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Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

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 ...

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 ...

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Harbor Tug information

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$290K

$400K

How much do harbor tug jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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?

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 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.

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.

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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:

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Harbor Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harbor Tug job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $393,215 per year, or $189 per hour.

Harbor Boat Pilot

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Burlington, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 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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