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River Boat Engineer 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 ... We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT ENGINEER

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for a Boat Engineer for our line boats to operate ... We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT ENGINEER

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for a Boat Engineer for our line boats to operate ... We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the ...

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure project located on the Ohio River navigation ... The Boat Pilot will operate towboats and support vessels used to position barges, floating cranes ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements:

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements:

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT - FLEET

Blytheville, AR · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements:

State of Delaware

Ferry Boat Captain

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$49K/yr

... the river. * Ensures the vessel is supplied and rigged to serve the mission's purpose and to ... engineers, and others. * Maintains ferry boat logs and records pertaining to the operation of the ...

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River Boat Engineer information

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$9

$33

$67

How much do river boat engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for river boat engineer in the United States is $33.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $44.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a river boat engineer?

River boat engineers are specialized professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems of vessels that travel on rivers. They ensure that engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary equipment are functioning safely and efficiently throughout the journey. Their duties often include performing routine inspections, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and complying with safety and environmental regulations. River boat engineers play a crucial role in the safe and smooth operation of passenger and cargo vessels on inland waterways.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a river boat engineer?

To thrive as a River Boat Engineer, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of marine engines and hydraulics, and relevant certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or relevant Coast Guard endorsements. Familiarity with marine diagnostic tools, navigation systems, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations and maintenance. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork are critical soft skills for ensuring smooth vessel operation and effective communication with the crew. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining safety, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring efficient riverboat performance.

What are some common challenges river boat engineers face during routine operations?

River Boat Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability in varying weather conditions and responding quickly to unexpected mechanical issues while on the water. They must also manage regular inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure compliance with safety regulations and minimize downtime. Collaboration with the captain and deck crew is essential, especially when troubleshooting engine problems or coordinating repairs during active voyages. Staying adaptable and attentive to detail helps River Boat Engineers maintain smooth operations and passenger safety.

What is the difference between River Boat Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectRiver Boat EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsSTCW certification, boat-specific licensesSTCW certification, marine engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentRivers, inland waterways, small to medium vesselsOceans, large ships, offshore platforms
Employer & IndustryRiver cruise lines, inland shipping companiesShipping lines, offshore oil & gas, naval vessels

River Boat Engineers focus on maintaining and repairing vessels operating on inland waterways, requiring specific certifications for river navigation. Marine Engineers work on larger ships and offshore platforms, often in oceanic environments, with broader marine engineering credentials. Both roles involve mechanical and technical skills but differ mainly in work setting and vessel type.

More about River Boat Engineer jobs

What states have the most River Boat Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for River Boat Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching River Boat Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for River Boat Engineer jobs are:

River Boat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Boat Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,673 per year, or $34 per hour.

BOAT ENGINEER

Terral River Service Inc

Lettsworth, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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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