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Tankerman Trainee Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Plumbing Helper

Everett, WA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

ACTIVE Washington plumber trainee certificate * Verifiable plumbing experience as a trainee ... Family-owned and operated, we specialize in handling everything from hot water tanks to toilet ...

Tankerman Trainee information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$29K

$49.5K

$72.3K

How much do tankerman trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for tankerman trainee in Seattle, WA is $49,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tankerman trainee?

A Tankerman Trainee is an entry-level position in the maritime industry, responsible for learning how to safely load, transfer, and discharge liquid cargo on barges or tank vessels. Under supervision, trainees assist with maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and gaining the necessary certifications. This role serves as a stepping stone to becoming a fully certified Tankerman, who plays a critical role in the transportation of petroleum, chemicals, and other liquid commodities. Training typically includes hands-on experience, classroom instruction, and Coast Guard certification requirements.

What are the typical responsibilities of a tankerman trainee?

As a Tankerman Trainee, you'll assist experienced tankermen with the safe transfer of liquid cargo, ensure that safety protocols are followed, and help inspect and maintain cargo equipment. Your daily tasks may also include monitoring gauges, learning proper documentation procedures, and participating in safety drills. You'll work closely with the vessel crew and supervisors, gradually taking on more responsibility as you gain hands-on experience. This structured training prepares you for certification and eventual advancement to fully qualified Tankerman positions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a tankerman trainee?

To thrive as a Tankerman Trainee, you need a solid understanding of marine safety protocols, attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as hoses, pumps, and personal protective gear, along with willingness to train for certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Tankerman PIC, is essential. Strong communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to follow detailed procedures set candidates apart in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient handling of hazardous materials and compliance with strict regulatory standards in marine transportation.

How do you become a tankerman trainee?

To become a tankerman trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a drug test, and complete a basic safety training course such as the Tankerman Trainee course approved by the Coast Guard. Upon completion, they can apply for a trainee position, gain on-the-job experience, and work towards obtaining a Tankerman endorsement to handle hazardous liquids on vessels.

How much does a tankerman trainee make?

A tankerman trainee typically earns between $300 and $600 per week during training, with the potential to earn higher wages once certified. Salaries for experienced tankermen can range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and employer. Certifications such as the Tankerman-PIC license can increase earning potential.

Is it hard to become a tankerman trainee?

Becoming a tankerman trainee typically requires completing a maritime training program, obtaining necessary certifications such as a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and gaining some related experience. The process involves passing physical and safety tests, but the difficulty varies depending on individual background and preparation. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to safety standards but is achievable with proper training and commitment.

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

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

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Tankerman Trainee jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Tankerman Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Tankerman Trainee job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,539 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Operator Trainee/Utility Helper

Par Pacific

Tacoma, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Par Pacific rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Operator Trainee/Utility Helper
Posting Start Date: 8/4/26
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 downstream 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 125,000 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.

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