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Boat Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ingram Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Sauget, IL · On-site

$600/day

Company Description Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting ... Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ...

Ingram Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Granite City, IL · On-site

$600/day

Company Description Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting ... Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ...

Ingram Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$600/day

Company Description Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting ... Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ...

Ingram Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Alton, IL · On-site

$600/day

Company Description Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting ... Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ...

Waterfront Services Co

A&A BOAT DELIVERY

Cairo, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

A&A RIVERWAYS SUPPLY BOAT DELIVERY OPERATOR A&A Riverways Supply Boat Delivery Operator/Driver A & A Riverways is currently looking for Part-Time and Full-Time Boat Delivery Drivers.! This position ...

Waterfront Services Co

A&A BOAT DELIVERY

Cairo, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

A&A RIVERWAYS SUPPLY BOAT DELIVERY OPERATOR A&A Riverways Supply Boat Delivery Operator/Driver A & A Riverways is currently looking for Part-Time and Full-Time Boat Delivery Drivers.! This position ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

BASIC FUNCTION The Inland Vessel Pilot is responsible for operating Illinois Marine Towing vessels ... The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on ...

Archer Daniels Midland

ADM is seeking a licensed mariner to Captain and supervise a tug boat at our American River ... Operating a keyboard * Kneeling and climbing stairs/ladders * Ability to work near or on large ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Hopedale, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Rome, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Henry, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Hillsboro, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Huntley, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Salem, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Marengo, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Mahomet, IL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

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All JobsBoat Operator JobsBoat Operator Jobs in Illinois

Boat Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in Illinois is $19.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $23.08 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 Illinois?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,434 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Fleet Boat Captain

Ingram Barge Company

Sauget, IL • On-site

$600/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting bulk commodities on America's inland waterways, delivering fuel and supplies to the towing industry, and providing a ship anchorage in Louisiana. As the leading carrier, we operate a fleet that transport aggregates, grain, fertilizer, coal, ores, alloys, steel products, chemicals, and other products.
We're committed to being the best at whatever we do. We're continuously growing, adapting, and responding, and we're successful because of the outstanding hard work and creative energy of our associates.
Job Description
Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you will be responsible for steering the boat up and down the river; keeping watch for safety of crew, equipment and environment, while positioning barges together into tows. You will be required to live within an hour radius for consideration, due to schedule.
What you'll be doing:
  • Keeping the crew safe
  • Moving tow/build tow
  • Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel
  • Efficiently managing the crew and the vessel
  • Responsible for the safety of the equipment
  • Responsible for the safety and preservation of the environment
  • Steering tow up and down river
  • Making locks and bridges
  • Conducting safety meetings and drills

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstration of the Ingram Way
  • Ability to uphold Ingram's high safety standards
  • 8+ years of experience
  • MMC; Advanced education and training (SCI, CEMS, Etc.) TWIC, or state ID required
  • Proven leadership abilities
  • Able to navigate the river in which working on
  • Working knowledge of how to handle a large tow
  • Able to safely operate aboard a vessel and perform necessary tasks within the safety guidelines
  • Able to perform in a fast-paced environment and quickly respond to unexpected circumstances and safety
  • Able to identify and employ appropriate safety practices to manage risks
  • Able to supervise and give direction and effectively communicate and cooperate with a team
  • Able to apply basic critical-thinking and decision-making skills to tow building and locking
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Intermediate skills with MS Outlook and Internet Explorer helpful

Candidates must:
  • Must be able to read and write the English language to comply with USCG regulatory requirements
  • Commitment to work safely and follow all safety policies and procedures
  • Complete a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen
  • Work in extreme weather

Schedule:
7/7 Schedule; ability to work nights or days
Additional Information
  • A competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits including Medical/Prescription Drug plans, HSA, Vision, Dental and Health Care FSA.
  • Generous paid time off benefits
  • 401K match upon first day of hire
  • Life and AD&D, Employee Assistant programs, Group Legal, & more
  • Associate growth and development encouraged through internal training and tuition reimbursement program

$600 Daily Rate
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
If you are requesting reasonable accommodation or disability assistance in submitting your application, you may email us at Recruiting@ingrambarge.com
Ingram Marine Group and its affiliates ("Company") is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, work related mental or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.
EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled
We participate in EVerify
http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeosp.pdf

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