System Operator Trainee Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee/Utility Helper
Posting Start Date: 2/23/26
Job Location (Short): Tacoma, WA, USA, 98421
Operator Trainee / Utility Helper
The Opportunity

• Operator Trainee / Utility Helper at a growth-oriented energy company
• Entry-level job classification
• Union-represented (USW)
• Ability to progress through the different higher permanent classifications with the Operations Department, up to and including, becoming a board operator (Utility Helper, B Helper, Pumper-Gauger, B Operator and A Operator).

Key activities include:

• Load/unload products (asphalt, emulsion, butane, ethanol, biodiesel) at loading racks or railcar facility
• Operate fired heaters.
• Blend asphalts, emulsions, and/or motor gasoline to meet specifications per blend orders.
• Coordinate with process operators, laboratory personnel, scalehouse personnel and truck drivers.
• Operate water treatment systems and utility systems (N2, cooling towers).
• Set up crude and/or product transfers to/from the tank farm and process units and to/from the marine dock.
• Monitor boiler operation for steam production.
• Operate valves, pumps and other equipment to move crude oil and refined products within the refinery (Valves up to 12-16" size)
• Monitor processes to ensure production of on-specification petroleum products.
• Respond to all emergencies. This will require the ability to run to isolation valves and critical equipment in emergency conditions.
• Become familiar with and capable of using all response and safety equipment used in emergency situations.
• Coordinate with management/supervision to ensure short-term and long-term orders are meticulously carried out.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel to ensure equipment is kept in operating condition.
• Assist engineering personnel in the design and implementation of modifications to process equipment.
• Maintain unit records - logs, log books, transfer sheets, etc.
• Complete and monitor safety permits.

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position, additional responsibilities and opportunities may be identified based on current business needs.
Qualifications
To meet the basic qualifications for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To comply with the regulations at this work location, successful applicants must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.
Additional qualifications include:

• Legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship
• High school graduate or GED. Completion of an Associates degree or vocational training highly desirable
• Work experience in a manufacturing environment, petroleum refinery, chemical plant, military fuels management or other related process industry jobs
• Application of basic mathematics, conversion factors, and tables/charts is required for each classification
• Mechanical aptitude is strongly desirable
• A basic understanding of chemistry and physics principles are desirable
• Pass a pre-employment physical exam demonstrating good physical condition. Work is mostly out-of-doors, year-around, and around the clock. Frequent climbing of stairs/ladders on tanks and towers, operating valves and considerable walking. Must be able to lift 30-pound load
• Pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in a random drug testing program
• Obtain a Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
• Qualify for a respirator SCBA clearance
• Experience working rotating shifts is desirable as all employees work rotating shifts, 24 hours/day and 7 days/week
• Must be able to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime
• Excellent team member characteristics
• Capable to comprehend and follow complex procedures in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication skills (written, face-to-face, radio, and/or or telephone)
• Capable to transverse uneven terrain, scaffolding and earthen area
• Able to climb ladders, elevated walkways and climb onto rail cars

About Us
At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically-complex markets. We have built a team of oil and gas industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.
More Good Reasons to work for Par Pacific
Unique Culture
There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific people. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneurial-minded professionals that love to win. If that describes you, you'll fit right in.
Location, Location, Location
Because Par Pacific operates in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives. The office where you'll work is in Tacoma, WA, it's a vibrant area of the city with plenty of places for lunch or to wind down after work with plenty of beautiful scenery to explore.
Opportunistic growth strategy
At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies.
Excellent compensation and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a robust allotment of paid time off, a 401(k) with company match, retirement savings plans, educational reimbursement, and more. Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription coverage), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program. Employees can purchase company stock at discounted prices through the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Starting Pay Rate:
$34.76 per hour
Our Headquarters
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".
Our Refineries and Logistics Operations
We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 218 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 124,000 bpd of combined refining capacity, related multimodal logistics systems.
Our Retail Operations
We own and operate 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and 33 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.
Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.
Par Pacific is an equal opportunity employer
Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status,genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.