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Refinery Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

Assists other operators. * Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery. * Loads and unloads tankers and railcars. What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors Company? * Previous ...

Clean Harbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$27.74/hr

Previous years of refinery operations experience is an asset * Previous forklift experience is an ... Assists other operators * Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery * Loads and unloads ...

CleanHarbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Tacoma, WA

$27.74/hr

Previous years of refinery operations experience is an asset * Previous forklift experience is an ... Assists other operators * Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery * Loads and unloads ...

Clean Harbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Tacoma, WA

$27.74/hr

Previous years of refinery operations experience is an asset * Previous forklift experience is an ... Assists other operators * Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery * Loads and unloads ...

Par Pacific

Sr. Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$111K - $143K/yr

Provide technical support to refinery operating and maintenance personnel. * Perform and/or manage all phases of engineering projects from conceptual studies, process design, cost estimating ...

Par Pacific

Sr. Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$133K - $199K/yr

Provide technical support to refinery operating and maintenance personnel. * Perform and/or manage all phases of engineering projects from conceptual studies, process design, cost estimating ...

Kinder Morgan

OPERATOR 12-ENTRY- HARBOR ISL LQT

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

... refined petroleum products into tankage for temporary storage, involving the operation of both ... Monitors loading rack operations at terminals which are driver operated. * Must be fully ...

Kinder Morgan

OPERATOR 12-ENTRY- HARBOR ISL LQT

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

... refined petroleum products into tankage for temporary storage, involving the operation of both ... Monitors loading rack operations at terminals which are driver operated. * Must be fully ...

Key Works

Warehouse Operator I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Description The Warehouse Operator will operate several machines in the warehouse that include ... Sort and refine metal commodities to the highest value. * Monitor final products for excessive ...

Matrix Service

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, 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 Company

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, 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

Tacoma, 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 ...

RR Donnelley

Machine Operator - Folder Gluer

Kent, WA

Thorough knowledge of the set up, operating requirements, procedures, capabilities and limitations ... Skill in setting up and adjusting machines for finishing operations and to refine such adjustments ...

RR Donnelley

Machine Operator - Folder Gluer

Kent, WA · On-site

$23.25 - $36.25/hr

Thorough knowledge of the set up, operating requirements, procedures, capabilities and limitations ... Skill in setting up and adjusting machines for finishing operations and to refine such adjustments ...

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All JobsRefinery Operator JobsRefinery Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA

Refinery Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator in Seattle, WA is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $27.88 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 Seattle, WA? For Refinery Operator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Refinery Operator jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Refinery Operator job openings:
Refinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,594 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Refinery Operator

Clean Harbors

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted 15 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Operator for our Tacoma, WA team who cleans and/or changes-out pump strainers and inline filters, samples tanks and production lines, replaces PPE drums, pumps up re-use drums, empties all containment bins and replaces dirty oil absorbent pads.

Wage:$27.74
Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5:
  • Health, Dental and Life Insurance after 30 days of active employment.
  • Company paid certifications, licenses and training.
  • Competitive hourly wages with opportunity for overtime.
  • Positive and safe work environments.
  • Opportunities for growth, development and internal promotion.

Responsibilities:
  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times.
  • Samples process streams and assists with tank farm operations.
  • Gauges all process tanks every hour.
  • Completes tank transfers to control inventory.
  • Obtains routine process samples to verify product quality.
  • Switches and changes process filters.
  • Assists other operators.
  • Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery.
  • Loads and unloads tankers and railcars.

What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors Company?
  • Previous experience working in a labor-intensive role is required.
  • Previous production /manufacturing experience is preferred.
  • Previous years of refinery operations experience is an asset.
  • Previous forklift experience is an asset.
  • Musto be able to lift up to 50lbs, stand for long periods, bend, stoop, climb and lift.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

View All Clean Harbors Jobs