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Ship Channel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyatt

Housekeeper - Room Attendant

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Hyatt Regency Baytown | A catalyst for Baytown's waterfront district development, and located at the base of the iconic Fred Hartman Bridge, along the Houston Ship Channel, the Hyatt Regency Baytown ...

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$48K

$68.7K

$91.5K

How much do ship channel jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship channel in the United States is $68,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Ship Channel Operator, you generally need knowledge of maritime operations, navigation rules, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Familiarity with vessel traffic management systems, radio communication tools, and navigational aids is typically required. Strong situational awareness, decision-making abilities, and clear communication skills are crucial for effective coordination. These skills are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vessels through busy waterways, minimizing risks and delays.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in ship channel operations?

Professionals in ship channel operations often encounter challenges such as coordinating vessel traffic during periods of high congestion, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and adapting to changing weather or tidal conditions. Effective communication with pilots, harbor masters, and port authorities is essential to prevent delays and maintain safe passage. Additionally, quick decision-making and problem-solving skills are vital, as unexpected situations such as equipment malfunctions or emergencies may arise.

What are Ship Channel jobs?

Ship Channel jobs involve various roles related to the operation, maintenance, and management of navigable waterways used by ships, such as port workers, channel pilots, dredge operators, and logistics coordinators. These professionals ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels through channels by monitoring traffic, coordinating with port authorities, and maintaining channel depth and safety. Ship Channel jobs are critical to supporting global trade and the transportation of goods by sea.

What is the difference between Ship Channel vs Marine Engineer?

AspectShip ChannelMarine Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, maritime certificationsEngineering degree, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentShip decks, cargo areas, port facilitiesEngine rooms, ship machinery spaces
Industry UsageNavigation, cargo handling, port operationsShip propulsion, mechanical systems maintenance

Ship Channel professionals focus on navigation, cargo operations, and port activities, often requiring maritime certifications. Marine Engineers specialize in maintaining and repairing ship engines and mechanical systems, typically holding engineering degrees. While both roles work within the maritime industry, Ship Channel roles are more operational and navigational, whereas Marine Engineers focus on technical ship systems.

More about Ship Channel jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Channel jobs? Cities with the most Ship Channel job openings:
What states have the most Ship Channel jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Channel jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Channel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Channel jobs are:
Ship Channel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Channel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,714 per year, or $33 per hour.
Managing Director, Channel Infrastructure

Managing Director, Channel Infrastructure

Port Houston

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence.
Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact.
Before submitting your application, please ensure your resume is ready for upload in either .doc or .pdf format. Application must be completed in full.
Position Summary:
Via supporting the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, helps to coordinate the Channel Infrastructure Operations, Marine Regulatory, and Channel Real Property Departments to assure availability of ship channels, its tributaries, and Port Houston berths for safe movement of commerce and to coordinate projects to further develop and enhance the Houston Ship Channel (HSC).
Key Responsibilities/Duties:
  • Act as a key interface with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Houston Pilots and provides strategic advice to Port executive management. Plans and executes federal agreements to facilitate commerce and safe navigation.
  • Combine business and technical acumen to support critical decisions. Leads and oversee, via subject matter expertise, marine permit applications to assure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Conduct strategic planning for the department and revises plans to align with Port Houston goals and objectives; provide quality control and assurance processes for staff and contractor activities.
  • Manage professional development of department team of professionals; hire and provide training for staff, conduct performance reviews and motivate staff to perform at high standards.
  • Develop and maintain a cost accountability system for fees and services related to Channel Infrastructure initiatives including interactions with USACE, USCG, and Houston Pilots; advise Port management on Channel Infrastructure financing initiatives and supports implementation.
  • Oversee the Disposal Area Management Program (DAMP) including the operations and maintenance, scope, cost, and schedule, as well as dredged material placement needs of the USACE, Private users and Port Houston, as required as local sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel
  • Obtain and maintain permits from the USACE and others as required for Port Houston construction projects and maintenance dredging of Port Houston's berthing areas and
    channels including the necessary dredge pipeline route permits, easements and rights-of-way; ensure all permits meet needed requirements to accomplish these projects including extension of time and conditions.
  • Ensure continuing compliance with required marine environmental permits from federal, state, and local agencies, acting as lead point of contact with such agencies including USACE, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • Lead the preparation and review of applications for marine permits, and the modification of active permits, for all Port Houston in-water activities. Review and comment to USACE on permit applications that may possibly affect navigation on the HSC and its tributaries.
  • Execute dredged material disposal agreements for the various terminal operators for the placement of dredged material in the Port Houston's dredged material areas; verify quantities and ensure proper invoicing and collection of funds by the accounting department.
  • Work with USACE, USCG and Houston Pilots to ensure the HSC and other federal project channels are dredged in a timely manner and maintained at the required project depth for safe navigation
  • Assist the other departments to the extent responsibilities overlap, in regard to engineering, planning, legislative initiatives, operations, and budgeting.
  • Liaises with Marine Regulatory Development Director and staff to monitor environmental compliance for all Channel Infrastructure projects; coordinate compliance with Environmental Affairs department
  • Coordinate work with Port Houston staff (within and outside Channel Infrastructure) to guide junior staff and technical personnel; responsible for maintaining quality standards and quality control; oversees and coordinates the design and construction phase navigation and dredging projects
  • Serve as the advocate and principal Port Houston official representing Port Houston to the federal government; develop and maintain positive relationships with elected officials and federal, state and local agencies related to Channel Infrastructure and channel use.
  • Liaise with internal colleagues for project advocacy and financing to align with project roadmap and implementation
  • Review invoices and verify expenses prior to approval
  • Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
  • Perform other duties as required

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Planning, or related major obtained through a formal 4-year degree public or accredited private academic institution required
  • Master's degree preferred
  • 15+ years of related engineering, environmental, regulatory, or project management experience required
  • Previous experience developing and leading projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Previous supervisory experience required
  • P.E., engineering board accreditation and/or project management certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:
  • Knowledge of the principles of project and program management
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and guidelines that affect the planning for submerged land and adjacent industrial property uses, riparian rights, NEPA, permits, departmental manuals and special legislation
  • Knowledge of dredging and dredged material placement area processes
  • Knowledge of strategic planning
  • Knowledge of methods, practices and processes of surveying, remote sensing and CADD/GIS
  • Knowledge of professional mechanical, electrical and civil engineering concepts
  • Knowledge of construction methods and techniques
  • Knowledge of capital budget formulation, development and execution
  • Project management skills
  • Leadership and coordination skills
  • Computer literacy skills
  • Skill in analytical writing, technical report writing and public speaking.
  • Ability to develop and communicate sophisticated business cases.
  • Ability to assess work requirements and prioritize tasks.
  • Ability to implement and execute proper staff procedures.
  • Ability to supervise and lead a diverse staff of professional, technical personnel.
  • Ability to develop scope of work, contract conditions and requirements for projects.
  • Ability to interpret and apply engineering instructions, specifications and other technical reference materials.

Key Competencies Required:
  • Analytical
  • Change Management
  • Continual Improvement
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing Others
  • Leadership
  • Networking
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Project Management
  • Risk Taking

This work site location of this job is:
Port Houston Administration Building
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.
Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within 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.
We appreciate your interest in Port Houston. Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer. Port Houston's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Application must be completed in full.

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