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Small Boat Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired. Experience ... About Lynker Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Small Boat Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do small boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for small boat operator in Virginia is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $23.61 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 Virginia? For Small Boat Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Small Boat Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Small Boat Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Small Boat Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Small Boat Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Small Boat Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,391 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Lynker Corporation

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

The mission of Lynker Corporation is to deliver innovative solutions to support global environmental security and economic prosperity as a trusted partner to governments, communities, and industry. With the growing demand for offshore energy expansion, marine natural resource management, and coastal resilience to environmental threats, there has been a need for more advanced and efficient hydrographic mapping systems. Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the expansion of mapping across the US Exclusive Economic Zone using Uncrewed Systems (UxS), which include Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV), Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and Underwater Gliders. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker is leading the way in providing operational, logistical, and training support for Uncrewed Systems.

We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine Systems Division (UMSD) and other partners in UxS Industry. The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic research technologies. This position involves travelling for long durations at sea aboard vessels or to Remote Operations Centers (ROC). A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering is desirable. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and working with advanced marine technologies, please review the Responsibilities, Qualifications, and Requirements for this position.

This position is contingent upon contract award.


Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the following:

The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel while at sea under semi-autonomous operations.
8-12hr night or day watches based in a regional Remote Operating Center, or from a host vessel at sea
Ensure the safety of navigation and situational awareness of the vehicle during operations
Additional duties include monitoring vessel status feedback, telemetry stability and configuration, and basic data acquisition control
Operators are responsible for troubleshooting technical and software issues, and relaying that information to the watch supervisor.
Proper record keeping during watches and in diagnostic scenarios


The Uncrewed Vessel Operator selected should have the following:

Associates Degree or higher in at least one of the following: Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels, or at a regional remote operation center, for up to 30 consecutive days at a time
Ability to lift >45 lb. objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
Yearly travel 50% or more

The Ideal Uncrewed Vessel Operator will have the Following:

Experience operating USVs, UUVs, or Underwater Gliders is desired.
Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired.
Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS.

Experience with operating satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems
Experience with maritime situational awareness using AIS,FLIR, ECDIS, LiDAR, and RADAR.
Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars, and acoustic systems is desired.
Experience with marine positioning systems using GNSS, INS/IMU, or USBL.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

 Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.