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Boat Operator Jobs in California (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 ...

Tonopalo Residence Club

Boat Captain

Tahoe Vista, CA · On-site

$55/hr

Our 12 mooring buoys allow owners and guests to keep their boat on site that may also request a ... Our operating theme is "Casual Elegance", reflecting the mountain/beachfront environment, and is ...

Visitcatalinaisland

$30.22 - $34.34/hr

The Harbor Patrol Captain I is an experienced boat operator holding a USCG merchant mariner credential with an OUPV endorsement. The Harbor Patrol Captain II is an experienced boat operator holding a ...

St Francis Yacht Club

Launch Boat Captain

Stockton, CA · On-site

Launch Boat Captain (Part-Time/Seasonal) Position Summary The Launch Boat Captain is responsible ... Valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-Pack ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Boat Washer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world. As a fast ... In boat detailer jobs, you have various duties, including cleaning the boat in detail in ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Boat Washer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Description Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the ... In boat detailer jobs, you have various duties, including cleaning the boat in detail in ...

Duffy Boats

Boat Yard Foreman

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Role Description The Boat Yard Foreman is a full-time, on-site role based in Newport Beach, CA ... Experience operating or coordinating work involving heavy equipment and tools commonly used in ...

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All JobsBoat Operator JobsBoat Operator Jobs in California

Boat Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in California is $20.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Boat Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Boat Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs in California?

For Boat Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Boat Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Boat Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs in CA?

For Boat Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,198 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Small Boat Operator II

VETS

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$36.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 hours 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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