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Temporary River Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

Fuel Boat PilotErgon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location.If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking pride ...

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

... Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania, a major U ... S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure project located on the Ohio River navigation ...

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

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Temporary River Boat Pilot information

See salary details

$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do temporary river boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary river boat pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by temporary river boat pilots, and how can they be managed?

Temporary River Boat Pilots often face challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar routes, varying river conditions, and working with new crew members. Since assignments may change frequently, it's important to have strong navigational skills and the ability to communicate clearly with different teams to ensure safety and efficiency. Staying updated on river regulations and participating in briefings before each assignment can help manage these challenges and contribute to a successful operation.

What is the difference between Temporary River Boat Pilot vs Commercial River Boat Captain?

AspectTemporary River Boat PilotCommercial River Boat Captain
CertificationsRequired licenses, such as US Coast Guard licenseSame as pilot, often higher-level licenses
Work EnvironmentOn riverboats, often short-term or seasonalOn commercial vessels, longer-term or permanent
Industry UsageUsed in tourism, short-term transportUsed in freight, long-haul transport

The main difference is that a Temporary River Boat Pilot typically holds the necessary licenses for short-term or seasonal river navigation, often working in tourism or short-distance transport. In contrast, a Commercial River Boat Captain usually manages larger, long-term commercial vessels with similar licensing requirements but often with more extensive experience and responsibilities.

What does a temporary river boat pilot do?

A Temporary River Boat Pilot is responsible for navigating and operating a river vessel for a short-term or seasonal period. Their duties include steering the boat, ensuring passenger and crew safety, complying with maritime laws, and managing navigation through potentially challenging river conditions. Temporary pilots are often hired to cover busy seasons, staff shortages, or special assignments. They must hold the appropriate licenses and have extensive knowledge of the specific river routes they will be piloting.

How much does a temporary river boat pilot make?

A temporary river boat pilot typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. Compensation may also include overtime pay and benefits for longer shifts or seasonal work, with some pilots earning higher rates with specialized certifications or seniority.

How to become a temporary river boat pilot?

To become a temporary river boat pilot, candidates typically need a valid boating license and relevant experience operating boats on inland waterways. Some positions may require specific certifications such as a captain's license or endorsements, along with knowledge of navigation and safety procedures. Gaining experience through maritime training programs or apprenticeships can also be beneficial.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a temporary river boat pilot?

To thrive as a Temporary River Boat Pilot, you need a thorough knowledge of river navigation, vessel handling, and a valid pilot's license specific to the waterways operated on. Familiarity with marine communication systems, radar, GPS navigation, and compliance with Coast Guard regulations is typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication with crew and port authorities are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient passage along potentially hazardous river routes and compliance with legal and safety standards.
More about Temporary River Boat Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Temporary River Boat Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary River Boat Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of River Boat Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of River Boat Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary River Boat Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary River Boat Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Temporary River Boat Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary River Boat Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Temporary River Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location: Vicksburg, MS, USA

Description

Magnolia Marine Transport has an opening for a full-time Pilot to safely operate company vessels and tows in accordance with all applicable regulations and company policies.

We are a relationship-driven, family-owned company that values professionalism, leadership, and teamwork. Magnolia Marine Transport offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and maintains a small-company culture where each employee's contribution matters.

Pilot Qualifications

  • Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials for the assigned area of operation

  • Must possess a valid TWIC Card, Radio License, and Radar Observer Certificate, as required

  • Demonstrated time and experience with Magnolia Marine sufficient to establish competence and leadership ability

  • Working knowledge of USCG Rules and Regulations and company policies

  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in dynamic and potentially hazardous operating environments

Pilot Responsibilities Include the Following
  • Acts as second in command and is directly responsible to the Captain; represents the Captain when standing watch

  • Responsible, along with all crew members, for the safety of the vessel, crew, and tow, and for compliance with the Safety Management System

  • Navigates the vessel in full compliance with USCG regulations, company policies, and the vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI), when applicable

  • Reports unsafe conditions, incidents, and nonconformities to the Captain and Port Captain, and takes appropriate action to prevent accidents

  • Has the authority to determine when unsafe conditions exist and may refuse a tow or navigational area deemed unsafe or presenting undue risk

  • Requests company assistance when necessary to ensure safe and compliant operations

  • While on watch, maintains responsibility for the safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, and tow; sounds alarms and summons the Captain if a dangerous situation develops

  • Stands watch in the pilothouse at all times, including when the vessel is tied up, except during dry-dock periods

  • Ensures all required logs and records are accurately completed during assigned watch

  • Communicates all pertinent operational information and incidents to the Captain in a timely manner

Benefits

Magnolia Marine Transport offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • 401(k)

  • Health, Dental, and Life Insurance

  • Paid Holidays

  • Vacation and Sick Leave

  • Tuition Assistance

  • Profit Sharing

Equal Employment Opportunity

Magnolia Marine Transport is an EEO/AAP Employer. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and background check.