ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Boat Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

West Marine

Sales Associate (Part Time)

Harrison Township, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

At West Marine, our mission is to serve Boaters with a focus on "Know More, Get More, Boat More ... Complete all required training and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the position.

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Marine Service Manager

Grand Haven, MI · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Description Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the ... Communicate with boat owners regarding service needs and timelines. * Resolve customer concerns and ...

West Marine

Sales Associate (Seasonal)

Harrison Township, MI · On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

At West Marine, our mission is to serve Boaters with a focus on "Know More, Get More, Boat More ... operating procedures (SOPs) for the position. • Be available to work a flexible schedule ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBoat Operator JobsBoat Operator Jobs in Michigan

Boat Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in Michigan is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.72 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 popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,268 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Sales Associate (Part Time)

West Marine

Harrison Township, MI • On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist customers by understanding their needs, offering product recommendations, and facilitating transactions.

  • Maintain inventory, manage pricing and product displays, and ensure the store environment is clean and organized.

  • Support the BOPIS process, handle transactions accurately, and alert management to security or loss prevention issues.

West Marine rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

297th of 740 rated retailers

Job description

Job Summary
As a Sales Associate, you will be essential in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a positive shopping experience. You will assist customers by understanding their needs, offering expert product recommendations, and facilitating transactions. Responsibilities also include maintaining inventory, managing pricing and product displays, and ensuring a clean and organized store environment. Your dedication to service will drive sales and build customer loyalty.
At West Marine, our mission is to serve Boaters with a focus on "Know More, Get More, Boat More." Our customers rely on us to fulfill their needs, complete boat projects, or prepare for a great day on the water. Every interaction is an opportunity to exceed customer expectations and foster loyalty. West Marine is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Greet and welcome customers as they enter the store.
  • Engage with customers to understand their needs using open-ended questions and active listening.
  • Provide detailed product knowledge and suggestive selling to enhance the customer's boating experience.
  • Assist customers in selecting products and direct them to the appropriate aisle or location.
  • Inform customers about available services and assist with special orders or drop ship purchases.
  • Handle cash, credit, and on-account transactions accurately, including processing returns and managing the register.
  • Maintain accurate pricing by auditing and tagging merchandise, ensuring proper display and signage.
  • Assist with inventory management, including receiving, stocking, and replenishing merchandise.
  • Ensure the sales floor and aisles are neat, clean, and organized, removing any hazards or obstacles.
  • Support the buy online pick up in store (BOPIS) process and assist with buy online ship from the store as needed.
  • Alert management to potential security or loss prevention issues and assist in maintaining asset protection standards.
  • Complete all required training and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the position.
  • Be available to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to listen actively and respond to customer needs.
  • Proven sales and customer service abilities.
  • Familiarity with merchandise.
  • Point-of-sale systems; ability to learn new systems quickly.
  • Strong attention to detail and effective time management.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous boating and/or retail experience preferred.

Physical Requirements
  • Continuous standing and walking throughout the retail space.
  • Ability to wear and communicate through a headset continuously.
  • Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, and twisting.
  • Occasionally operate equipment, including forklifts.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height unassisted frequently.

Minors under the age of 18 are subject to federal child labor laws that prohibit hazardous work, equipment operation, and exposure to dangerous conditions.
Minors under 18 may not:
  • Operate, assist with, or be assigned to hazardous power-driven machinery, including:

    • Forklifts / powered industrial trucks
    • Motorized pallet jacks
    • Motorized conveyors
    • Trash compactors and balers
    • Power-driven cutting, slicing, grinding, or processing machines
    • Any other power-driven equipment deemed hazardous

  • Operate, assist with, or be assigned to conduct work involving
    • Hot Knife
    • Chain cutter,
    • Other cutting instruments
  • Transportation/Delivery
    • Drive any motor vehicle as part of their job
    • Act as a helper on delivery or transport vehicles
  • Hazardous Materials & Chemical Exposure
    • Handle, mix, or directly work with:
      • Hazardous materials (HAZMAT)
      • Toxic, corrosive, or reactive chemicals
      • Battery systems or chemicals posing burn/fire/explosion risk

    • Clean up, respond to, or manage chemical spills
    • Perform tasks involving significant exposure to hazardous substances
  • HAZMAT Shipping & Logistics Activities
    • Participate in hazardous materials shipping activities, including:
      • Classifying hazardous materials
      • Preparing hazardous shipments
      • Signing or certifying shipping documents
      • Independently handling regulated HAZMAT processes
  • Hazardous Work Environments
    • Work in areas where hazardous chemicals or materials are actively handled, processed, packaged, or shipped
    • Work unsupervised in any area involving hazardous conditions

Minors under 16 are subject to significantly stricter limitations and in addition to the limitation above may not:
  • Work in shipping, receiving, or warehouse operations
  • Operate a manual pallet jack
  • Perform backroom or logistics functions involving equipment or hazards
  • Use a box cutter or any form of cutting instrument to open boxes or perform work.
  • Operate any power-driven machinery

Minors under 16 years old are limited to non-hazardous, light-duty retail tasks, such as:
  • Customer service
  • Light manual stocking (nonhazardous materials only)
  • Basic cleaning (non-hazardous materials only)

West Marine offers a wide range of benefits, which include medical/dental/vision, various voluntary benefits, 401k, and paid time off. To view eligibility and additional information on these benefits, along with starting pay ranges for select states, please visit our benefits page at www.embbenefits.com/wm-home/.
Join us at West Marine and help us provide the best boating experience for our customers!
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What West Marine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply