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Small Boat Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Cigarette Racing

*Boat Mechanic Associate

Opa Locka, FL · On-site

You will work closely with customers to ensure their boats are operating safely and efficiently. If ... Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for working with small electrical components ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Chiefland, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Cedar Key, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Samoset, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Estero, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Orlando, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Christmas, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Belleair, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Wauchula, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Bradenton, FL

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and ... small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high ...

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Small Boat Operator information

See Florida salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do small boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for small boat operator in Florida is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Small Boat Operators on the job?

Small Boat Operators often work in changing weather conditions and must be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies or equipment malfunctions. Navigating busy waterways, following strict safety protocols, and maintaining constant vigilance can be demanding aspects of the role. Additionally, operators may be required to perform physical tasks such as docking, anchoring, or assisting with cargo or passengers, sometimes in challenging environments. Effective teamwork and communication with crew members and support staff are key to managing these challenges and ensuring safe, successful operations.

What is a Small Boat Operator job?

A Small Boat Operator is responsible for navigating and maintaining small watercraft for various purposes, such as transportation, research, law enforcement, or rescue operations. They ensure the vessel is in good working condition, adhere to safety regulations, and may assist with loading and unloading cargo or passengers. This role requires experience in boat handling, knowledge of maritime laws, and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Small Boat Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Boat Operator, you need strong navigational skills, experience with vessel handling, and often a valid boating license or certification. Familiarity with GPS systems, marine radios, safety equipment, and maintenance tools is also essential. Strong situational awareness, adaptability, and effective communication help operators work efficiently and safely within varied maritime conditions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe vessel operation, successful mission completion, and the well-being of everyone aboard.

What are popular job titles related to Small Boat Operator jobs in Florida? For Small Boat Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Small Boat Operator jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Small Boat Operator jobs in Florida are:
Small Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Boat Operator job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,953 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Small Boat Captain - Part Time

Small Boat Captain - Part Time

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Key West, FL • On-site

$22.13 - $40.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking experienced and well-qualified part-time / on-call small boat Captains to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) in Key West and Key Largo, FL.
Designated on November 16, 1990, FKNMS protects 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas, excluding Dry Tortugas National Park. Within the boundaries of the sanctuary lie spectacular, unique, and nationally significant marine resources including North America's only coral barrier reef, extensive seagrass beds, mangrove-fringed islands, shipwrecks and other archeological treasures and more than 6,000 species of marine life.
FKNMS operates a fleet of small boats and uses these vessels to support science, resource management, and stewardship of the resources within the Sanctuary. Operations performed by part-time/on-call Captains will include working dives in support of NOAA's Mission: Iconic Reefs, a large-scale coral restoration effort in the Florida Keys. Restoration efforts include outplanting of corals grown in a nursery and site preparation at Carysfort Reef, Horseshoe Reef, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor, Eastern Dry Rocks, Sombrero Reef and Looe Key Reef. These sites represent the iconic diversity and productivity of Florida Keys coral reefs, spanning the geographic extent of the region, a variety of habitats, and a range of human uses. They also have a history of restoration success or have characteristics that indicate restoration is likely to succeed.
Tasks
  • Tow small vessels to and from yard to the dock and back (Bahia Honda or Marathon in Lower Keys or to Tavernier/Islamorada in Upper Keys) on days of mission.
  • Assist with vessel equipment loading and safety brief approximately 1 hour before driving away from dock. Be present for vessel equipment unloading and de-brief with crew and marine technician, ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
  • Maintain qualifications for serving as an Operator-in-Charge according to the NOAA small boat manual; ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels, as indicated by the NOAA small vessel policy guidelines, vessel operation manual, and vessel's standing orders.
  • Ensure the efficient contribution of the vessel and its crew to the accomplishment of the vessel's mission.
  • Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
  • Operate deck equipment including lifting equipment on small boats.
  • Document all vessel-related activities in the ship's Log.
  • Ready and available for emergency responses.
  • Work with other crew members and engineers to develop maintenance procedures, engineering work packages, major overhauls and configuration management.
  • Conduct maintenance and repairs and assist in training and evaluating other crew members.
  • Ensure FKNMS small boats are operated and maintained in compliance with NOAA Small Boat Program requirements.
  • Help coordinate and support emergent repairs to FKNMS small boat assets if and when required.
  • Coordinate with NMS sites and partners to develop cruise plans for vessels of opportunity including ships, ROVs, and manned submersibles.
  • Ensure current training for vessel operator and crewmembers; and keep record of credentials and qualifications.
  • Comply with safety stand-downs per NOAA procedures.
  • Review of all Project Instructions to an approving authority including Cruise Plans, and Float Plans, as directed.
  • Assist FKNMS in physical facilities assessments and planning as it relates to vessel operations.
  • Help schedule vessel maintenance and dry dock periods per NOAA procedures.
  • Review, revise, and implement pertinent policies and regulations related to NOAA small boats and applicable facilities.
  • Help coordinate and track training and resulting credentials of vessel operators, crew members, FKNMS staff members.
  • Assist FKNMS in maritime facilities assessments and planning.

Requirements
  • Education/Experience: Requires a current 100-Gross Ton USCG Master License with at least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, similar research vessels or law enforcement vessels embarked with scientific personnel.
  • Must have experience directing and overseeing complex at-sea operations; experience in operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits; operate dive compressor and fill SCUBA tanks; oversee scientific equipment and diver deployment.
  • Familiar with boat hull, electrical and mechanical routine ship maintenance and repairs. Have basic mechanical knowledge of boats for problem-solving in the field. Know when to call shore support and/or emergency services.
  • Must be able qualify/pass the NOAA component course certification prior to deployment.
  • Able to lift and carry equipment and gear up to seventy-five (75) pounds to assist in mobilization.
  • Have familiarity with dive operations in waters around the Florida Keys, preferably as demonstrated through serving as a Captain on a dive boat or serving as a working diver.
  • Understand principles outlined in the NOAA small boat manual, such as requirements for drift dives and crew support for different types of operations.

Highly desired skills and experience
  • Current Frist Aid, CPR and AED certifications.

AAP/EEO Statement CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$22.13-$40.40/hour

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