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Push Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT ENGINEER

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for a Boat Engineer for our line boats to operate ... With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT ENGINEER

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for a Boat Engineer for our line boats to operate ... With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT - FLEET

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Steers pushboat to push or pull vessels to destination and to berth and un-berth ships avoiding ... This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT ENGINEER

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for a Boat Engineer for our line boats to operate ... With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically ...

T. Parker Host

Deckhand

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

Work with Captain to ensure the safe and reliable daily operation of their push boat * Work with Captain to ensure safe and reliable daily movements of the United Bulk Terminals fleet * Make-up and ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK

Ability to regularly carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds. * Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels. * Ability to maintain balance on moving, wet, or ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Capacity to carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds. * Capacity to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels. * Capacity to maintain balance on moving, wet, or uneven ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK · On-site

Ability to regularly carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds. * Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels. * Ability to maintain balance on moving, wet, or ...

Lund Boats

Thunder Jet Boat Pre-Assembler

Clarkston, WA · On-site

$19.20 - $21/hr

... hands to reach, pull, push, clasp, and move a variety of materials. * The employee must ... Brunswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner ...

Brunswick

Thunder Jet Boat Pre-Assembler

Clarkston, WA · On-site

$19.20 - $21/hr

... hands to reach, pull, push, clasp, and move a variety of materials. * The employee must ... Brunswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner ...

Cajun Industries

Crew boat Captain

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Must be able to push/pull, lift, or carry up to 50 lbs., but may occasionally push/pull, lift, or carry up to 100 lbs. * Subject to repetitive use of hands/arms, and legs * Hand/eye coordination ...

Cajun Industries

Crew boat Captain

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Must be able to push/pull, lift, or carry up to 50 lbs., but may occasionally push/pull, lift, or carry up to 100 lbs. * Subject to repetitive use of hands/arms, and legs * Hand/eye coordination ...

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Push Boat information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do push boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for push boat 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 is a push boat?

A Push Boat job involves operating or assisting in maneuvering a specialized vessel designed to push barges on rivers and waterways. Crew members handle navigation, maintenance, and ensure safe transport of cargo. Responsibilities vary based on the role, from captains piloting the vessel to deckhands securing tow lines and performing upkeep. These jobs require physical endurance, teamwork, and knowledge of maritime safety regulations. Many positions also require certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or specific endorsements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the push boat position?

To excel as a Push Boat operator, you need experience in marine vessel operation, a valid U.S. Coast Guard credential (such as a Master of Towing or Mate of Towing license), and a solid understanding of river navigation rules. Familiarity with navigation electronics, deck machinery, and safety systems is essential for safe and efficient operations. Strong communication, leadership, and situational awareness help facilitate teamwork and ensure safety on board. These skills are vital for maneuvering large barges, coordinating with crews, and responding effectively to changing river conditions.

What are typical work schedules and environments like for push boat operators?

Push Boat operators often work in rotations, such as 20 days on followed by 10 days off, with shifts usually ranging from 6 to 12 hours a day, including night and weekend hours. The environment is primarily on the water, navigating rivers or inland waterways, and conditions can vary with weather and river traffic. You’ll collaborate closely with deckhands, engineers, and supervisors to ensure safe barge movements and routine vessel maintenance. This role requires adaptability to extended time away from home, a focus on safety, and teamwork in a close-quarters setting. Those who enjoy hands-on work in dynamic settings and value camaraderie often find this career rewarding.

Do push boat workers make good money?

Push boat workers, also known as tugboat operators, typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and certifications. On average, they can make between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with higher earnings possible for experienced operators or those working in specialized environments. The job often requires physical stamina, navigation skills, and safety training.
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Push Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Push Boat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

BOAT ENGINEER

Terral River Service Inc

Lettsworth, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Summary:

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for a Boat Engineer for our line boats to operate, repair and maintain the various systems aboard a vessel. This position reports to the Captain on duty under the supervision of the Port Engineer.


Essential Job Functions:

Applicants must be able to work a 28-day-on, 14-day-off or a 28-day-on, 28-day-off schedule.

Job duties are as follows, but not limited to:

  • Operate a vessel's propulsion systems according to the Captain on duty, which includes, but is not limited to refueling, starting the engines, and regulating engine speed and power as directed.
  • Engineers perform routine propulsion maintenance; isolate malfunctions observed during operation and perform repairs.
  • Perform minor repairs on vessel systems (engines, generators, etc.)
  • Performs general maintenance and repair work which includes, but is not limited to
  • electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, ventilation, heating and cooling systems.
  • Record and maintain engineering logs, such as speed and direction change orders and gauge readings.
  • Maintain a vessel's inventory of mechanical parts and supplies.
  • Communicate concerns & job-related issues to the Port Engineer and Captain.
  • General boat cleaning and upkeep.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Basic requirements:

  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC.
  • Must have at least (1) one year of qualifying experience operating and maintaining Caterpillar (CAT) and Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) diesel engines and power generators.
  • Extensive knowledge of marine equipment, engines, and boat systems is preferred.
  • Must have and maintain a valid/current Driver's license.
  • Must have dependable transportation to designated TRS locations, no exceptions.
  • Must be able to work various hours/holidays/weekends.

Physical Requirements

  • The employee must pass a "fit for duty" and be able to meet physical requirements, including (but not limited to) walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders and stairs, and negotiating uneven or moving surfaces. 
  • Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.)
  • Must be comfortable working aboard boats and barges.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 40 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Note:

This job description provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Engineer. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry standards.


About Terral RiverService, Inc: 

Terral RiverService (TRS) is a Family-owned business with a continually growing footprint of boats and barges throughout most of the inland waterway system of the US. We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically located throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, we are outfitted to transport, handle, and store virtually any commodity needed in the marketplace. TRS has over 600 employees and has operations in multiple states.

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