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Sludge Cleaner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SBSBTC

Tank Cleaner TC

National City, CA · On-site

Drain oil tankers and flush out chemical residues, oil remnants, and sludge. * Operate and regulate ... Wide experience in cleaning and upkeep of oil, water, and fuel storage tanks * Immense knowledge of ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "MHI"

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Remove sludge, oil, fuel residue, water, debris, rust, and other contaminants from tanks. * Perform manual cleaning using scrapers, brushes, shovels, pressure-washing equipment, vacuums, pumps, and ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "MHI"

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Remove sludge, oil, fuel residue, water, debris, rust, and other contaminants from tanks. * Perform manual cleaning using scrapers, brushes, shovels, pressure-washing equipment, vacuums, pumps, and ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "Newport News"

Newport News, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Remove sludge, oil, fuel residue, water, debris, rust, and other contaminants from tanks. * Perform manual cleaning using scrapers, brushes, shovels, pressure-washing equipment, vacuums, pumps, and ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "Newport News"

Newport News, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Remove sludge, oil, fuel residue, water, debris, rust, and other contaminants from tanks. * Perform manual cleaning using scrapers, brushes, shovels, pressure-washing equipment, vacuums, pumps, and ...

City of Lancaster, PA

Coordinates and tracks training for wastewater operator technicians and sludge dewatering ... Directs operator technicians to keep tanks clean of all floating grease, oil and other floating ...

New

Labor On Demand

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Utility Worker - Water System

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$19/hr

Cleans and maintains Clarifier Tanks across all plants by scrubbing algae from walls, pressure washing, and removing sludge and debris immediately following tank drainage. * Removes sludge, heavy ...

Village of Grafton

Utility Operator

Grafton, WI · On-site

$58K - $82K/yr

... and exterior cleaning, painting and minor repairs - Perform well and water tower site grounds ... activated sludge, final clarification, UV disinfection, anaerobic digestion, and bio-solids ...

Veolia

Operator I

Wyandotte, MI · On-site

Cleans and paints equipment, washes windows, sweeps and mops floors, maintains buildings and ... Samples wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule. Prepares ...

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Sludge Cleaner information

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How much do sludge cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for sludge cleaner in the United States is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sludge cleaner?

Sludge cleaners are professionals responsible for removing and managing sludge, which is a semi-solid byproduct that accumulates in wastewater treatment plants, industrial sites, and other facilities. They use specialized equipment to safely extract, transport, and dispose of sludge, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Their work helps prevent pollution, supports plant operations, and contributes to community health and safety.

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

To thrive as a Sludge Cleaner, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and an understanding of safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial cleaning equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sometimes confined space certification are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient cleaning of hazardous waste environments, protecting both workers and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by sludge cleaners, and how can they be managed on the job?

Sludge Cleaners often work in environments that can be physically demanding and sometimes hazardous, due to exposure to chemicals or confined spaces. Common challenges include managing safety risks, dealing with unpleasant odors, and handling heavy equipment. To overcome these, companies typically provide thorough training on safety protocols, supply personal protective equipment (PPE), and encourage teamwork to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Staying vigilant about following safety guidelines and communicating effectively with team members can help Sludge Cleaners manage these challenges successfully.

What are popular job titles related to Sludge Cleaner jobs?

For Sludge Cleaner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sludge Cleaner job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,397 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Tank Cleaner TC

National City, CA • On-site

SBSBTC
See more jobs at SBSBTCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Description

SOUTH BAY SANDBLASTING & TANK CLEANING, INC. located in San Diego, CA shipyard related subcontractor looking to hire a Tank Cleaner


Job Summary

We're seeking an experienced Tank Cleaner committed to safety and quality. The ideal candidate has wide experience in cleaning and upkeep of oil storage tanks for Navy and Commercial ships. Candidates can work in confined spaces and has no problem working long hours and weekends.


Must be in San Diego California, we are not looking to relocate candidates at this time.


Responsibilities but not limited to:

  • Set up equipment and lay out hoses prior to starting the job
  • Inspected oil storage tanks and clean tank interiors, as directed
  • Scrape off and discard all scales and deposits from tank interiors
  • Drain oil tankers and flush out chemical residues, oil remnants, and sludge.
  • Operate and regulate company-assigned air monitoring equipment, properly
  • Detect and report tank-related safety hazards to immediate higher authority
  • Implement and follow the company's safety, quality, and environmental policies
  • Use proper PPE
  • Fire watch, Hazwoper and OSHA knowledge/certs
  • Operate and maintain all company-provided tank cleaning and servicing equipment

Qualifications:


  • Wide experience in cleaning and upkeep of oil, water, and fuel storage tanks
  • Immense knowledge of work-related safety regulations and procedures
  • Ability to follow work schedules and finish all work-assignments, within deadlines
  • Ability to execute strenuous activities like lifting and carrying heavy loads, with ease

Education Requirements:


  • High school diploma or GED, B.A., Technical/Vocational trade school, or apprenticeship

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Work is conducted indoors and outdoors frequently exposed to prevailing weather conditions. Work indoors or aboard vessel which may have fumes, chemicals, and heat as well as noise and dust present depending upon the location of work.

Safety equipment required. The individual must be able to frequently climb inclined stairways vertically. Work aboard the vessels can be strenuous and sometimes hazardous. Dynamic, fast-paced outdoor setting with moderate to loud noise levels from production activity in the shipyard. Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time. Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as needed. The physical demands described above are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Other requirements:

All positions require a pre-employment medical test. This employer participates in E-Verify. Must be able to qualify for DBIDS security clearance. Ability to read technical English is a must. U.S. Citizenship is preferred (for some work locations it is required). Must be authorized to work in the U.S.


To respond to this ad, you:

  • MUST provide us with a resume

If all the requirements listed above are not provided your application will not be considered.

Please respond to this ad on our website: https://sbsbtc.applicantpro.com/jobs/


Women, veterans, and their spouses are encouraged to apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/AA M/F D/V

Job Type: Full-time


Apply