How to hire a tank inspector

How to hire a tank inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step tank inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a tank inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tank inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The tank inspector hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a tank inspector to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a tank inspector that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of tank inspector salaries for various roles:

   Type of Tank Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Tank Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$15-37
   Test Operator	The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement... Show more	$12-23
   Certified Welding Inspector	A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment... Show more	$14-34

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • API
   • NDE
   • Storage Tanks
   • Tank Inspections
   • CWI
   • NDT
   • RT
   • Inspection Reports
   • Inspection Data
   • Pressure Test
   • Pressure Vessels
   • Magnetic Particle
   • DOT
   • Cathodic Protection

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and maintain MRB process for all discrepant materials.
   • Coordinate customer interaction, providing direction and oversight in regard to maintenance, safety, quality assurance and training.
   • Recommend changes to the COR, perform both schedule and unschedule inspections of all facilities and equipment.
   • Assist COR with preparation of contract documentation, including special conditions, technical specifications, bid schedules and plans.
   • Perform structural steel erection inspection activities in accordance with safety and quality requirements.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your tank inspector job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A tank inspector can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, tank inspectors' average salary in south dakota is 51% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level tank inspectors 58% less than senior-level tank inspectors.
   • Certifications. A tank inspector with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a tank inspector's salary.

   Average tank inspector salary

   $50,355yearly

   $24.21 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level tank inspector salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 13, 2026

4. Writing a tank inspector job description

   A tank inspector job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a tank inspector job description:

   Tank inspector job description example

   **$7,500 SIGN ON BONUS**
   
   Clean Harbors Hammond, IN is looking for a HM183 Tank Inspector to join their safety conscious team! The HM183 Tank Inspector is primarily responsible to perform visual, internal, pressure and leak tests on truck mounted tanks. As well as being responsible for tank testing on Hazardous Material certified tanks such as vac trucks, hydro excavators, oil tankers, guzzlers, tanker trailers, cargo tanks, and more. This position may be required to work overtime and will be responsible for testing at the branch office/yard in Hammond, IN.

   
   1st shift, Monday-Friday, flexible 9 AM start

   Why work for Clean Harbors?

   • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
   • Competitive wages
   • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
   • Group 401K with company matching component
   • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
   • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
   • Positive and safe work environments

   Key Responsibilities:
   

   • Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times;
   • Perform VIPK inspections [visual, internal, pressure, leakage];
   • Timely and accurate completion of all required paperwork;
   • Assist with other repairs and preventative maintenance in shop as required;
   • Order parts and maintain inventory as required;
   • Perform necessary tank test on units, and ensure they comply with all government and company standards and regulations;
   • Perform repairs to tanks within the inspectors' qualifications;
   • Apply proper decaling to tanks;
   • Maintain all tools and test equipment;
   • Assist with finding qualified repair shops when necessary.

   What does it take to work for Clean Harbors?

   • 3+ years' experience as a tank inspector (VIPK inspections) required;
   • HM-183 Register Inspector (Tank Inspector) Certificate is strongly preferred;
   • 1+ years diesel mechanic experience with heavy-duty trucks and/or equipment required;
   • Must have own set of basic tools, up to ½" (specialty inspector tools will be provided);
   • Strong computer skills required;
   • Valid Driver's License is required;
   • CDL is an asset but not required;
   • Experience operating heavy equipment is an asset.

   40-years of sustainability in action. At Clean Harbors, our mission is to create a safer, cleaner environment through the treatment, recycling, and disposal of hazardous materials. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us.

   Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of any other federal, state/provincial or local protected class.

   
   Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
   

   *CH
   #LI-AK1

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right tank inspector for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your tank inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit tank inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit tank inspectors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new tank inspector

   Once you've decided on a perfect tank inspector candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new tank inspector. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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