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Boat Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Systems Technician

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pilots and UxS operators. • Work directly with the project leadership in planning ... The Ideal Uncrewed Systems Technician will have the Following: • Experience in boat handling and ...

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Showing results 21-21

All JobsBoat Pilot JobsBoat Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Boat Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$54K

$143.3K

$267.7K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat pilot in Virginia is $143,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $228,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat pilot?

Boat Pilots, also known as maritime pilots or harbor pilots, are skilled professionals who navigate ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors, rivers, or canals. They possess expert knowledge of local waterways and assist a ship's captain by boarding vessels and providing guidance to ensure safe passage. Their work is crucial in preventing accidents and protecting both the vessel and the surrounding environment. Boat Pilots often work for port authorities or pilot associations and must hold specialized licenses.

What does a boat pilot do?

A boat pilot operates a shipping vessel that may serve in several capacities, from transporting goods to ferrying passengers through areas where a captain may not have local knowledge for navigation. In this career, you usually work for a port or dock instead of a particular ship. Your duties may take you aboard a variety of boats throughout a day, making familiarity with basic operation imperative. Excellent communication between both the shore dispatchers and the crew is vital. To succeed as a boat pilot, you need exceptional knowledge of the hazards, currents, and tides of the harbor at which you work.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a boat pilot?

To thrive as a Boat Pilot, you need strong navigational skills, maritime knowledge, and relevant licensure such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or pilot's license. Familiarity with navigation systems like GPS, radar, and electronic chart display systems is essential, along with knowledge of maritime safety regulations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe vessel operation, compliance with regulations, and effective teamwork in dynamic maritime environments.

What are common challenges faced by boat pilots during daily operations?

Boat Pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, managing vessel traffic in busy waterways, and ensuring compliance with local maritime regulations. They must also maintain clear communication with crew members and port authorities to ensure safe docking and undocking procedures. Adapting to rapidly changing environmental factors and making quick decisions are crucial aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Boat Pilot vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat PilotMarine Deckhand
CredentialsCommercial boating license, navigation trainingBasic maritime safety certifications, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentOperates vessels, navigates waterwaysAssists with vessel maintenance, cargo handling
Employer & IndustryMaritime companies, shipping, ferriesShipping companies, cruise lines, fishing industry

Boat Pilots are responsible for navigating and operating vessels, requiring navigation licenses and specialized training. Marine Deckhands assist with vessel maintenance and cargo, often with basic safety certifications. While both roles work in maritime environments, Boat Pilots have more responsibility for navigation and vessel operation, whereas Marine Deckhands support daily vessel functions.

Are marine boat pilots paid well?

Marine boat pilots typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, certification, and the type of vessels they operate. Salaries can range from moderate to high, especially for pilots working in busy ports or with specialized skills, and often include benefits due to the demanding nature of the job. Overall, the profession offers the potential for good compensation compared to many other maritime roles.

How much do boat pilots make?

Boat pilots, also known as marine pilots, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of vessels they pilot. They often work long hours and require specialized certifications and knowledge of local waterways. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the navigation and the employer.
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Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $143,291 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Uncrewed Systems Technician

Lynker Corporation

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$55K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Overview
The mission of Lynker Corporation is to deliver innovative solutions to support global environmental security and economic prosperity as a trusted partner to governments, communities, and industry. With the growing demand for offshore energy expansion, marine natural resource management, and coastal resilience to environmental threats, there has been a need for more advanced and efficient hydrographic mapping systems. Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the expansion of mapping across the US Exclusive Economic Zone using Uncrewed Systems (UxS), which include Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV), Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and Underwater Gliders. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker is leading the way in providing operational, logistical, and training support for Uncrewed Systems.
We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine Systems Division (UMSD) and other partners in UxS Industry. The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic research technologies. This position involves travelling for long durations at sea aboard vessels or to Remote Operations Centers (ROC). A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering is desirable. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and working with advanced marine technologies, please review the Responsibilities, Qualifications, and Requirements for this position.
This position is contingent upon contract award.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Uncrewed Systems Technician will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Support the maintenance, service, and repairs of the UxS as required to effectively support operations.
• Technicians are responsible for troubleshooting technical and software issues, and relaying that information to the field supervisor.
• Training new pilots and UxS operators.
• Work directly with the project leadership in planning, troubleshooting, and emergency procedures.
• Collaborating with other operators and watchstanders for UxS missions.
• Coordinating and leading the mobilization and demobilization of the UxS before and after operations; including breakdown, containerization, and rigging for travel.
Qualifications
The Uncrewed Systems Technician selected should have the following:
• 1-year minimum of field experience operating Uncrewed Systems,ROVs, or the equivalent maritime field.
• Associates Degree or higher in at least one of the following: Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
• Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels, or at a regional remote operation center, for up to 30 consecutive days at a time.
• Ability to lift >45 lb. objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
• Yearly travel 50% or more.
The Ideal Uncrewed Systems Technician will have the Following:
• Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired.
• Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS.
• Experience with maritime situational awareness sensors using cameras, AIS, FLIR, and RADAR.
• Experience with mobilization/demobilization of gear for sea and transport.
• Experience integrating oceanographic/hydrographic systems
• Strong marine mechanical and/or electrical maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with operating satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems.
• Experience with marine positioning systems using GNSS, INS/IMU, or USBL.
• Experience with IP based network technologies.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small 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 and diverse 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 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.
⚠ Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.

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