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Boat Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Senior Fisheries Biologist

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Serve as boat operator and/or crew on work boats What You Must Have * Master's degree in fisheries biology or equivalent science related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years conducting field ...

ICF

Senior Fisheries Biologist

West Sacramento, CA

$85K - $105K/yr

Serve as boat operator and/or crew on work boats What You Must Have * Master's degree in fisheries biology or equivalent science related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years conducting field ...

Pacific Seafood

CA

Experience as a boat operator. Benefits Total compensation: At Pacific Seafood your base wage is only a portion of your overall compensation package. We invest in our Team Members through a ...

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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.

#2662 Field Engineer- BOAT MECHANIC (FE30)

ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Port Hueneme, CA • On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Level/Salary Range: $28 - 33 + WD stipend $5.55 HourlyPosition FT/PT: Full TimeRole and Responsibilities:
Seeking a motivated and experienced Boat Mechanic/Deckhand to support operations aboard the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS), operating out of Port Hueneme, California. This position supports the SDTS and it's Small Vessel Fleet in the preventative maintenance, repair, troubleshooting and underway mission operations. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience operating and maintaining US NAVY RHIBS in a shipboard environment. Primary Operator and custodian of SDTS Small craft fleet including US Navy 7m RHIBS, Small Outboard Engines and Outdrives. Candidates with prior U.S. Navy experience as a Boatswains Mate or Engineman with small craft PQS are highly desired.
Position Qualifications:
Technical Degree and 4 years' experience or No Degree and 8 - 10 years of boat maintenance experience.
Experience with Marine Diesel Engines and Outdrives, Conventional Outboard.
Capable of reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints and mechanical schematics.
Able to troubleshoot issues and work independently with limited supervision.
Understanding of Small Boat Systems including but not limited to Mechanical, Electrical and Hydraulic Systems.
Conduct preventative maintenance in accordance with NAVY PMS SKED based systems.
Train and familiarize boat crews in the safe operation and maintenance of small craft fleet.
Able to obtain and maintain a California Boater's Card, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC),U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate, and a basic Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with STCW endorsements.
Able to support underway operations and stand navigational or engine watches as assigned.
Support shipboard casualty response and emergency operations as well as participate in shipboard drills, training, andoperational evolutions.
Able to launch and recover boats from trailers.
Follow all shipboard safety requirements, tag-out procedures and QA processes.
Work closely with ship's force and engineering personnel to support SDTS mission requirements.
Support extended work hours, shift work, and underway periods when mission requirements dictate.
Able to obtain and maintain access to Naval Base Ventura County.
Able to pass a background investigation and obtain a DBIDS credential.
Preferred Skills:
U.S. Navy Boatswain Mate (BM), Engineman (EN), or equivalent maritime experience highly desired.
Familiarity with shipboard maintenance practices and engineering operations.
Fiberglass Repair and Gel Coat application.
Understanding of shipboard safety programs and lockout/tag-out procedures.
Current TWIC, MMC w/ STCW, and Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to climb and descend steep shipboard vertical ladder-wells repeatedly throughout the workday.
Must be able to work in confined spaces and hot engine room environments.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to stand prolonged engine room and shipboard watches while underway.
Must be able to wear required PPE, respirators, and firefighting equipment and pass fire party school.
Must be able to get underway and perform emergency response duties during shipboard casualties and drills
At AdvantEdge Technology , we are committed to maintaining a workplace that is diverse, inclusive, and free from discrimination or harassment. We evaluate all applicants based on merit and qualifications, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. This policy covers all employment actions, including hiring.

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