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Guard Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Petersburg, VA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Norfolk, VA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Norfolk, VA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker ...

United States Coast Guard

Boatswain's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

... Coast Guard-funded educational opportunities that lead to an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or higher may be available. Related Civilian Jobs * Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels

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Guard Pilot information

What is a guard pilot?

Guard Pilots are military aviators who serve in the Air National Guard or Army National Guard. Their primary duties include piloting aircraft for both state and federal missions, such as disaster response, homeland security, and combat operations. Guard Pilots may fly various types of aircraft, including fighters, cargo planes, and helicopters, depending on their unit and assignment. They balance military responsibilities with civilian life, often serving part-time while maintaining a civilian career. Training and qualifications are similar to those of active duty military pilots.

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

To thrive as a Guard Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot's license, strong aviation knowledge, and a thorough understanding of flight safety protocols. Familiarity with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and mission-specific equipment is typically required, along with completion of specialized military training and certifications. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork skills are vital for handling high-pressure situations and coordinating with ground and air personnel. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission success and maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational effectiveness.

What are some common challenges guard pilots face during deployments, and how can they prepare for them?

Guard Pilots often encounter unique challenges during deployments, such as rapidly changing mission requirements, operating in unfamiliar or austere environments, and balancing civilian and military commitments. Preparing for these challenges involves maintaining a high level of proficiency through regular training, staying adaptable to new technologies and mission types, and fostering strong communication with both military teams and civilian employers. Building resilience and support networks within the unit also helps Guard Pilots manage the demands of deployment effectively.

What is the difference between Guard Pilot vs Security Pilot?

AspectGuard PilotSecurity Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Security ClearanceCommercial Pilot License, Security Clearance
Work EnvironmentAirborne security patrols, private security flightsAirborne security operations, surveillance flights
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, corporate securityGovernment agencies, private security companies

Both Guard Pilots and Security Pilots require similar certifications and often operate in airborne security roles. However, Guard Pilots typically focus on private security flights for corporations or individuals, while Security Pilots may work more frequently with government agencies or in surveillance roles. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in airborne security services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Guard Pilot jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Guard Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Guard Pilot jobs in Virginia?

For Guard Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Guard Pilot jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Guard Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Guard Pilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Guard Pilot job openings:

Guard Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guard Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.

River Pilot

American Cruise Lines

Petersburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

River Pilot
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Nav Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Nav Mates are prudent decision-makers continually assessing potential risk weeks, days, and hours ahead of the vessel and crew. Our Nav Mates are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Nav Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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