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Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Commercial Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$132K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Senior Commercial Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$132K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Fleet Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... tug and barge industry across Hampton Roads, Virginia, Eastern North Carolina, and the New York Harbor / Long Island Sound region. Our mission is to provide safe, environmentally responsible, and ...

... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore ...

... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

Inland Captain

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge. The job responsibilities include but ... Five (5) years of experience towing barges as Master in New York Harbor, North River, and Long ...

Inland Captain

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge. Responsibilities The job ... Five (5) years of experience towing barges as Master in New York Harbor, North River, and Long ...

In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are ... The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations ...

In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are ... The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Harbor 401(k) match · Opportunities for professional growth and development. How to Apply: If you ...

Showing results 41-60

Harbor Tug information

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$290K

$400K

How much do harbor tug jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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.

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:

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.

Licensed Engineers

McAllister Towing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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 Licensed Engineers to join our team.   Duties and responsibilities are outlined below.  

Licensed Engineer:

We are looking for a Licensed Engineer for McAllister of Virginia.  

The Licensed Engineer is an experienced skilled crewmember on board the vessel's Engineering Department.  The Licensed Engineer is directly responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment on the boat.  The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer.  The Licensed Engineer must keep Captain apprised of issue(s) or his or her relief.

Responsible for the good condition and efficiency working of the entire machinery plant of the vessel including main engines, propulsion, and auxiliary machinery, all electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic machinery, steering machinery, and all associated components, deck machinery and any and all other valves, pipes, watertight integrity of the vessel. 

The Licensed Engineer must maintain compliance with the quality, safety, and environmental management system as detailed in the McAllister Operations Manual.
Supervises the procurement, loading, use and transfer and discharge of all potable water, ballast water, fuel oil, lube oil, ascertaining that said products are of proper quality and quantity when received on board and making the proper entries in the log and on the Fuel Transfer Certificate. 
Repairs all machinery and equipment onboard the vessel within his capacity and completes the daily engine log each day.

Required Skills:

 Valid Merchant Mariner's Credential.
Valid TWIC Card
Valid Engineering License
Must pass pre-employment drug test.
Must pass pre-employment physical.
- A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Physical Requirements:
 
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Engineer to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew.  You must have the physical ability to operate heavy machinery.  Repair work may involve assignments to work beneath machines and close quarters.  Frequent stooping and bending required.  Specific physical requirements include:
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet 
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.