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Push Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Minerals

Ferry Boat Captain

Franklin, LA · On-site

Ferry Boat Captain - Part-Time Summary: This part-time role is responsible for safely transporting ... Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds routinely and ...

Lake Country Barge

Be Seen First

Pier and Boat Lift Installation Barge Captain

Pewaukee, WI · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Safely operate and captain installation barges during pier and boat lift installs, removals, and ... Ability to lift, push, pull, and work outdoors in varying conditions * Safety-first mindset with ...

Urgent

Flagship Cruises & Events

Captain

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Captains support vessel readiness and operational preparations and must be available to work ... Must be able to lift/pull/push 50lbs * Ability to bend, rotate and reach frequently * Ascending ...

Flagship Cruises & Events

Captain

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Captains support vessel readiness and operational preparations and must be available to work ... Must be able to lift/pull/push 50lbs * Ability to bend, rotate and reach frequently * Ascending ...

Pae

Plane Captain - VMG

Fallon, NV

$50.66/hr

The successful Plane Captain performs aircraft handling, servicing, daily and turn around ... level, push or pull weight up to (70) pounds. * Must have close vision to include color vision ...

Amentum

Plane Captain - VMG

Fallon, NV · On-site

$50.66/hr

The successful Plane Captain performs aircraft handling, servicing, daily and turn around ... level, push or pull weight up to (70) pounds. * Must have close vision to include color vision ...

Pae

Plane Captain- VMG

Fallon, NV · On-site

$50.66/hr

The successful Plane Captain performs aircraft handling, servicing, daily and turn around ... level, push or pull weight up to (70) pounds. * Must have close vision to include color vision ...

Amentum

Plane Captain- VMG

Fallon, NV · On-site

$50.66/hr

The successful Plane Captain performs aircraft handling, servicing, daily and turn around ... level, push or pull weight up to (70) pounds. * Must have close vision to include color vision ...

Pae

Plane Captain - VMG

Fallon, NV · On-site

$50.66/hr

The successful Plane Captain performs aircraft handling, servicing, daily and turn around ... level, push or pull weight up to (70) pounds. * Must have close vision to include color vision ...

Amentum

Plane Captain - VMG

Fallon, NV · On-site

$50.66/hr

The successful Plane Captain performs aircraft handling, servicing, daily and turn around ... level, push or pull weight up to (70) pounds. * Must have close vision to include color vision ...

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All JobsPush Boat Captain Jobs

Push Boat Captain information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do push boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for push boat captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Push Boat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Push Boat Captain, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a U.S. Coast Guard license such as a Master of Towing Vessels endorsement. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, marine radios, and engine monitoring equipment is essential for safe and efficient vessel management. Leadership, situational awareness, and strong communication skills are crucial for coordinating crew and responding to changing conditions. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe transport of cargo, compliance with regulations, and effective teamwork on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by Push Boat Captains when navigating rivers and inland waterways?

Push Boat Captains often encounter challenges such as varying water levels, shifting currents, and navigating through congested or narrow channels. Weather conditions and visibility can change rapidly, requiring constant vigilance and quick decision-making. Additionally, coordinating with crew members and communicating effectively with port authorities are essential to ensure safe and efficient operations. Successfully managing these factors is key to maintaining the safety of the vessel and its cargo.

What are Push Boat Captains?

Push Boat Captains are licensed mariners responsible for operating and navigating push boats, also known as towboats, which move barges along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. They oversee the crew, ensure the safe and efficient transport of cargo, and comply with maritime regulations. Push Boat Captains must have strong leadership skills, knowledge of navigation and safety protocols, and typically hold a U.S. Coast Guard license specific to the waterways and vessel type they operate. Their work is critical to the transportation of goods such as grain, coal, and petroleum products across the country.

What is the difference between Push Boat Captain vs Tugboat Engineer?

AspectPush Boat CaptainTugboat Engineer
CertificationsCaptain's license, STCW certificationEngineer's license, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentBridge of push boats, inland and coastal waterwaysEngine room of tugboats, ports, and harbors
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesMaritime companies, port operations
Primary ResponsibilitiesNavigate and operate push boats, oversee crewMaintain and operate engines, troubleshoot mechanical issues

While both roles are vital in maritime operations, the Push Boat Captain focuses on navigation and overall vessel command, whereas the Tugboat Engineer specializes in engine maintenance and mechanical systems. Both require maritime certifications and work closely within port and inland waterways industries.

More about Push Boat Captain jobs
What states have the most Push Boat Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Push Boat Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Push Boat Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Push Boat Captain jobs are:
Push Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Push Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Ferry Boat Captain

Ferry Boat Captain

Compass Minerals

Franklin, LA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Safely transport personnel and authorized visitors in compliance with Coast Guard and company regulations.

  • Inspect, operate, and maintain the ferry and all safety equipment.

  • Maintain accurate ferry crossing logs and ensure passenger forms are completed for visitors without a security pass.

Compass Minerals rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 31 rated mining

Job description

Ferry Boat Captain - Part-Time
Summary: This part-time role is responsible for safely transporting personnel and authorized visitors while maintaining compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard and Company regulations. This role must demonstrate strong communication skills, and maintain steadfast commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence. Plays a critical role in supporting daily operations by ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of personnel to and from the facility.
Work Schedule:
  • Shift: Tuesday 8:00 PM to Tuesday 8:00 PM (7-day rotation)

Ferry Operating Hours:
  • 5:30 AM - 8:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • 10:00 PM - 10:45 PM

Essential Job Functions: Include but are not limited to the following:
(Management reserves the right to add or modify the duties and responsibilities at any time.)
  • Comply with all Coast Guard and Company regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintain the highest standards of passenger safety and security.
  • Inspect, operate, and maintain the ferry and all safety equipment.
  • Operate sonar, radar, and AIS systems to monitor vessel traffic.
  • Complete the Ferry Operator Checklist every 24 hours.
  • Control ferry access, ensuring only authorized personnel board.
  • Safely navigate waterways, judge distances, and yield right-of-way to channel traffic.
  • Respond to spills and promptly report incidents to management.
  • Work effectively in a team environment.
  • Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Maintain accurate ferry crossing logs and records.
  • Ensure passenger acknowledgment forms are completed for visitors without a Cote Blanche Security Pass.
  • Adhere strictly to the established ferry run schedule.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Required Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Maintain a 100-Ton U.S. Coast Guard Master Near Coastal endorsement.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to throw life rings, deploy and row a lifeboat, fuel the ferry, and climb stairs.
  • Ability to perform tasks requiring the frequent use of hands and arms for handling, grasping, manipulating, and reaching objects, as well as communicating effectively in the work environment.
  • Ability to perform physical activities such as standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling on a frequent basis.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds routinely and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Compass Minerals is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are firmly committed to making all employment-related decisions without regard to race, ancestry, ethnicity, color, religious creed or belief, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy and breastfeeding), age, military or veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law. Learn more about equal employment opportunity laws at dol.gov. June 2026
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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