ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Vessel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Think Tank, Inc.

Fishery Observer III

Key Biscayne, FL · On-site

... junior observers, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of data used in support of NOAA ... with vessel operators and NOAA personnel. * Strong understanding of federal fisheries laws ...

Gulf Stream Marine

Longshoreman III - Stevedoring

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

May lead small teams or mentor junior staff. Qualifications Demonstrated experience in vessel hold ... Proficiency in operating forklifts, yard mules, chain saws, and chop saws. Strong understanding of ...

Stabbert Offshore Crew

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

... operating tests. * Stand security watch when required. * Support the vessel in adhering to all safety and flag requirements. * Ensure all aspects of the SMS are followed. * Train junior crew in ...

Ingram Barge Company

Port Engineer

Paducah, KY · On-site

... and keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a Port Engineer , you'll play a key role in ... Assisting with communications to vessel engineers, troubleshooting problems, training of junior ...

Ingram Barge Company

Port Engineer

Reserve, LA · On-site

... and keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a Port Engineer , you'll play a key role in ... Assisting with communications to vessel engineers, troubleshooting problems, training of junior ...

Ingram Barge Company

Port Engineer

Paducah, KY

... and keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a Port Engineer , you'll play a key role in ... Assisting with communications to vessel engineers, troubleshooting problems, training of junior ...

Ingram Barge Company

Port Engineer

Reserve, LA

... and keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a Port Engineer , you'll play a key role in ... Assisting with communications to vessel engineers, troubleshooting problems, training of junior ...

Ingram Barge Company

Port Engineer

Paducah, KY · On-site

... and keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a Port Engineer , you'll play a key role in ... Assisting with communications to vessel engineers, troubleshooting problems, training of junior ...

Ingram Barge Company

Port Engineer

Reserve, LA

... and keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a Port Engineer , you'll play a key role in ... Assisting with communications to vessel engineers, troubleshooting problems, training of junior ...

Saronic Technologies

Operator

Franklin, LA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

... of junior operators * Collaborate and communicate with welders, metal fitters, pipefitters, electricians, and other trades as required to complete vessel construction or repair and to maintain ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsJunior Vessel Operator Jobs

Junior Vessel Operator information

See salary details

$22.5K

$72.5K

$124K

How much do junior vessel operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior vessel operator in the United States is $72,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Junior Vessel Operators?

Junior Vessel Operators are entry-level professionals in the maritime industry who assist in managing the daily operations of ships or vessels. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring vessel schedules, communicating with crew and port agents, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and supporting senior operators in coordinating cargo operations. This role provides hands-on experience in shipping logistics and is a stepping stone to more advanced roles in vessel management. Junior Vessel Operators often work for shipping companies, logistics firms, or port authorities.

What is the difference between Junior Vessel Operator vs Deckhand?

AspectJunior Vessel OperatorDeckhand
Required CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Marine Radio Operator PermitSTCW Basic Safety, Basic Seamanship
Work EnvironmentOperate vessels, assist navigation, perform safety checksMaintain deck, handle lines, assist with cargo
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, offshoreMaritime, fishing, offshore

Both roles are entry-level maritime positions requiring safety certifications. The Junior Vessel Operator focuses on operating and navigating vessels, while the Deckhand primarily handles deck maintenance and cargo tasks. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right career path in the maritime industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Vessel Operators, and how can they best prepare for them?

Junior Vessel Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating logistics between multiple departments, monitoring vessel schedules, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Adapting quickly to unexpected operational issues, such as delays or mechanical problems, is also common. To prepare, candidates should develop strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Familiarity with industry software and willingness to learn from experienced team members can also make the transition smoother.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Vessel Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Vessel Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, shipping logistics, and relevant maritime regulations, often supported by a degree in maritime studies or a similar field. Familiarity with voyage management systems, cargo tracking software, and basic knowledge of maritime safety protocols are typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you coordinate with crews, agents, and clients efficiently. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, timely, and cost-effective vessel operations in a complex global shipping environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Operator jobs? The most popular types of Vessel Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Junior Vessel Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,482 per year, or $34.8 per hour.
Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator (SDPO)

Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator (SDPO)

Valaris

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Job Summary
The Sr Dynamic Positioning Operator (Sr DPO) operates the automated and fixed station keeping system of the MODU while on location and acts as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway. The Sr DPO is the Senior Marine representative on the bridge/control room.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Reports directly to the Chief Mate or Barge Supervisor. May report directly to the Master if no Chief Mate/Barge Supervisor is on tour.
    • Is the senior person on the bridge/control room in the absence of the Chief Mate or Master.
    • Junior Dynamic Positioning Operator (JDPO) and Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) report directly to the Sr DPO.
    • Complies with the Valaris Management System's (VMS), policies, procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements.
    • Responsible for proper set up, operation, and monitoring of the DP System and associated sensors.
    • Operates and understands ballast control system, power management system, bilge system, ventilation system, fire & gas system, fuel system, etc. as per the most recent class-approved DP FMEA and Proving Trials.
    • Responsible for maintaining applicable and required regulatory and internal vessel records.
    • Immediately communicates a situation that may result in a position loss or any equipment fault or failure that degrades station-keeping ability.
    • Maintains DP/Bridge logbooks and other DP records as required.
    • Maintains records of system anomalies and ensures they are adequately corrected.
    • Supports Preventive and Corrective DP equipment maintenance.
    • Supports acoustic system setup and deployment.
    • Understands basic drill floor operations and their potential impact on DP operations.
    • Ensures effective communication with the drill floor, Engine Control Room (ECR) and ROV (when deployed) while connected to the seabed.
    • Maintains operational awareness and plans DP operations to support the overall operational goal.
    • Maintains awareness of Permits to Work and Isolated equipment as it pertains to equipment or systems that support DP operations.
    • Ensures operations are planned, organized, supervised, and executed in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, company requirements, and contractual obligations.
  • Prepares a comprehensive and accurate work status report and communicate it at end of shift and end of hitch handovers.
  • Maintains a safe navigational watch as required and as directed by the Master.
  • Reviews and understands the vessel's class-approved DP Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Proving Trials.
  • Reviews and understands the requirements of the SSOC procedure.
  • Possesses full operational knowledge of the data logger.
  • Responsible to ensure DPOs and Jr DPOs receive adequate on-the-job DP training and experience.
  • Prepares and executes rig move plans in accordance with Master's Standing Orders and company procedures.
  • Maintains nautical publications and charts per regulatory standards.
  • Maintains Voyage Planning report (transits/field moves).
  • Ensures safe Dynamic Positioning activities and Simultaneous Operations with other vessels.
  • Responsible for maintaining the 500-meter exclusion zone of the vessel.
  • Maintains awareness of Permits to Work and Isolated equipment as it pertains to equipment or systems that support DP operations.
  • Performs emergency duties and responsibilities as stated on the Station Bill, DP Emergency Response Plan and vessel specific Emergency Response Manual.
  • As an identified Barrier Authority (BA) under the Valaris Management System (VMS), integral to the management and control of Major Accident Hazards/Process Safety Risks. Responsible for the thorough and timely completion of assigned barrier integrity verification activities, as prescribed under VMS, for the assessment of associated deficiencies and, if applicable taking mitigating or corrective actions to the best of their competency, knowledge and ability

Qualifications / Experience
  • Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch License STCW 95 II/1
  • Valid Flag State Endorsement
  • Valid Dynamic Positioning Operator certificate
  • Valid Ballast Control Operator credential (for semi-submersible MODUs)
  • Minimum of two (2) years experience as certified DPO on MODU's and preferably on same type of DP system; or three years minimum experience as certified DPO from other type DP vessel
  • Fluent English communication skills
  • Compliant with all mandatory Sr DPO training described in the Valaris training matrix.

Behaviors
As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the principles outlined in our Behavioral Framework. This framework serves as the foundation for our organizational culture and guides our behaviors to drive better outcomes across the company. Employees are responsible for incorporating these behaviors into their daily actions, relationships, and decision-making to help manage expectations, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Our five behaviors that define our culture are:
Analyze & Plan - Being deliberate in understanding and describing the problem to solve and using information from a range of relevant sources to develop solutions that are effective and evidence-based.
Collaborate - Collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and leveraging one another's strengths based on trust, transparency, and empathy, creating an environment where everyone's input is valued.
Communicate - Communicate clearly with all employees and stakeholders, ensuring active listening, understanding, and timely information sharing.
Learn, Grow & Adapt - Building organizational capability through our own learning and development while coaching others and supporting others to adapt, learn, and develop.
Deliver Results - Striving to deliver and exceed required results, identifying and overcoming obstacles, and taking responsibility for the outcome while respecting our values.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Valaris is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other non-job elated factors. Valaris is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need such an accommodation, or a religious accommodation, please contact recruiting@valaris.com.
About Us
At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry. Our diverse fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers' well program requirements. Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well-trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments. With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.

Apply