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Tankerman Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Operator Terminal

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Maintaining Tank farm inventories. * Moving trucks around yard. * Testing oil samples that come in the door. * Help with cleaning the tank farm, warehouse, and yard. Qualifications What does it take ...

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 ...

Fleet Mechanic

Peace Dale, RI · On-site

$23.50 - $30/hr

In this role, you will repair, maintain and overhaul diesel and gasoline engines, transmissions and differentials, industrial trucks, light duty trucks, tank trucks, tractors, tank trailers ...

Fleet Mechanic

RI · On-site

$24.50 - $31.25/hr

In this role, you will repair, maintain and overhaul diesel and gasoline engines, transmissions and differentials, industrial trucks, light duty trucks, tank trucks, tractors, tank trailers ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

What job categories do people searching Tankerman jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Tankerman jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Tankerman jobs in RI?

For Tankerman jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Operator Terminal

Clean Harbors

Lincoln, RI • On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description


Western Oil Lincoln, RI is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner.
Why work for Western Oil?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority, and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive wages; $22-$26 an hour based on experience
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment.
  • Group 401K with company matching component.
  • Own part of the company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Positive and safe work environments.
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career.

Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
  • Loading and unloading tankers.
  • Maintaining Tank farm inventories.
  • Moving trucks around yard.
  • Testing oil samples that come in the door.
  • Help with cleaning the tank farm, warehouse, and yard.

Qualifications
What does it take to work for Western Oil?
  • HS Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Ability to drive trucks within facility.
  • Strong computer skills preferred.
  • Forklift skills preferred (Not Required).
  • 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 around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.
Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK
We thank all those interested in joining the Safety-Kleen team; however only those that complete the online application and meet the minimum job qualifications will be considered for this role.
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US