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Boat Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COASTAL ENGINEERING LLC

Diver

West Milford, NJ · On-site

Valid boat operator license. * Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience maintaining diving and life support equipment. * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and professionalism.

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

This is a long-term, full-time position responsible for operating project vessels supporting heavy civil construction activities. The Boat Pilot will operate towboats and support vessels used to ...

Coastal Engineering LLC

Diver

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Valid boat operator license. * Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience maintaining diving and life support equipment. * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and professionalism. Salary ...

COASTAL ENGINEERING

Diver

Jacksonville, FL

$30 - $35/hr

Valid boat operator license. * Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience maintaining diving and life support equipment. * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and professionalism.

COASTAL ENGINEERING LLC

Diver

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Valid boat operator license. * Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience maintaining diving and life support equipment. * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and professionalism.

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on ... Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio ...

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on ... Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio ...

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on ... Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio ...

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on ... Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio ...

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All JobsBoat Operator Jobs

BOAT Operator information

See salary details

$11

$20

$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.
More about BOAT Operator jobs
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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.

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy Group

Monaca, PA • On-site

$44.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture Montgomery Lock & Dam Project - Monaca, Pennsylvania

Trumbull Corporation is seeking an experienced union Inland Marine Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania, a major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure project located on the Ohio River navigation system with an estimated 8-year duration.

This is a long-term, full-time position responsible for operating project vessels supporting heavy civil construction activities. The Boat Pilot will operate towboats and support vessels used to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool.

This position offers stable, long-term employment on a high-profile federal infrastructure project supporting the U.S. inland waterway system.

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Schedule & Compensation

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday - approximately 40 hours per week, with additional overtime available based on project needs and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

This is a union position, and the successful candidate will become a member of the applicable Operating Engineers Local.

Compensation includes:

  • Union wage starting at $44.96 per hour based on experience
  • Overtime pay
  • Medical / Prescription Drug Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Additional benefits provided through the collective bargaining agreement

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Key Responsibilities

The Boat Pilot is responsible for safely operating project vessels and supporting marine construction activities within an active inland river navigation pool.

Responsibilities include:

  • Operating towboats and support vessels used for construction operations
  • Positioning and maneuvering construction barges, crane barges, and floating equipment
  • Assisting with marine construction activities including pile driving operations and barge crane work
  • Monitoring river conditions and coordinating vessel movements within the inland navigation system
  • Working closely with marine crews, deckhands, and equipment operators to support field operations
  • Ensuring safe vessel operation and compliance with USACE requirements and Coast Guard regulations
  • Performing daily inspections of vessels and marine equipment
  • Maintaining communication with project supervision and marine fleet personnel
  • Assisting with general marine operations and maintaining safe work areas
  • The Boat Pilot is expected to operate vessels safely while supporting efficient marine construction operations on the project.

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Qualifications & Education

  • Minimum 5 years of experience operating towboats or similar inland marine vessels
  • Minimum 10 years of marine experience
  • Experience operating vessels within inland river navigation systems
  • Experience supporting marine construction operations or barge fleet movements preferred
  • Knowledge of river navigation practices, barge handling, and vessel positioning
  • Familiarity with lock and dam navigation procedures
  • Strong understanding of marine safety practices and navigation rules
  • Ability to work effectively with marine crews and construction personnel
  • Commitment to maintaining safe vessel operations
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent marine license required
  • Recent and verifiable work history required

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Work Environment

Work is performed on and around water within an active inland river navigation pool supporting heavy civil construction operations. Duties involve operating vessels and working aboard towboats, barges, and floating equipment in varying weather and river conditions.


Individuals with Disabilities: PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group wants all interested and qualified candidates to be able to use the career site to review and apply for employment opportunities. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this site, please contact us for assistance at 412.807.2000 or email us at careers@pjdick.com.
PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group strives to create a diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment in which all teams can excel.
We are an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contracting Employer and welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates, including covered veterans, minorities, females, and people with disabilities. Our policy is clear: We do not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law.
To view our EEO policy, click here; to view our Section 503 and VEVRAA Affirmative Action Policy, click here.