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Steersman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Must have submitted license application for Apprentice Steersman * Promote the ADM Way and core Values * Ability to manage a diverse team * Able to communicate with all levels of the organization

$343 - $360/day

Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) license * Successful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot ...

$340 - $360/day

Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) license * Successful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot ...

DECKHAND

Cairo, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Career Advancement opportunities - Steersman Programs, Welder development, dispatch, and management opportunities. * Employee Recognition program with monthly and yearly prizes! * Family atmosphere ...

SHIPYARD LABORER

Cairo, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Career Advancement opportunities - Steersman Programs, Welder development, dispatch, and management opportunities. * Employee Recognition program with monthly and yearly prizes! * Family atmosphere ...

DECKHAND

Cairo, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Career Advancement opportunities - Steersman Programs, Welder development, dispatch, and management opportunities. * Employee Recognition program with monthly and yearly prizes! * Family atmosphere ...

WELDER

Cairo, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Career Advancement opportunities - Steersman Programs, Welder development, dispatch, and management opportunities. * Employee Recognition program with monthly and yearly prizes! * Family atmosphere ...

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$340 - $360/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) license * Successful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot ...

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$340 - $360/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) licenseSuccessful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot Apprentice ...

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$340 - $360/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) licenseSuccessful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot Apprentice ...

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$340 - $360/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) license * Successful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot ...

Steersman information

See salary details

$8

$26

$61

How much do steersman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for steersman in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a steersman?

A Steersman is a maritime professional who assists in navigating and steering a vessel under the supervision of a licensed captain or pilot. This role is typically part of an apprenticeship to become a fully licensed pilot or captain. Steersmen are responsible for monitoring navigation equipment, maintaining course direction, and ensuring safe vessel operation. They often work on towboats, tugboats, or other commercial ships, gaining hands-on experience in maritime operations.

What are some typical challenges steersmen face day-to-day, and how are they addressed?

Steersmen often encounter challenges such as navigating in difficult weather conditions, dealing with shifting river currents or tides, and maintaining constant vigilance to ensure vessel safety. They work closely with licensed captains and crew members, receiving guidance and feedback to sharpen their skills while safely managing their responsibilities. Steersmen are trained to quickly assess and adapt to evolving situations, use navigation technology effectively, and follow strict safety protocols. Early in the role, these challenges are addressed through supervised practice and ongoing mentoring from experienced mariners, ensuring steady progress and building the confidence needed for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a steersman?

To thrive as a Steersman, you need a solid understanding of vessel navigation, river or maritime regulations, and hands-on experience operating various types of boats under supervision, typically supported by completion of a Steersman training program and obtaining a Steersman license. Familiarity with navigational tools such as radar, GPS, and electronic chart systems is essential, along with knowledge of safety equipment and protocols. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm and communicate clearly in changing environments are important soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient vessel operation while meeting regulatory and operational standards.

More about Steersman jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Steersman jobs?

The most popular types of Steersman jobs are:

What states have the most Steersman jobs?

States with the most job openings for Steersman jobs include:

Infographic showing various Steersman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Pilot Apprentice - Lineboat St. Louis, MO

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 362 rated logistics


Job description

Pilot Apprentice - Lineboats - St. Louis, MO
This is a full-time, exempt level position.
Position Summary:
The ARTCo Pilot Apprentice Program is designed to develop our most qualified candidates into industry leading captains.  ARTCo is confident that those that graduate from this program will be sufficiently trained to safely and efficiently operate towing vessels on waterways but also be leaders of their respective teams creating an inclusive environment.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Complete the core components of the Pilot Apprentice program, including, but not limited to, Vessel Familiarization and Operations; Watch Standing; Environmental Protection; Safety and Emergency Response; Rules of the Road; Maneuvering; and Leadership
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as required or requested

Job Requirements:
  • Three (3) years' vessel experience which may or may not include ARTCo experience, or equivalent
  • Minimum of two (2) years' experience at ARTCo
  • Must have submitted license application for Apprentice Steersman
  • Promote the ADM Way and core Values
  • Ability to manage a diverse team
  • Able to communicate with all levels of the organization
  • Must have a demonstrated history of safe work behavior and a sincere desire to follow and improve upon safety policies and procedures
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, and Word
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Demonstrate time management and organization skills
  • Ability to coach, mentor, engage and develop workforce
  • Participate and lead strategic discussions and decisions
  • Complete trainings and attend meetings as required
  • Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and Holidays 
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card required. 

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to safely steer a vessel
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors and in varying conditions such as hot, cold, dusty, etc.
  • Standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time
  • Operating a keyboard
  • Kneeling and climbing stairs/ladders
  • Ability to work near or on large bodies of water, at various heights and in confined spaces

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