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Boat Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bass Pro Shops

Boat & ATV Sales Consultant

Altoona, IA · On-site

The Boat & ATV Sales Consultant performs various Selling / Customer Service activities to assist Boat and ATV Customers in making informed buying decisions. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Supports a strong ...

Bass Pro Shops

Service Manager - Boats

Altoona, IA · On-site

The Boat Services Manager is under the supervision of the Boat Manager. This role will manage and provide daily direction to the associates in the Boat Service area within a Bass Pro Shops or Free ...

TalentMovers

Lake Service Technician

Milford, IA

$21.53/hr

Install boat hoists on the lakes using a barge. * Prepare/rig boat hoists and docks in the shop. * All positions will be working with three or four-person teams to efficiently and safely carry out ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Knoxville, IA

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

Schleswig, IA

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

Waterloo, IA

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

Norwalk, IA

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

Minden, IA

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

Buffalo, IA

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

Muscatine, IA

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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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBoat JobsBoat Jobs in Iowa

Boat information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$24

$45

How much do boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat in Iowa is $24.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by boat captains when managing a crew on longer voyages?

Boat captains often encounter challenges related to maintaining clear communication and teamwork among crew members, especially during extended trips. Managing fatigue, ensuring everyone follows safety protocols, and resolving interpersonal conflicts are important aspects of the role. Captains must be skilled at delegating responsibilities, monitoring morale, and adapting plans in response to changing weather or operational conditions. Proactive leadership and regular check-ins with the crew are key to a smooth and safe voyage.

What are boat jobs?

Boat jobs refer to a wide range of occupations that involve working on or with boats. These jobs can include positions such as deckhands, captains, engineers, fishing crew, tour guides, and maintenance workers. People in boat jobs may work on commercial vessels, fishing boats, ferries, yachts, or tour boats. The work environment can vary from open water to harbors and ports, and often requires specialized training or certifications. Boat jobs can offer unique opportunities for travel, teamwork, and hands-on experience.

What Are Boating Jobs?

There are many jobs in the boating industry. Some positions are onboard a boat while others are available in boat sales, building, or even repair. Jobs on boats, whether small watercraft or large ships, are plentiful and can include everything from delivering mail to becoming the captain of a vessel. There are many types of captains you could be depending on the vessel, although duties and responsibilities differ for each. Other options in the boating industry include sailing instructor, towboat operator, water taxi captain, tour boat operator, and even yacht delivery driver.

What is the difference between Boat vs Marine Technician?

AspectBoatMarine Technician
CertificationsBoating licenses, safety certificationsMarine certifications, engine repair licenses
Work EnvironmentMarinas, docks, watercraftShipyards, repair shops, on-site at vessels
Industry UsageRecreational and small commercial boatsCommercial ships, yachts, larger vessels

While both roles involve working with watercraft, a Boat typically refers to the vessel itself, often associated with recreational use. A Marine Technician specializes in repairing and maintaining marine engines and systems, often working on larger vessels or in repair facilities. The two roles overlap in industry and certifications but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are the different jobs on a boat?

Jobs on a boat include roles such as captain, deckhand, engineer, steward, and chef. These positions require specific skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety procedures, navigation, and maintenance. Crew members often work in shifts and must adapt to the maritime environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Captain, you need strong navigational skills, maritime safety knowledge, and the appropriate captain’s license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, radar, marine radios, and compliance with maritime regulations are essential technical requirements. Leadership, calm decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to safely and efficiently operating vessels while ensuring compliance and a positive onboard experience.

What boat jobs make the most money?

In the boating industry, captain or master mariner positions typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Other high-paying roles include marine engineers and vessel managers, especially those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience operating large or commercial vessels.

How do I get into working on a boat?

To work on a boat, you typically need relevant skills such as seamanship, navigation, or maintenance, and often require certifications like a boating safety or maritime license. Gaining experience through entry-level positions, apprenticeships, or volunteering can help you build qualifications and understanding of the work environment.

How can I make money with a boat?

A boat operator can make money by offering services such as boat tours, fishing charters, or transportation. Skills in navigation, customer service, and proper licensing or certifications are often required, and scheduling can vary based on demand and seasonality.
More about Boat jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Boat jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Boat jobs in Iowa? For Boat jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boat jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Boat jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Boat jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Boat job openings:
Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat job openings in Iowa as of July 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 $50,280 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Harbor Boat Pilot

Harbor Boat Pilot

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Burlington, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

J.F. Brennan rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Brennan Marine Inc. (Brennan) is part of a 100-year-old, family-owned company headquartered out of La Crosse, WI. We provide inland harbor services for utility companies, dry bulk terminals, and specialty large bulk shippers along the Upper Mississippi River. We are a dependable barge transportation resource for the safe and efficient transport of grain, salt, coal, cement, fertilizer, pig iron, asphalt, oversized mechanical components, and more. We offer our employees growth through challenging opportunities, empowerment, and meaningful work.
We are known as an industry leader in providing well-coordinated, logistically efficient services to both our terminal clients and line haul carriers. We're unwavering, fast learners, and experts in our fields.
Are you an accomplished Pilot, who can apply your skills, knowledge, and passion as a leader on our Brennan Marine team?
As a Pilot at Brennan, you are a key member in our organization. You ensure vessels are crewed, operated, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and customer expectations along the Mississippi River. You are an essential worker at Brennan and in the US. Economy.
What are your responsibilities as a Pilot on the Brennan Marine team?
  • Responsible for tow makeup/breakup, barge fleeting, barge shifting, marine plant operations and any/all other vessel assistance required.
  • Coordination scheduled work in switching and fleeting dept. and insuring the completion in a safe, timely, and efficient manner
  • Accurate completion of the Daily Vessel Logs and any other logs or records in accordance with policy
  • Responsible for crew's safety meetings, guidelines and safety training, drills, materials and policy
  • Lead, collaborate, and direct vessel crew activities
  • Ensure that all work complies with all government rules and regulations as required by the Coast Guard, State and Federal environmental regulations, OSHA regulations and AWO RCP
  • Actively promote "The Brennan Way" in all interactions both internally and externally

Do you have what it takes to safely move cargo and lead a vessel crew?
  • Licensed Master of Towing Vessels Western Rivers is required
  • 3 years' work in the field in a department related to harbor services work
  • Knowledge of General navigation procedures, navigation rules, sound and light signals, tug lights and shapes, barge running lights, reports of boarding, uninspected towing vessel, AWO RCP to operate the vessels in a safe and efficient manner
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Effective at adapting to changing workplans

Compensation and Benefits
We provide a generous, industry-leading benefits package. The protection of our employees and families is important to us, we are proud to offer a group health insurance plan that is designed with our teams needs in mind.
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
  • Optional accident, cancer, and critical illness insurance
  • 401(k) program with generous matching
  • Annual bonus eligibility
  • Annual profit-sharing program
  • Paid vacation, time off
  • ID protection
  • Fitness plan reimbursement

Why choose us?
  • You will get to work for a company voted by our employees as a Great Place to Work®, for the fourth year in a row.
  • Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to exceed.
  • They key to our success is our people! From personal development, to teamwork and collaboration, we strive to promote individual growth and advancement.
  • We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above average compensation.

If you want a career where you will work hard, have opportunities for advancement, and do things every day that others only dream about then we want you.
Brennan Marine, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
J.F. Brennan Company Inc. ("Brennan") and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan's resume database will be considered Brennan property. Brennan will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan's Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Capital at:
Phone: 608-784-7173
Email: jobs@jfbrennan.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster and/or view the Pay Transparency Policy State please click here.
For more information on federal labor laws please click here.

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