EMPLOYEE NAME: Graylin Brice
JOB AT CHEVRON: Refinery Operator
YEARS WITH CHEVRON: 1.5
EDUCATION: Chabot Community College in Hayward and graduate of the Regional Occupational Program (ROP)
Tell us about your job at Chevron.
I’m an operator in the Hydrotreating Unit, which means that I’m one of the people in charge of making sure all equipment in my unit is in tip top shape and in a position to run safely and reliably.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I like being around all the heavy equipment. I get to see and learn so much on the job — it’s unmatched as far as other places that I’ve worked.
What’s your favorite part about working at Chevron?
The people I work with. Chevron does a great job hiring good people and it’s made it easy for me to form bonds with my crew and build camaraderie.
How did you find out about the job at Chevron?
I was raised in Richmond, and I’ve always known about Chevron. My dad has been working here as an operator for 32 years, and he suggested that I check it out. He encouraged me to enroll in a free program he also went through, ROP, which helps residents learn about opportunities at the refinery. I enrolled and graduated from the course before applying for my role here.
Tell us about taking ROP — how did it help you grow as an employee?
ROP was like a college course but it was geared toward helping residents like me learn about Chevron and understand what being an operator is all about. It also taught me leadership skills, science and math. My favorite part was a field trip to Chevron where we got to see firsthand what we’d talked about in class.
Did ROP make it easier to get the job at Chevron?
Yes. After I graduated ROP, I had to wait for the right job to open up. But once it became available, I applied and went through a series of interviews, a background check and a fitness test. Having graduated from ROP was super helpful not just for Chevron but really for working at any refinery. I felt really prepared.
Any advice for Richmond residents interested in working for Chevron?
Punctuality is key. Get an alarm clock and learn to wake up at the same time every day. It seems like a small detail, but these things matter.
As a Richmond native, what’s a common misperception about Chevron that you want to clarify having worked here?
That it’s impossible to get a job at Chevron. Getting a job here is not unattainable. If I did it, anybody can do it.
