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Refinery Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

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 ...

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sales Development Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're hiring our first Sales Development Lead to own and refine top-of-funnel pipeline at an early-stage B2B startup selling to professional services firms (starting with legal and finance). This ...

Sales Development Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're hiring our first Sales Development Lead to own and refine top-of-funnel pipeline at an early-stage B2B startup selling to professional services firms (starting with legal and finance). This ...

Sales Development Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're hiring our first Sales Development Lead to own and refine top-of-funnel pipeline at an early-stage B2B startup selling to professional services firms (starting with legal and finance). This ...

In this role, you will evaluate, review, and refine AI-generated business content, helping enhance the quality, accuracy, and reasoning of AI outputs. No prior AI experience is required--your ...

In this role, you will evaluate, review, and refine AI-generated business content, helping enhance the quality, accuracy, and reasoning of AI outputs. No prior AI experience is required--your ...

You'll work across a range of challenges, from design-to-production scaffolding, to intelligent agent systems that connect teams and surface insights, to refining GenAI-powered creative workflows ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refinery information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$40.4K

$47.7K

$54.1K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Seattle, WA is $47,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is a massive industrial operation where a specific chemical engineering process is used to convert raw materials into usable products. One example is a refinery that turns crude oil into a range of products, such as petroleum, diesel, and heating oil. Sugar refineries take harvested cane or beets and convert the plants’ natural sugars into a crystallized form for sale in grocery stores or use in food production. Metal refineries may process a variety of metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, for a variety of purposes like manufacturing steel beams for use in the construction industry.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is an industrial facility where raw materials—most commonly crude oil—are processed and transformed into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating, purifying, and converting the raw materials through various physical and chemical methods. Refineries play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, ensuring that crude oil and other feedstocks are converted into market-ready fuels and products. Workers in refineries typically specialize in areas like operations, maintenance, safety, and quality control to ensure efficient and safe production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification relevant to industrial operations. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for effectively managing operations and responding to issues. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a refinery, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working in a refinery often involves navigating complex equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and operating in a fast-paced environment. New employees may find the scale of operations and the emphasis on teamwork and communication challenging at first. To prepare, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry safety standards, develop strong attention to detail, and be open to ongoing training. Building good relationships with more experienced colleagues can also help ease the transition and provide valuable on-the-job insights.

What is the difference between Refinery vs Petrochemical Technician?

AspectRefineryPetrochemical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, processing units, industrial plantsPetrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining industryIn chemical and petrochemical industries

Refinery workers focus on processing crude oil into usable products, while petrochemical technicians work in chemical plants producing plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Both roles require technical skills and safety knowledge, but refinery roles are more centered on oil processing, whereas petrochemical technicians specialize in chemical manufacturing processes.

How to get a job in a refinery?

To get a job in a refinery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical skills, and safety training. Many positions require certifications such as OSHA or process safety management, and experience in industrial environments is often preferred. Applying through company career portals or staffing agencies and demonstrating knowledge of refinery operations can improve chances of employment.

Is it hard to get into a refinery?

Getting a job as a refinery worker can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER. Entry-level positions may be available, but higher-skilled roles typically demand technical knowledge and prior industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Seattle, WA are:

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

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

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

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

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Refinery jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,729 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Refinery Operator

Clean Harbors

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$26 - $27.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 3 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 91 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.
*CH 
#Ch
#LI-MM1


What Clean Harbors employees say

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Benefits

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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