5/8″ = $8.52/mo) plus $4.214 per CCF consumption. Many renters see ~$50–$60/month combined when usage is modest. watertownmu.com
- Home internet: entry plans ~$49–$59/month (e.g., Midco 250 ~$49/mo; other local options vary). Allconnect
Transport and commute costs
Watertown’s public transit is demand‑response (schedule ahead), with simple in‑town fares; many students also drive.
- Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton (in‑town): about $3 per one‑way ride (local coverage). Aberdeen News
- Parking at LATC: student permits are required; General $150/year, Economy $50/year, Premium $275/year (permit must be displayed). Lake Area Technical College+1
- If you drive: South Dakota average gas ~ $2.97/gal right now (AAA). AAA Fuel Prices
Food and supplies
For one adult in Codington County, MIT’s Living Wage Calculator (updated Feb 10, 2025) is a clean planning guide:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~ $4,245/year → plan ~ $354/month. Living Wage Calculator
- “Other” necessities: $4,112/year → ~ $342/month (personal care, cleaning items, small household needs, etc.). In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous so it’s easy to plan.
Sample Monthly Budget
Example for an LATC student renting a 1‑bedroom in Watertown and primarily using in‑town transit rides. Sources are shown on each line; calculation steps are intentionally omitted.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $1,130 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $301 |
| Groceries | $354 |
| Transport costs | $60 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $120 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $160 |
| Miscellaneous | $62 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $2,187 |
Refinery Safety Training
Safety is a key part of refinery training. Programs focus on protecting workers and minimizing risks.
Safety Protocols
Students learn emergency response procedures and hazard recognition. These skills help prevent workplace accidents.
Occupational Safety Councils
Industry safety councils set standards for worker protection. They develop guidelines that refineries follow to maintain safe operations.
Real-World Applications
Training includes practical exercises to identify risks and apply safety strategies. Students learn to handle emergencies effectively.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Refinery training programs provide both theoretical and practical knowledge.
System Operations
Operators learn to manage temperature, pressure, and system processes. They monitor instruments and maintain optimal performance.
Technical Skills
Refinery work requires basic math and computer skills. Training programs teach these skills to ensure workers can handle daily tasks.
Problem-Solving
Operators must identify and resolve refinery issues. Training prepares them to manage operational challenges effectively.
Job Prospects and Career Growth
The demand for refinery operators is increasing due to industry retirements.
Entry-Level Employment
Clark Community College prepares students for entry-level refinery jobs. These roles provide the experience needed for career advancement.
Salary and Benefits
In South Dakota, refinery operators earn between $25,000 and $95,000 annually depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.
Career Advancement
With experience, operators can move into supervisory and management roles. Many companies offer training programs for career growth.
Explore Job Listings for Refinery Operators in South Dakota
South Dakota openings are anchored in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and along the I-29 corridor, spanning ethanol plants, food processing, utilities/power (including wind), terminals, and water/wastewater. Not every listing is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across 24/7 facilities. Expect day and rotating shifts, steady demand for safety-minded techs, and roles that value reliability in cold-weather operations.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WORKER (Title 32) | Air National Guard Units | Sioux Falls, SD | 10/02/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org
Online Course Options
Clark Community College offers an online refinery operations course. This program provides a flexible learning option.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace, making them ideal for balancing education with work.
Course Content
Online courses cover the same material as in-person programs. They use digital tools to enhance learning.
Certification and Recognition
Online certifications vary in industry recognition. However, they improve job prospects for individuals entering the refinery sector.
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and Clark Community College offer strong refinery training programs. These courses combine theory with hands-on learning, emphasizing safety and operational efficiency. Graduates have good job prospects and career growth opportunities. Whether choosing traditional or online learning, these programs help individuals start successful careers in refinery operations.