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Oil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Washington

W. R. Grace & Co.

Technical Service Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$138K - $190K/yr

... edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global ... This includes interpreting operating data to monitor catalyst performance, recommending operating ...

W. R. Grace & Co.

Technical Service Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$138K - $190K/yr

... edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global ... This includes interpreting operating data to monitor catalyst performance, recommending operating ...

AmSpec Group

Inspector

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

MSGCU

PartTime Call Center

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary Entry level position for trainee inspector who will ultimately be able to undertake ... Must be able to work in refineries, terminals, and on-board marine vessels as necessary. * Must ...

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All JobsOil Refinery Operator JobsOil Refinery Operator Trainee JobsOil Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Washington

Oil Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Washington salary details

$28.9K

$49.3K

$71.9K

How much do oil refinery operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil refinery operator trainee in Washington is $49,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $57,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil refinery operator trainee?

An Oil Refinery Operator Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn to monitor and control refinery processes that convert crude oil into usable products like gasoline and diesel. Trainees work under experienced operators to understand equipment operation, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance. The role involves adjusting controls, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining efficiency in refinery units. It requires attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety. Over time, trainees gain the experience needed to become full-fledged refinery operators.

What does an oil refinery operator trainee do?

As an Oil Refinery Operator Trainee, your typical day involves closely monitoring equipment, conducting routine inspections, and assisting experienced operators to ensure the safe and efficient processing of crude oil. You'll spend time learning how to operate control panels, respond to alarms, and follow detailed safety protocols. Most trainees rotate through different shifts and work as part of a team, gaining exposure to various units within the refinery. This hands-on experience prepares you for more advanced responsibilities and offers a solid foundation for growth within the refinery operations field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an oil refinery operator trainee?

To thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial operations, strong analytical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical certifications. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and specialized equipment such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is beneficial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations within a complex refinery environment.

What are popular job titles related to Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Washington?

For Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:

Oil Refinery Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,302 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Water Reclamation Operator Trainee - Class 1

Prince William County Service Authority

Woodbridge, VA • On-site

$50K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary : $50,212.50 - $87,652.50 Annually
Location : H.L. Mooney WR Facility, 1851 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01321
Department: Division of Environmental Services & Water Reclamation
Division: Water Reclamation Operations
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Sign on Incentive is available to licensed candidates.
Candidates who possess a current Virginia Wastewater License from Class IV - Class I and have wastewater experience may be hired in above the entry level trainee in accordance with Prince William Water's Career Path Policy requirements. The candidate will be required to meet Prince William Water's specific requirements within a set period of time.
Hiring Range Min
Hiring Range Max
Trainee
$25.75
N/AClass 4 Wastewater License$25.75$33.79Class 3 Wastewater License
$28.32
$37.17
Class 2 Wastewater License
$31.16
$40.86
Class 1 Wastewater License
$34.28
$44.95
Candidates for this position will receive overtime each pay period when assigned to a shift and will also receive shift differential pay when working during the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Employees' work schedule will be one of the following:
A rotating day/night schedule
Seven days on/Seven days off
Seven nights on/Seven nights off
All shifts will work 14 days in a 28-day cycle
Position Summary:
Learns to perform technical work in the operation and maintenance of an advanced water reclamation facility. The work involves working with experienced wastewater treatment plant operators as part of a planned program to learn the duties and to acquire certifications. Employees may be assigned various projects for learning and developmental purposes and perform helper duties while serving as trainees. Workers follow specific instructions and procedures and refer nonstandard situations or problems to others. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Position Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions
  • Learns water reclamation facility operation to include:
    1. Ensuring proper operation and maintenance of plant machinery and equipment used in wastewater treatment; oils and adjusts machines; to determine if process changes are required and make adjustments; to calibrate meters in preparation to run tests on various samples; to start and stop plant machinery and pumps as required; to regulate valves and observe and record plant flows; to operate and maintain incinerator.
    2. Operating equipment such as blowers for air supply to activated sludge, influent and backwash pumps for filtration, UV for disinfecting, centrifuge for dewatering and incinerator for solids and scum disposal.
    3. Maintaining logs and to record all parameters related to plant operations; to record and manage the consumption of all chemicals used at the plant; to collect composite samples for process control and permit compliance; to perform testing on various samples in order to make lime feed change; to use computer graphics and trends to identify necessary plant changes and/or adjustments.
    4. Monitoring Solids Handling; to collect samples from holding tanks, gravity thickeners and cake pump; to obtain level readings from holding tanks and gravity thickeners; to run tests on holding tank samples; to check equipment settings; to open and close chain valves at scheduled times.
    5. Making routine checks throughout the plant; to record temperature and pressure readings to exercise and check position of valves; to check operation of pumps, and to haul sludge: visually inspect the facility.
    6. Monitoring SCADA system in order to stay within specific guidelines; to record equipment information from equipment; to identify problems; to connect and disconnect fuel oil line, water sprayers as required.
    7. Performing preventive maintenance; to steam clean hoses and equipment; to check oil and temperature; to clean filters, hose draft tubes; to pump standing water; and to perform other related maintenance duties for units.
  • Learns to coordinate the plant's maintenance requirements with superiors; to ensure that the plant is operated efficiently and at minimum reasonable cost; to ensure that all equipment and machinery is kept in good working condition.
  • Learns to collect and test samples; to collect data from field testing samples; to perform various tests on wastewater samples.
  • May be deemed essential at any time.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Skills and Experience
Essential Competencies:
  • Knowledge of basic mechanical concepts and procedures; English usage, spelling and grammar.
  • Aptitude for the use of the tools, equipment and materials of the work.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn the water reclamation facility operations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with others.
Minimum Education and Work Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Or a combination of education and experience as described above.
Required Licenses/Certifications and Other Special Requirements:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license consistent with Prince William Water policy requirements.
  • Required to work rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Must obtain and maintain a Class 4 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Wastewater License within two years of employment in this position.
  • Must pass Prince William Water's skill level 3 written exam in each major work areas (liquids, dewatering and incineration) within two years of employment in this position.
  • Must pass Prince William Water's skill level 3 practical exam in each major work areas (liquids, dewatering and incineration) within two years of employment in this position.
Minimum Lead/Supervisory or Management Experience:
  • None

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands of this position are available upon request. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications do not express absolute employment or promotional standards. They are general guidelines that should be considered along with the job-related selection or promotional criteria.
You can learn about our comprehensive benefits package for regular full-time employees by clicking
01
Do you have a current Virginia Wastewater Class license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you have a current Virginia Wastewater Class license, please list the class license you currently hold and the expiration date.
03
This position requires working various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you able to meet this job requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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