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Tankerman Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

CleanHarbors

Operator Terminal

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Western Oil , a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves ...

Clean Harbors

Operator Terminal

Lincoln, RI

$22 - $26/hr

Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Western Oil , a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves ...

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All JobsTankerman JobsTankerman Jobs in Rhode Island

Tankerman information

See Rhode Island salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in Rhode Island is $25.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $27.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tankerman?

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 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 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.

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 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 qualifications do you need for a tankerman job?

Tankermen typically need a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement issued by the Coast Guard, along with relevant maritime experience and safety training. Basic safety certifications such as STCW and first aid are also required, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding environment.
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Tankerman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tankerman job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,390 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Tank Builder / Welder (Nationwide)

Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators

Providence, RI • On-site

$29.75 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About PTS: Trusted, Responsive, and Nationwide
Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is a growing, team-oriented, nationwide tank construction company with headquarters in Braddock, Pennsylvania, just outside of the City of Pittsburgh. We have over 190 employees and branch offices in Texas, California, Kentucky, and Hawaii. We specialize in designing, engineering, repairing, and constructing above-ground metal storage tanks and related structures, including welded tanks, bolted tanks, and geodesic domes. We have active projects in various industries, such as petroleum, power, chemical, and renewable fuels.
At PTS, our commitment to our customers shapes everything we do. We have served companies across an array of industries, handling new tanks, repairs, and modifications. Our collective methodology, industry knowledge, and exhaustive range of abilities permit us to meet one-of-a-kind needs of our customers as they react to industry expectations. We believe in good quality and on-time delivery. We provide an excellent working relationship based on integrity and professionalism.
Why Choose PTS?
  • Positive Work Culture: PTS employees experience a healthy blend of creativity, accountability, motivation, and improvement through team-based interactions with peers and other group members.
  • Professional Development: PTS is a growing company with many opportunities for advancement. PTS' systems-based approach to training and development helps employees quickly find the path to success in our company.
  • Intellectual Satisfaction: Being part of a team that executes unique and challenging projects throughout the country and actually builds something is an exciting endeavor.

Our Core Principles
  • Service: The primary expectation for all employees at PTS is to focus on service. We are called to serve our customers as well as our co-workers and suppliers. We endeavor to build a cohesive team of employees who care about the well-being of the group.
  • Planning and Problem Solving: Planning and problem solving should be utilized to achieve productivity. We will strive every day to be organized and efficient in our approach. We will always look for better ways to achieve results rather than propagating inefficient or inaccurate methods.
  • Personal Development: Every employee should assist in the development of co-workers just as each employee should pursue their own personal development. Mentor and teammate relationships lay the groundwork for future growth and rewards.

We are currently looking to hire a full-time Tank Builder / Welder (Nationwide)
Day to Day Duties:
  • Performing arc and torch cutting and gouging.
  • Using generators, compressors, tuggers, blowers, grinders, and other power and air tools.
  • Welding plate with 7018, 7024 and 6010 stick (SMAW), flux core (FCAW), and submerged arc automatic machines (3 o'clock and "goat"/tractor).
  • Using come-alongs, hydraulic jacks, hoists, air bags, winches, and other lifting equipment.
  • Using tank shell buggies, tank scaffolding, tank ladders, and other specialty equipment.
  • Performing vacuum box tests, oil tests, dye penetrant tests, and other non-destructive quality examinations.
  • Using gas monitors, fresh air kits, respirators, emergency rescue kits, and other safety equipment.
  • Operating forklifts, man lifts, boom lifts, and other large lifting equipment.
  • Knowledge of crane operations (including rigging and signaling)
  • Reading detailed erection and fabrication drawings.
  • Planning the sequence and methods of fitting up, welding, repairing, and constructing tanks.
  • Completing job safety analysis, safety audits, site-specific training, and other safety training.
  • Follow directions and work professionally with other crew members.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
  • Have great communication and organization skills.
  • The ability to solve problems and suggest improvements to our systems.
  • Have excellent attendance and show up to work on time every day.
  • The willingness to learn.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be able to lift 50 lbs.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be eligible to work in the United States.
  • Be willing to authorize background checks.
  • Have no criminal convictions for dishonesty, sexual misconduct, violence, or acts of terrorism.
  • Have a valid driver's license.
  • Be willing to authorize motor vehicle driving record checks.
  • Be willing to submit to pre-hire, random, and post-incident drug and alcohol testing.
  • Ability to weld is a plus.

Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay with annual reviews
  • Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • 401k with company match
  • Great culture of teamwork, learning and development.
  • You'll be part of a team where YOU matter

To Apply:
If interested, complete the job application from our website at www.phillipstank.com/careers. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Apply