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Harbor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

... harbor service usage, and overtime. The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. 5.1.7 The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a ...

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

$350 - $700/day

... harbor service usage, and overtime. The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. 5.1.7 The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a ...

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of all crew and equipment. Responsibilities & Duties: * Responsible for safety of navigation and ...

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Harbor Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do harbor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for harbor pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Harbor Pilot?

A typical day for a Harbor Pilot involves boarding large vessels as they approach or depart a port, frequently by pilot boat or sometimes by helicopter, and expertly navigating them through challenging harbor waters to their berth or safe exit. Pilots must coordinate closely with ship captains, tugboat crews, and harbor authorities to ensure every maneuver is safe and compliant with local regulations. Work schedules can vary, often including night shifts, weekends, and being on-call to respond to ships at any hour. The role requires constant focus and readiness, as every vessel and weather condition presents unique challenges.

What is a Harbor Pilot job?

A Harbor Pilot is a highly trained maritime professional responsible for safely navigating ships into and out of ports, harbors, and restricted waterways. They have expert knowledge of local tides, currents, and hazards, ensuring vessels avoid accidents and comply with port regulations. Pilots board incoming ships, often via pilot boats or helicopters, and take temporary control to guide them safely to their berth. Their work is crucial for preventing collisions, protecting the environment, and maintaining efficient port operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Harbor Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Harbor Pilot, you need expert knowledge of local waterways, advanced ship handling abilities, and a marine pilot license, often requiring years of seafaring experience and specialized examination. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, communication equipment, and local port regulations is crucial. Exceptional situational awareness, decisiveness under pressure, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient guiding of vessels, protecting crews, cargo, and infrastructure within busy harbors.

More about Harbor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Harbor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Harbor Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Harbor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Harbor Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Harbor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Harbor Pilot jobs include:
Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency) with Security Clearance

Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency) with Security Clearance

KBR

Garcia, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency) Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary KBR provides full-spectrum base operations support to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a remote location in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Our robust supply chain ensures on-time delivery of mission-critical supplies, and our team conducts essential port and airfield operations in this geographically complex environment. The KBR team is over 1,000 people strong, providing not only life support services such as water treatment, electricity, and telecom/antenna maintenance, but also quality of life services like Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and an award-winning dining facility. Job Summary The Harbor Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation, piloting, docking, and scheduling of all naval, civilian, and commercial vessels operating within Diego Garcia Harbor and surrounding waters. This role serves as a key liaison between military and civilian stakeholders and ensures harbor operations fully support mission-critical activities. Minimum of three (3) years' experience as an Unlimited Tonnage Harbor and Docking Pilot or Chief Harbor Pilot. Roles and Responsibilities * Prepare and coordinate the Daily Harbor Schedule for review and approval by the Port Operations Officer.
* Pilot U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, civilian, and foreign-flagged vessels of all classes and unlimited tonnage into and out of Diego Garcia Harbor.
* Operate in all environmental conditions, including darkness, reduced visibility, strong currents, heavy rain, and gale-force winds.
* Direct and coordinate the simultaneous operation of multiple tugboats, pusher boats, and support craft during vessel maneuvering, docking, unmooring, and anchoring.
* Consult nautical charts, maps, tide tables, weather reports, and navigation systems to determine safe vessel movements.
* Set vessel courses and speeds using expert knowledge of local waters, including depths, tides, currents, weather patterns, and navigational hazards.
* Ensure vessel movements avoid reefs, shoals, and other hazards by utilizing navigational aids such as sector lights, channel markers, buoys, and land-based navigation aids.
* Advise ship Masters on local harbor rules, safety procedures, and lagoon customs requirements.
* Supervise naval and civilian personnel engaged in docking, berthing, and mooring of vessels, floating docks, cranes, and barges.
* Serve as the primary liaison with:
* Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia
* Commander Squadron Two
* Military Sealift Command
* Tenant and supported commands
* Coordinate all harbor movements of ships, small craft, cargo barges, fuel barges, and LCM operations to ensure uninterrupted mission support.
* Act as Docking Master, developing and executing vessel-specific mooring plans for Deep Draft Wharf and POL Fueling Pier operations.
* Determine and supervise proper placement of pier fenders, docking camels, and mooring configurations based on vessel size and requirements. BASIC JOB QUALIFICATIONS: (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): * Must be U.S. citizens.
* Must possess Special Background Investigation (SBI), secret clearance.
* Must be retired U.S. Navy, E-7 or above is preferred.
* Superior leadership and management skills.
* Must hold a valid driver's license. JOB SPECIFICATIONS: SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS OR TRAINING * Must be properly licensed by the USCG (or other recognized regulatory body) and be Unlimited Tonnage rated or have prior Navy experience with NEC 0215 qualifications and have had an exemplary record as a Navy Pilot.
* U.S. Navy Harbor and Docking Pilot (QM-0215)
* Submit qualifications to Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for approval prior to hiring. EDUCATION: * Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Studies (BS in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture) or other related maritime fields, based on a four-year course of study from an accredited university or college. KBR Benefits * KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998