1

Refinery Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Develop and refine master specifications, ensuring alignment with industry trends and firm-wide best practices. * Train and mentor junior team members, fostering expertise in specifications writing ...

Develop and refine master specifications, ensuring alignment with industry trends and firm-wide best practices. * Train and mentor junior team members, fostering expertise in specifications writing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Refinery information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$35.9K

$42.4K

$48K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Spokane, WA is $42,407.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,400.00 and $47,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Refinery jobs in Spokane, WA?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,407 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Cleanup Grants Program Planner & Grant Manager (Environmental Planner 4)

Spokane, WA • On-site


State of Washington
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$6.7K - $9.0K/mo

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Cleanup Grants Program Planner & Grant Manager

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Cleanup Grants Program Planner & Grant Manager (Environmental Planner 4) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

Location Options:

  • Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
  • Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
  • Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
  • Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the selected duty station.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6,703 - $9,012 monthly.

Schedule:

  • This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
  • A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
  • You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

  • Apply by August 13, 2026
  • Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties

As a Toxics Cleanup Program planner and grant manager, you will help advance the Program's mission to protect Washington's people and environment by supporting cleanups that also lead to long-term community benefits. As part of the Financial Services Unit, you will work within a team that provides statewide budget, grant, and financial management services essential to moving cleanup projects from concept to completion. You will serve as the primary planner and grant manager for the Cleanup Grants Supporting Affordable Housing program, an innovative competitive grant program that links contaminated-site cleanup with affordable housing development. You will shape program direction, refine and develop policies and guidelines, provide public outreach, develop grant applications in Ecology's administration of grants and loans system (EAGL), support rulemaking efforts as needed, and maintain clear and responsive communication with applicants, recipients, and Ecology staff. You will also actively manage complex grants in EAGL, ensuring accurate documentation, cost eligibility, and timely financial oversight. If you thrive in roles that blend program development, collaboration, technical precision, and meaningful community impact, this position offers an opportunity to contribute to cleaner environments and more sustainable housing across Washington.

What you will do:

  • Lead updates to Cleanup Grants Supporting Affordable Housing (CGSAH) program policies, guidelines, and program documents to reflect lessons learned, emerging needs, and improvements that strengthen clarity, consistency, and alignment with program goals.
  • Build, test, and refine competitive grant solicitation applications, ensuring each cycle runs smoothly, is accessible, and supports applicants throughout the process.
  • Provide timely and responsive technical assistance to applicants, recipients, and Ecology staff—helping people understand program requirements, navigate Ecology's grant platform, and move projects forward confidently.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of assigned grants, including developing scopes of work, reviewing and processing payment requests, checking cost eligibility, and maintaining accurate financial oversight.
  • Develop clear, accessible trainings and communication materials, such as presentations, written instructions, and recorded content, to support applicants, recipients, and staff.
  • Track and evaluate CGSAH project progress, including monitoring affordable-housing end use and documenting findings that guide future program improvements.
  • Plan and contribute to public-facing processes, such as guideline updates and comment periods, to support transparency, inclusive participation, and clear program communication.
  • Review grant applications and related documentation to verify eligibility, ensure compliance with program requirements, and support informed and equitable funding decisions.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

  • Program Planning and Evaluation – Experience in developing, implementing, and refining program policies, procedures, and guidance to improve effectiveness, align with agency goals, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Grant and Contract Oversight – Demonstrated competence in managing complex grant or contract portfolios, including budget tracking, scope development, and compliance monitoring to ensure appropriate stewardship of public funds.
  • Strategic Communication and Facilitation – Demonstrated ability to synthesize and convey complex policy, technical, and program information to diverse audiences in ways that support clarity, transparency, and informed participation.
  • Collaborative Partnership Development – Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal teams, external agencies, local governments, and community organizations to support coordinated planning and program implementation.
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Skilled in evaluating program data, identifying emerging issues, and developing recommendations to strengthen program outcomes and reduce organizational risk.
  • Public Engagement and Process Leadership – Skilled in designing and leading public engagement efforts, including comment processes, public meetings, or workshops, to support transparent and inclusive policy and program development.
  • Environmental Program Planning – Ability to assess and integrate environmental, land use, and community development considerations to support equitable, sustainable project and program outcomes.
  • Data and Systems Proficiency – Experience using data systems, tracking tools, or electronic grant management platforms to support accurate documentation, reporting, and decision-making.

Education involving a major study in financial management, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental or policy emphasis, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

  • 9 years of experience.
  • 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
  • 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
  • 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
  • 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
  • 3 years of experience AND a Master's degree.
  • 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Grant or Contract Management with Financial Oversight – Experience managing grants or contracts with significant financial oversight responsibilities, including developing agreements or amendments, negotiating scopes, reviewing complex financial documentation, and ensuring compliance with statutes, policies, and audit requirements.
  • Application of Equity Assessments – Experience applying equity assessments or environmental justice frameworks to inform program, policy, or process improvements.
  • Knowledge of Cleanup or Environmental Regulatory Frameworks – Knowledge of environmental cleanup regulations such as the Model Toxics Control Act or similar frameworks, and the ability to apply them to program planning or grant eligibility decisions.
  • Knowledge of Affordable Housing Developments – Knowledge of affordable housing development, funding components, and project timelines.
  • Community Collaboration Experience – Experience collaborating with Tribal communities, Indigenous people, communities of color, immigrant communities, and populations that may be linguistically isolated, rural, or low income.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.


State of Washington logo

About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889


What State Of Washington employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom