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Tankerman Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tankerman PIC

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$44 - $48/hr

Tankerman PIC Location: Southern California About The Jankovich Company Founded in 1933, The Jankovich Company is a family-operated petroleum and lubricants distributor serving customers throughout ...

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 ...

We are looking for an experienced person for the position of Pneumatic Tanker Driver. Requirements: * You must have had your Class "A" CDL (with Doubles/Triples), Tanker endorsement. * You must pass ...

CDL A Fuel Tanker Driver

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$33 - $38/hr

Henner Tank Lines, Inc., a leading contract carrier, is currently seeking local Class-A drivers to join our team. As an employee-owned and locally operated company, we value our drivers as integral ...

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Tankerman information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in California is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical work schedules and living conditions like for a Tankerman on inland or coastal vessels?

Tankermen often work in rotating shifts that can range from several days to weeks on board, followed by similar periods off. Living conditions on vessels are typically communal, with shared sleeping quarters and limited personal space, so adaptability and strong communication skills are important. The work can be physically demanding and requires adherence to strict safety and environmental protocols, but it also offers a structured routine and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or training roles. Teamwork is essential, as Tankermen collaborate closely with crew members and shore-based personnel during cargo operations.

What qualifications do you need for a tankerman job?

Tankermen typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant maritime training and certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement. Prior experience in cargo handling, safety training, and knowledge of hazardous materials are also important qualifications for the role.

What Does a Tankerman Do?

As a tankerman, your duties involve overseeing the transfer and transport of liquid cargo on a barge, ship, or specialized tankboat. The primary responsibilities of a tankerman (variously referred to as an able-bodied tankerman or AB tankerman) are to ensure the safety of crew during loading and transport of the liquid freight. You may work with hazardous materials such as gases and other potentially explosive or toxic substances. You are responsible for inspecting and maintaining liquid transfer equipment onboard and onshore.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Tankerman, high annual earnings of $300,000 or more are uncommon and typically require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-responsibility roles such as senior maritime or offshore positions. Most tankerman roles offer lower salaries, but those in supervisory or managerial positions within the maritime industry can reach or exceed this level with years of experience. Salary potential varies based on employer, location, and specific responsibilities.

What are Tankermen?

Tankermen are specialized maritime professionals responsible for the safe transfer of liquid cargo—such as oil, chemicals, or hazardous materials—on tank vessels like barges and ships. Their duties include operating pumps, supervising loading and unloading processes, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and maintaining equipment. Tankermen must be highly trained and typically require certification, as their work is critical to preventing spills and accidents during cargo operations.

What is the difference between Tankerman vs Deckhand?

AspectTankermanDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Tankerman CertificationSTCW Basic Safety Training, Basic Deckhand Certification
Work EnvironmentTank barges, tankers, chemical shipsGeneral cargo ships, tankers, offshore vessels
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, transferring, and securing liquid cargoesGeneral deck duties, cargo handling, maintenance

Tankermen specialize in handling liquid cargoes and require specific certifications related to tank operations. Deckhands perform broader deck duties across various vessel types. While both roles work in maritime environments, Tankermen focus on cargo transfer safety and procedures, making their skills more specialized compared to Deckhands.

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

To thrive as a Tankerman, you need specialized knowledge in liquid cargo handling, safety protocols, and marine regulations, generally supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement. Familiarity with cargo transfer systems, pumps, hoses, and relevant safety equipment is essential, along with compliance training such as HAZMAT and OSHA standards. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient cargo operations and to prevent environmental incidents or workplace accidents.

Is it hard to become a tankerman?

Becoming a tankerman requires completing specific training, obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential with a Tankerman endorsement, and gaining experience in handling flammable liquids. The process involves safety courses, background checks, and sometimes physical exams, making it moderately challenging for those new to maritime work.

How much does a tankerman get paid?

A tankerman's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Experienced tankermen with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially when working overtime or on offshore vessels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tankerman jobs in California? The most popular types of Tankerman jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Tankerman jobs in California? For Tankerman jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Tankerman jobs? Cities in California with the most Tankerman job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tankerman jobs in CA? For Tankerman jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tankerman job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,804 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Tankerman PIC

$44 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Tankerman PIC
Location: Southern California

About The Jankovich Company

Founded in 1933, The Jankovich Company is a family-operated petroleum and lubricants distributor serving customers throughout Southern California. For more than 90 years, we have built a reputation for safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service across our marine, commercial, industrial, transportation, and government markets.

Headquartered in San Pedro, California, The Jankovich Company provides marine fueling, petroleum transportation, barge operations, bulk fuel distribution, lubricant sales, cardlock fueling services, and specialty petroleum products.

As part of the NorthStar Energy family of companies, The Jankovich Company combines the responsiveness and relationships of a local business with the resources, expertise, and support of a larger organization. We remain committed to our core values of safety, integrity, sustainability, and service while continuing to support the communities and industries that depend on us every day.

About the Position

The Tankerman PIC is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant transfer of petroleum products between barges, vessels, and shore-side facilities. Reporting to the Master of Tow, this position plays a critical role in ensuring the safe handling of cargo while protecting personnel, equipment, the environment, and customer assets.

The Tankerman performs cargo transfer operations, maintains cargo documentation, inspects transfer equipment, and works closely with vessel crews, terminal personnel, and shore-side management to support safe and reliable marine transportation operations. This position requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Compensation

We are currently hiring for two Tankerman positions with different work schedules and compensation structures:

  • Local 12-hour Tankerman: Hourly rate of $44.00 to $48.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience, plus overtime and applicable premium pay.
  • 24-hour Rotational Tankerman: Compensation is provided under the Company's marine pay plan applicable to 24-hour rotational vessel crews. Compensation differs from the local hourly position and will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process. During active hitches, qualified Tankermen have the opportunity to earn $5,000+ per week, depending on schedule and hours worked.

As A Member of The Team, You Will:

  • Safely transfer petroleum products between barges, vessels, and shore-side facilities in accordance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, environmental requirements, and company procedures.
  • Assist in planning and executing cargo transfers to ensure safe product movement, vessel stability, and regulatory compliance.
  • Inspect, operate, and maintain cargo pumps, hoses, valves, piping systems, and related cargo transfer equipment before, during, and after cargo transfer operations.
  • Gauge cargo tanks, monitor product levels, perform cargo calculations, and verify transfer quantities before, during, and after cargo transfers.
  • Inspect cargo tanks before and after cargo transfers to verify cleanliness, product compatibility, and readiness for loading or discharge.
  • Maintain cargo transfer records, bills of lading, cargo manifests, gauge reports, and other required regulatory documentation.
  • Monitor cargo transfer operations to prevent spills, overfills, leaks, product contamination, and other environmental incidents.
  • Verify proper valve alignments and cargo transfer configurations before and during cargo operations.
  • Respond effectively to spills, emergencies, equipment failures, and abnormal operating conditions while following established emergency procedures.
  • Assist with vessel inspections, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, cargo transfer equipment maintenance, safety meetings, and emergency drills.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the Company's Safety Management System (SMS), company policies, and environmental requirements.
  • Communicate effectively with vessel crews, terminal personnel, customers, and shore-side management to coordinate safe and efficient cargo transfer operations.
  • Assist with barge mooring, line handling, and vessel movements as required.
  • Represent the Company professionally while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer service.

We Require That You Have:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with all licenses, endorsements, and medical certifications required for the assigned vessel and operating area.
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Tankerman-PIC endorsement appropriate for the petroleum cargoes handled by the Company.
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Current first aid, CPR, firefighting, and other U.S. Coast Guard certifications required for the assigned vessel and operating area.
  • Demonstrated experience performing petroleum cargo transfers aboard tank barges or similar marine vessels.
  • Strong knowledge of petroleum cargo handling, cargo transfer procedures, cargo gauging and measurement, spill prevention, and environmental protection practices.
  • Thorough knowledge of applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the Company's Safety Management System (SMS), environmental requirements, and maritime industry best practices.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a vessel crew.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and respond effectively during routine and emergency operations.
  • Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, including handling heavy hoses, working in a physically demanding marine environment, and working under varying weather and sea conditions.
  • Ability to successfully pass pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing and maintain eligibility under applicable U.S. Coast Guard and company requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience performing petroleum transfers in Southern California ports and terminals.
  • Experience performing marine bunkering operations.
  • Experience with petroleum cargo measurement, calculations, and custody transfer documentation.
  • Experience working aboard tank barges and towing vessels.


Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Two (2) weeks of paid vacation
  • Nine (9) paid holidays
  • Six (6) paid sick days
  • Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
  • Employer-paid Life and AD&D insurance
  • Employer-paid Long-Term Disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement

Schedule & Work Environment

We are currently hiring two full-time Tankermen based out of San Pedro, California.

  • One position is assigned to a 24-hour rotational crew, working scheduled multi-day hitches with crew changes occurring in San Pedro. Rotational schedules may include one-week-on/one-week-off or two-weeks-on/two-weeks-off assignments.
  • One position is assigned to a local 12-hour shift schedule, allowing employees to return home at the end of each scheduled shift.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Jankovich Company, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.