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Refinery Operator Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

WRS

Refinery Vac Truck Operator

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$1.3K - $1.8K/wk

WRS has an immediate opening for a Vac Truck Operator at the P66 refinery. About WRS WRS offers a wide range of services in a number of industries. Regardless of the position you're applying for, our ...

WRS (Washington)

Refinery Vac Truck Operator

Ferndale, WA

$1.3K - $1.8K/wk

WRS has an immediate opening for a Vac Truck Operator at the P66 refinery. About WRS WRS offers a wide range of services in a number of industries. Regardless of the position you're applying for, our ...

WRS

Site Manager - Refinery

Anacortes, WA · On-site

WRS has an immediate opening for a Site Manager at a local refinery . The Site Manager is is ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Chemtrade

Chemical Operator

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$44.88/hr

... for the local refinery by converting hydrogen sulfide into sulfuric acid. The Operator is ... responsible for but not limited to performing general plant operator duties, working with tanks ...

Chemtrade

Chemical Operator

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$44.88/hr

... for the local refinery by converting hydrogen sulfide into sulfuric acid. The Operator is ... responsible for but not limited to performing general plant operator duties, working with tanks ...

Chemtrade

Chemical Operator

Anacortes, WA

$44.88/hr

... for the local refinery by converting hydrogen sulfide into sulfuric acid. The Operator is ... responsible for but not limited to performing general plant operator duties, working with tanks ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Jobs in Bellingham, WA

Refinery Operator information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Bellingham, WA is $23.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery operator?

Refinery operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment and processes used to convert raw materials, such as crude oil, into finished products like gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals. They ensure that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently by adjusting controls, interpreting gauges and meters, and performing routine maintenance. Refinery operators also troubleshoot equipment problems and respond to emergencies to minimize downtime and hazards. Their work is critical to maintaining product quality and meeting production targets in refineries.

What does a refinery operator do?

Refinery operators use specialized equipment and machines to transform raw materials into products, such as changing crude oil into gasoline. Most refinery operator jobs are in the oil industry, but other sectors, including the food industry and the metals industry, also utilize refinery operators. As a refinery operator, your primary responsibilities are operating equipment safely, monitoring meters and gauges, and meeting production goals for your area.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, process monitoring skills, and a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of refining processes, minimizing downtime and hazards.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Refinery operators often work in rotating shifts, which can present challenges such as fatigue, maintaining focus during night shifts, and adapting to changing sleep schedules. To manage these challenges, operators are encouraged to follow consistent sleep routines, stay hydrated, and communicate closely with team members to ensure safety and efficiency. Many refineries also provide training on fatigue management and support systems to help operators maintain high performance and safety standards during all shifts.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectRefinery OperatorProcess Technician
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly a high school diploma or equivalentOften requires technical certifications or associate degree in process technology
Work EnvironmentWorks in refinery plants, operating machinery and monitoring equipmentWorks in processing units, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil refineries and chemical plantsFound in refineries, chemical manufacturing, and processing facilities

Refinery Operators and Process Technicians both work in refinery environments, but Refinery Operators focus on operating and monitoring equipment, while Process Technicians handle troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Both roles require safety training and are essential for efficient plant operations.

Is it hard to get a refinery operator job?

Getting a refinery operator job can be competitive due to the specialized skills and certifications required, such as process technology knowledge and safety training. Candidates often need relevant experience, technical skills, and sometimes a high school diploma or higher education in related fields. The job involves working in industrial environments with shift schedules and safety protocols.

What do you do as a refinery operator?

A refinery operator monitors and controls the equipment used to process crude oil into various petroleum products. They perform inspections, adjust machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working in shifts and using control panels and monitoring systems. Certification and knowledge of safety procedures are essential in this role.
More about Refinery Operator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator jobs in Bellingham, WA?

For Refinery Operator jobs in Bellingham, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator jobs in Bellingham, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator jobs in Bellingham, WA are:

What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Refinery Operator jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Refinery Operator job openings:

Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,036 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Refinery Vac Truck Operator

Western Refinery Services

Ferndale, WA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

WRS has an immediate opening for a Vac Truck Operator at the P66 refinery.
About WRS
WRS offers a wide range of services in a number of industries. Regardless of the position you're applying for, our work is always centered on people, problem-solving, and integrity.
What do we mean by that? We do the right thing and get along well with others. Our team members are experts in their respective fields. We think outside the box, and we're good at it. And we've been doing this for a long time: we're proud to be our communities' trusted problem-solvers since 1982.
Are You a Good Fit?
Our ideal candidate is innovative, relational, and honest.
If you live for those "aha!" moments, you thrive in team settings, and you hold yourself to a high standard of work and ethics - we have a feeling you'll like it here.
Your Responsibilities
  • Operate Vacuum and/or Guzzler truck.
  • Transport materials to dump sites within the refinery.
  • Ensure the safety of self and crew.
  • Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance of truck.
  • WRS truck drivers are considered operators of their truck and must be able to perform the functions of the truck to the trucks capability and the job specifications.

Your Experience & Qualifications
  • 2+ years of related experience in the field is ideal, but may be willing to train the right person.
  • Obtain and maintain all required certifications required by DOT, OSHA, WISHA, WRS and Client safety programs and policies.
  • Obtain a TWIC card.
  • CDL required with Tanker Endorsement

Your Benefits & Compensation
When we say that we love investing in our team, we mean it.
For full-time employees, WRS offers a full benefits package that includes:
  • Full Medical coverage (with HSA option)
  • Full Dental coverage
  • Voluntary Vision
  • Generous PTO, based on hours worked
  • 10 Paid Holidays per year
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance (including guaranteed buy up option)
  • $250 per year - personal reimbursements
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan (eligible after one year)
  • ESOP (eligible after one year)

Apply