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Boat Operator Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Saltwater Inc

Dockside Sampler

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Serve as the NOAA Fisheries field representative with head boat owners/operators and anglers in the Contractor's assigned sampling area. * Identify and enumerate individual fish to the species level ...

Ergon

Trainee E Operator

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Ability to operate a small power boat safely * Comfortable working over water * Required to climb ... Trainee E Operator Location: Vicksburg, MS

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Boat Operator information

See Mississippi salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in Mississippi is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.55 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

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

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

What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Boat Operator jobs?

Cities in Mississippi with the most Boat Operator job openings:

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

Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,495 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Commercial Fishing Gear Technician and Small Boat Operator

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

Lynker Corporation
Scientific Research and Development Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Lynker Corporationexternal

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Overview

Lynker Corporation is seeking Commercial Fishing Gear Technicians and Small Boat Operators to support NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Support (FATES) Division. These proposed roles will construct and maintain selective fishing gear, operate research vessels, support gear research, and provide hands-on training to commercial fishers and marine law enforcement personnel. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.

The SEFSC Gear Monitoring Team supports the FATES Harvesting Systems Unit by promoting the proper construction, use, and inspection of federally required fishing gear. This work contributes to bycatch reduction, sea turtle protection, fisheries research, and effective communication with commercial fishing communities and enforcement agencies throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

ResponsibilitiesDuties of the Fishing Gear Technician will include the following:
  • Construct, repair, and maintain Turtle Excluder Devices, Bycatch Reduction Devices, and other selective fishing gear.
  • Prepare fishing gear for use as training aids and in Harvesting Unit research projects.
  • Provide gear expertise and assistance for fishery-independent and fishery-dependent evaluations of modified fishing gear.
  • Operate and maintain Class A, Class I, and Class II Mississippi Laboratory research vessels.
  • Trailer vessels and other large or heavy loads across rural and interstate highways.
  • Assist with workshops, industry meetings, and dockside training for commercial fishers on federally required fishing gear.
  • Conduct training for federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on fishing gear inspection procedures.
  • Conduct at-sea and dockside inspections of Turtle Excluder Devices and document technical compliance with federal regulations.
  • Read trawl-construction diagrams and perform trawl sewing and repair.
  • Assist with technical, instructional, oral, and printed training materials.
  • Deliver oral and hands-on demonstrations concerning the construction and proper use of Turtle Excluder Devices.
  • Prepare trip reports, outreach reports, vessel logbooks, and other required activity summaries.
  • Assist with emergency responses involving oil spills or other events affecting sea turtles.
  • Maintain equipment, vessels, warehouse areas, shop spaces, and related work areas.
QualificationsThe Fishing Gear Technician should have the following:
  • At least two years of experience in net construction and repair.
  • At least two years of experience operating and maintaining small boats and associated equipment.
  • Ability to obtain, within one year of hire, a United States Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid certifications.
  • Ability to maintain all certifications and training required by the NOAA Small Boat Program.
  • Ability to write summary trip reports.
  • Ability to read and understand federal fisheries regulations.
  • Physical ability to embark and disembark unassisted between a dock and a stationary vessel and between two vessels moving at sea, using both hands and feet.
The ideal Fishing Gear Technician will have the following preferred qualifications:
  • Experience working in a commercial shrimp-trawl fishery or net shop.
  • Knowledge of selective fishing methods and commercial fishing technology.
  • Experience conducting public outreach events and public speaking.
  • Basic computer and word-processing skills.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak Vietnamese.
Work Environment

The position is based in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Work will occur in office, warehouse, net-shop, dockside, small boat, and at-sea environments. Employees must be able to work aboard vessels and safely move between docks and vessels. The position may support emergency response activities involving sea turtle protection. Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Travel and overtime must be authorized in accordance with contract requirements.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

* This position is not currently funded and is contingent upon contract award. Employment is subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

  Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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