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Refinery Operator Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

WRS

Site Manager - Refinery

Anacortes, WA · On-site

Salary: $85,000-$115,000 DOE WRS has an immediate opening for a Site Manager at a local refinery ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

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 ...

drive for MPC

Corrosion Engineer

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$122.90 - $212/hr

... refinery operating units. Responsibilities include assessing inspection findings, proactively identifying areas of concern, developing solutions, failure analysis, and supporting fixed equipment ...

Matrix Service

Heavy Equipment Operator

Anacortes, WA

$55 - $58/hr

Minimum of four (4) years' heavy equipment operator experience, preferably in refinery environment. * Strong knowledge of industrial safety standards and protocols. * Must be able to pass equipment ...

Matrix Service

Heavy Equipment Operator

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$55 - $58/hr

Minimum of four (4) years' heavy equipment operator experience, preferably in refinery environment. * Strong knowledge of industrial safety standards and protocols. * Must be able to pass equipment ...

Matrix Service

Heavy Equipment Operator

Ferndale, WA

$55 - $58/hr

Minimum of four (4) years' heavy equipment operator experience, preferably in refinery environment. * Strong knowledge of industrial safety standards and protocols. * Must be able to pass equipment ...

Matrix Service

Heavy Equipment Operator

Anacortes, WA

$55 - $58/hr

Minimum of four (4) years' heavy equipment operator experience, preferably in refinery environment. * Strong knowledge of industrial safety standards and protocols. * Must be able to pass equipment ...

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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 9, 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 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.

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. Employers often look for relevant experience, technical aptitude, and the ability to work in a demanding environment, which can make entry challenging for some applicants.

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 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 routine inspections, adjust machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient operations in the refinery environment.

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 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.

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.
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 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,036 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Site Manager - Refinery

Western Refinery Services

Anacortes, WA • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

WRS has an immediate opening for a Site Manager at a local refinery. The Site Manager is is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of construction and maintenance work within a refinery environment. This role serves as the primary liaison between the client and WRS, overseeing project execution, estimating support, workforce management, and safety compliance. This position reports to the Construction Manager and requires strong leadership, high-level problem-solving ability, and the capability to manage multiple projects and teams in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.
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
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for client representatives, maintaining professional and effective communication at all times.
  • Oversee multiple construction and maintenance projects simultaneously, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
  • Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, Safety, and Estimating to ensure alignment across all project functions.
  • Develop and maintain short-term and long-term project schedules, including look-ahead planning.
  • Identify project risks and proactively develop solutions to minimize impact on safety, schedule, and cost.
  • Monitor and manage project performance, including productivity, cost tracking, and progress reporting.
  • Ensure all work is performed in compliance with contract requirements, company standards, and client expectations.
  • Visit job sites regularly to assess progress, provide direction, and ensure accountability within field teams.
  • Directly oversee Foremen and field personnel, providing leadership, mentorship, and development to improve performance and accountability.
  • Coordinate workforce planning, including staffing levels, scheduling, and allocation of manpower and equipment.
  • Partner with Human Resources and company leadership on personnel decisions, development, and performance management.
  • Lead by example with professionalism, integrity, and alignment with WRS values.

Your Experience & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), with the ability to manage electronic documentation, reporting, scheduling, and project management software; experience with HCSS (HeavyJob, HeavyBid) or similar systems is a plus.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions, and to work through problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Strong leadership, delegation, and workforce planning skills, with the ability to mentor and develop field leadership.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, integrity, and professionalism in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.
  • Ability to sit, walk, stand, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms as required on an active jobsite; ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; close and far vision required. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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
  • ESOP (eligible after one year)

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