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Boat Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VETS

Small Boat Operator II

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$36.49/hr

Small Boat Operator II DoD Secret Clearance Required Location: San Clemente Island, CA Position Description: The Small Boat Operator II operates, maintains repairs, and troubleshoots Watercraft Group ...

CleanHarbors

Boat Operator

Kent, WA

Clean Harbors in Kent, WA is seeking a Boat Operator to operate and navigate boats and other watercrafts Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services ...

Clean Harbors

Boat Operator

Kent, WA

Clean Harbors in Kent, WA is seeking a Boat Operator to operate and navigate boats and other watercrafts Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services ...

Clean Harbors

Boat Operator

Kent, WA

Clean Harbors in Kent, WA is seeking a Boat Operator to operate and navigate boats and other watercrafts Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services ...

Sims Limited

Skimmer Boat Operator

Jersey City, NJ

Principal Accountabilities * Operate skimmer boat equipment to remove surface debris and ... Prior hands-on experience operating and navigating watercraft, specifically specialized equipment ...

Sims Limited

Skimmer Boat Operator

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

Operate skimmer boat equipment to remove surface debris and contaminants from waterways * Conduct ... Prior hands-on experience operating and navigating watercraft, specifically specialized equipment ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

GARNEY As a Tug Boat Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering barges for marine ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

GARNEY As a Tug Boat Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering barges for marine ...

CERES

Vessel Operator - Push Boat

Waynesville, NC · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Vessel Operator - Push Boat Location: Lake Adger, NC Reports to: Huey Deville Compensation Range: $20 - $21 hourly Benefits: (Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA

GARNEY As a Tug Boat Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering barges for marine ...

Sims Metal

Boat Skimmer Operator

Jersey City, NJ

$28 - $30/hr

As a Boat Skimmer Operator, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our waterways. Your expertise will contribute to environmental protection efforts while ensuring ...

Sims Metal USA

Boat Skimmer Operator

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

As a Boat Skimmer Operator, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our waterways. Your expertise will contribute to environmental protection efforts while ensuring ...

CCMC

Boat Captain

Cypress, TX · On-site

Operating a motor-driven boat to carry passengers * Following all safety protocols for loading and unloading * Ensuring all equipment is maintained * Cleaning the boat * Distributing life jackets and ...

CCMC Community Management

Boat Captain

Cypress, TX · On-site

Operating a motor-driven boat to carry passengers * Following all safety protocols for loading and unloading * Ensuring all equipment is maintained * Cleaning the boat * Distributing life jackets and ...

CCMC Community Management

Boat Captain

Cypress, TX · On-site

Operating a motor-driven boat to carry passengers * Following all safety protocols for loading and unloading * Ensuring all equipment is maintained * Cleaning the boat * Distributing life jackets and ...

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BOAT Operator information

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$11

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$29

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in the United States is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Boat Operator on a daily basis?

Boat Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining strict adherence to navigational rules. They must remain vigilant for hazards like other vessels, submerged objects, or mechanical issues. Effective communication and teamwork with crew members are essential for smooth operations, especially during high-traffic periods or emergency situations. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying calm under pressure are key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

For boat operators, earning around $100,000 annually typically requires experience, specialized skills, and often working in high-demand environments such as commercial shipping, offshore drilling, or luxury yacht charters. Certifications like a captain's license and extensive sea time can also contribute to higher earnings in this field.

What Does a Boat Operator Do?

The responsibilities of a boat operator include using knowledge of winds, weather, water depths, and currents to pilot a motorboat, private watercraft (PWC), or other watercraft safely. In this career, you load and transport various pieces of equipment, supplies, or passengers and maintain communication with boat crew, other ships, and harbor patrol. Other duties may be to navigate the vessel in and out of harbors and docks and fender, moor, and anchor the vessel at the destination. You consult maps, charts, weather reports, and navigation equipment, give directions to crew members, and update logs required by the USCG and management. You are also expected to maintain safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, boat fenders, and pumps, as well as service motors and direct boat maintenance and cleaning.

What does a Boat Operator do?

A Boat Operator is responsible for navigating and operating boats or other watercraft safely and efficiently. Their duties often include steering the vessel, monitoring weather and water conditions, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and performing routine maintenance checks. Boat Operators may work on different types of boats, such as ferries, fishing vessels, or tour boats, and must comply with maritime laws and safety regulations. They often need specialized training and licensing depending on the size and type of vessel they operate.

What is the difference between Boat Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat OperatorMarine Deckhand
CertificationsBoating safety, boat handling licensesSTCW certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOn boats, marinas, docksOn ships, docks, offshore
Employer & IndustryMarinas, tour companies, fishing chartersCommercial shipping, cargo, cruise lines

While both roles involve working on boats, a Boat Operator primarily focuses on navigating and operating vessels, often in recreational or small commercial settings. A Marine Deckhand assists with vessel maintenance, cargo handling, and safety procedures, typically in larger, commercial maritime environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and certifications.

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

To thrive as a Boat Operator, you need strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime laws, and typically a valid boating license or certification. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and safety equipment is essential. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure safe and efficient vessel operation. These skills are critical for protecting passengers, cargo, and the vessel itself while adhering to maritime regulations.
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BOAT Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,758 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Small Boat Operator II

Small Boat Operator II

VETS

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$36.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Small Boat Operator II

DoD Secret Clearance Required

Location: San Clemente Island, CA

Position Description:

The Small Boat Operator II operates, maintains repairs, and troubleshoots Watercraft Group small boats and related devices such as electronic transmitting and receiving equipment (e.g., radar, radio, television, telecommunication, sonar, and navigational aids) and launch and recovery equipment (e.g., towing trailers, winches). The successful incumbent operates and troubleshoots small boats and equipment and applies technical knowledge and principles, and applies skill in restoring equipment operation, evaluates performance and reliability and recommends changes to maintain optimal performance and continued small boat operations.

The Small Boat Operator II applies basic and some advanced technical knowledge to solve routine problems by interpreting manufacturers' manuals or similar documents. Work requires familiarity with small boats and maritime procedures, in selecting tools, testing instruments, and is reviewed for compliance with accepted practices. This position works under immediate supervision and achieves technical guidance, as required, from supervisor or higher-level technician.

VETS is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

Company Description

VETS is a SBA certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Based in Ashburn, Virginia, VETS has a Southwest operations office in Sierra Vista, Arizona and contract management sites throughout the United States. VETS supports a growing number of U.S. Government defense and civilian agencies with technology, systems engineering, as well as construction and program management support services.

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