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Small Craft Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Confidential Jobs

Lead and manage multiple operating locations, including geographically dispersed and overseas ... Oversee maritime operations involving ships, tankers, small craft, moored and towed systems, heavy ...

Voltari Electric Inc.

$150 - $220/hr

We are looking for a seasoned professional with deep experience in small craft naval architecture, especially on deep-V hull forms, offshore performance, and high-speed vessels where operator safety ...

Voltari Electric Inc.

$90 - $130/hr

Must be an avid boater with robust experience towing, launching and operating small craft (26-55 foot) * Experience with sales and account management with commercial, workboat or government customers

New

Nationwide Southwest

SMALL ENGINE TECHNICIAN

Caldwell, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Small Engine Technician to join our growing team. You will be ... craftsmanship and customer satisfaction! Family-owned and operated since 1938. Our company is ...

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

$122.54/hr

... other small craft in direct support of the 53rd Weapons Group, 82nd Aerial Target Squadron at ... Prefer candidate with experience operating craft used to conduct range clearance operations, range ...

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Small Craft Operator information

See salary details

$14

$25

$37

How much do small craft operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for small craft operator in the United States is $25.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small craft operator?

Small Craft Operators are professionals responsible for navigating and operating small boats or watercraft, such as motorboats, launches, and ferries, often for transportation, inspection, or support purposes. Their duties typically include steering and piloting vessels, performing routine maintenance, ensuring passenger safety, and adhering to maritime regulations. They may work for government agencies, commercial enterprises, or private organizations and often require specialized training or certification. The role demands knowledge of navigational techniques, safety procedures, and local waterways. Good communication skills and physical fitness are also important for this position.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a small craft operator?

To thrive as a Small Craft Operator, you need proficiency in boat handling, navigation, and safety procedures, often supported by a valid boating license or certification. Familiarity with marine radios, GPS navigation systems, and basic engine maintenance tools is typically required. Strong situational awareness, clear communication, and problem-solving abilities help operators manage challenging conditions and ensure passenger safety. These competencies are crucial for preventing accidents, ensuring efficient operations, and responding effectively to emergencies on the water.

What challenges do small craft operators face in varying weather conditions?

Small Craft Operators frequently encounter challenges related to rapidly changing weather, such as sudden storms, high winds, or reduced visibility. These situations require strong situational awareness, quick decision-making, and a solid understanding of safety protocols to ensure both personal and crew safety. Operators must regularly monitor weather updates, maintain their vessel in top condition, and be prepared to adjust routes or schedules at short notice. Working closely with other crew members and maintaining clear communication is key to safely navigating unforeseen weather challenges.

What is the difference between Small Craft Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectSmall Craft OperatorMarine Deckhand
Required CertificationsBoating safety, CPR, possibly STCWSTCW, basic safety, first aid
Work EnvironmentSmall boats, recreational or commercial vesselsLarge ships, commercial vessels, marinas
Employer & IndustryMarinas, fishing, recreational boatingShipping companies, cruise lines, cargo ships

Small Craft Operators primarily operate small boats and require safety certifications, working mainly in recreational or small commercial settings. Marine Deckhands work on larger vessels, assisting with deck operations and safety. Both roles involve safety training and are essential in maritime industries, but they differ in vessel size, scope, and work environment.

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What cities are hiring for Small Craft Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Small Craft Operator job openings:

What states have the most Small Craft Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Small Craft Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Small Craft Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Craft Operator jobs are:

Small Craft Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Craft Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,145 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Senior Operations Program Manager

Confidential Jobs

On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced senior-level operations leader to oversee complex Government contract operations supporting maritime, logistics, equipment, and contingency response activities. This position requires a proven leader with extensive Government contracting experience who can successfully manage geographically dispersed operations, multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and demanding operational requirements.


What You'll Be Doing

  • Provide overall leadership and direction for complex Government contract operations, ensuring contractual, operational, financial, and performance requirements are successfully achieved.
  • Lead and manage multiple operating locations, including geographically dispersed and overseas activities.
  • Direct field operations encompassing administrative, procurement, contractual, financial, logistics, maintenance, warehousing, transportation, and operational functions.
  • Oversee maritime operations involving ships, tankers, small craft, moored and towed systems, heavy-lift operations, rigging equipment, and specialized operational teams.
  • Manage equipment maintenance, repair, machine shop, warehousing, Government property, inventory control, and material procurement activities.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams consisting of Government personnel, employees, contractors, subcontractors, engineers, technical specialists, and field personnel.
  • Provide leadership for offshore salvage, oil and hazardous-material spill response, contingency response, and related maritime operations.
  • Oversee financial management, subcontract administration, procurement, and negotiations for supplies and services supporting field and contingency operations.
  • Ensure teams, resources, equipment, and subcontractors are effectively organized to meet operational requirements, contract deliverables, and demanding schedules.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with Government customers, operational stakeholders, vendors, and subcontractors.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; five additional years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
  • 15+ years of progressively responsible experience managing Government contract activities and complex operations.
  • Must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET security clearance.
  • Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Service Contract Act requirements, Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Government contracting practices and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience with Government accounting, invoicing, procurement, subcontract management, and negotiations for supplies and services.
  • Experience managing operations involving warehousing, equipment maintenance and repair, machine shop activities, Government property, inventory management, logistics, shipping/receiving, and Government transportation systems.
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple locations and geographically dispersed organizations simultaneously.
  • Significant experience leading maritime, offshore, salvage, oil spill, hazardous-material response, tanker, or comparable complex field operations.
  • OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification required.
  • Thorough knowledge and demonstrated operational experience involving oil and hazardous-material spill response activities.
  • Proven ability to organize diverse groups of employees, Government representatives, contractors, subcontractors, and technical specialists into effective, high-performing operational teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations involving vessels, small craft, heavy-lift and rigging systems, specialized equipment, field personnel, and subcontractors.
  • Strong financial, contractual, operational, logistics, and personnel-management capabilities.


Apply