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Small Boat Operator Jobs (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 ...

St. Francis Yacht Club

Launch Boat Captain

Stockton, CA · On-site

Description Launch Boat Captain (Part-Time/Seasonal) Position Summary The Launch Boat Captain is ... Experience docking, maneuvering, and operating small commercial vessels in varying weather and sea ...

St. Mary's County, MD

Boat Captain

Leonardtown, MD · On-site

$33.01/hr

Must meet United States Coast Guard requirements pertaining to small passenger craft; * CPR ... FCC valid Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP) Education and Experience 1. Ability to gain thorough ...

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How much do small boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for small boat operator in the United States is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small boat operator?

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 as a small boat operator?

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 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 small boat operator job makes the most money?

The highest-paying small boat operator jobs are often in commercial sectors such as maritime transportation, offshore oil and gas support, or luxury yacht captains. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialized skills, which contribute to higher salaries compared to recreational or basic boat operation positions.
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Small Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Boat Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,758 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

USV Marine Mechanic Gas/Diesel Small Craft

Fathom Robotics

Oxnard, CA • On-site

$95K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Fathom Robotics
Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments.
Role Overview:
Fathom Robotics is hiring a USV Marine Diesel Mechanic/Technician to maintain and troubleshoot uncrewed surface vessels supporting active government and commercial defense programs in the Oxnard, CA area. You will keep vehicles field-ready: engines, hulls, propulsion, and the electromechanical systems that keep them running. You will work in the shop between test events and on the water during them, launching, recovering, and troubleshooting vehicles in real time alongside the operations team.
Location: Oxnard, California (shop-based, with regular field work in and around Port Hueneme and on-water test areas)
Work Type: Full-Time
Program Conditions:
Work is based out of a government facilities Port Hueneme and nearby on-water test locations. Field events involve boat operations and outdoor environments in all weather conditions typical to the Southern California coast. The position follows a standard full-time schedule with the expectation that test milestones and demonstration events will require additional or adjusted availability, including early mornings and occasional weekend work tied to vessel operations.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on USV propulsion, hull, and mechanical systems
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults on vehicles in the shop and in the field
  • Conduct pre-mission and post-mission inspections and maintenance checks
  • Support vehicle launch and recovery operations from small boats and shore-based platforms
  • Diagnose and resolve issues in real time during on-water test events and customer demonstrations
  • Maintain parts inventory, tooling, and shop consumables needed to keep vehicles mission-ready
  • Document maintenance actions, discrepancies, and repairs in test and maintenance logs
  • Support packaging, staging, and transport of vehicles and support equipment to test sites

Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school training, or an Associate's degree in a relevant field, preferred
  • 3 or more years of hands-on mechanical maintenance experience, in marine, automotive, or a related field
  • Working knowledge of small boat engines, hydraulic systems, and basic electrical troubleshooting
  • Comfortable working on and around the water, including boat operations and outdoor field conditions
  • Proficiency with common hand tools and power tools
  • Able to lift 50 pounds and perform physical work in a shop and marine field environment
  • Valid driver's license
  • US person status required (defense program context)
  • Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • USCG license or other maritime credentials
  • Prior experience maintaining unmanned or autonomous surface vessels
  • Forklift operator
  • Small boat operation experience
  • Welding, fiberglass, or fabrication skills
  • Outboard or diesel engine certifications
  • Prior experience supporting Navy or defense contractor field operations

Benefits
We offer a flexible ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) plan, giving employees the freedom to choose their own health coverage through an online shopping platform. Each employee receives a $750 stipend to put toward their plan, and the funds can also be used toward other eligible health expenses. This approach lets you tailor your coverage to fit your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all option.
Compensation: $95,000 - $155,000, commensurate with experience.

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