ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Tractor tug/Z drive experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Tractor tug/Z drive experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

Neptune City, NJ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Knowledge of NY Harbor a PLUS Must be able to pass drug/alcohol and background check, have a valid ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

New York, NY · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Knowledge of NY Harbor a PLUS Must be able to pass drug/alcohol and background check, have a valid ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

Marine Towage

Senior Commercial Manager

Seattle, WA

$132K - $199K/yr

About Us Saltchuk Marine operates a portfolio of marine transportation companies focused on tug, projects, and harbor services across the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii. Its core operating ...

McAllister Towing

Captain

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHarbor Tug Jobs

Harbor Tug information

See salary details

$290K

$400K

How much do harbor tug jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for harbor tug in the United States is $393,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $400,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Harbor Tug job?

A Harbor Tug job involves operating or assisting in the maneuvering of tugboats to guide large vessels safely in and out of harbors, docks, and narrow waterways. Harbor tug crews help with berthing, unberthing, and towing operations, ensuring ships navigate tight spaces efficiently. Responsibilities may include deck operations, engine maintenance, and communication with port authorities. This role requires maritime experience, knowledge of tugboat operations, and adherence to safety regulations.

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

To thrive as a Harbor Tug operator, you need practical seamanship skills, knowledge of harbor navigation, and often a valid merchant mariner credential or appropriate licensing. Familiarity with marine radio systems, tug-specific controls, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew and port authorities. These skills ensure safe, efficient vessel maneuvering and help prevent accidents in the challenging and busy harbor environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Harbor Tug operators on the job?

Harbor Tug operators frequently work in dynamic and sometimes hazardous conditions, including poor weather, strong currents, or congested harbors, which require quick decision-making and expert navigation skills. Daily responsibilities often involve close coordination with vessel pilots, port staff, and other tug crews to maneuver large ships safely in and out of docking spaces. Additionally, operators may work irregular hours or be on-call to respond to urgent harbor needs. These challenges demand adaptability, attention to safety, and effective communication to ensure smooth port operations and minimize risks.

More about Harbor Tug jobs
What cities are hiring for Harbor Tug jobs? Cities with the most Harbor Tug job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Harbor Tug jobs? The most popular types of Harbor Tug jobs are:
What states have the most Harbor Tug jobs? States with the most job openings for Harbor Tug jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Harbor Tug jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Harbor Tug jobs are:
Harbor Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harbor Tug job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $393,215 per year, or $189 per hour.
Mate

Mate

McAllister Towing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking highly qualified Mate to join our team.   Duties and responsibilities are outlined below: 

Mate: 

Description/Job Summary:

The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug.  The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions.  The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.   

Preferred Experience:

  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:

  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate license
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Tractor tug/Z drive experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • STCW 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Apply