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Temporary River Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

Operating Technician I (River Pilot) is responsible for moving the barge fleet around the Mon River basin. This will include placing barges under and around the Coal Unloaders, which remove the coal ...

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of ... Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions.

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of ... Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions.

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

Showing results 21-40

Temporary River Boat Pilot information

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

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

As of Aug 15, 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

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains/pilots for our fleets and line boats. Experience is preferred but not required. TRS has a very aggressive training program for intercompany advancement.


Essential Job Functions:

  • Commands pushboat.
  • Commands pushboat while towing barges, ships, rigs and other vessels into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water.
  • Responsible for crew safety, vessel and tow operations through use of Terral RiverService, Inc safety practices and policies.
  • Occasionally supervises or assists workers on deck to rig towlines.
  • Determines course and towing speed on basis of specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, tides and current.
  • Steers pushboat to push or pull vessels to destination and to berth and un-berth ships avoiding reefs, outlying shoals, and other hazards to shipping.
  • Utilizes navigation devices, such as radar, sonic depth finder, compass and sextant and other aids to navigation, such as lighthouses and buoys
  • Directs and occasionally assists in placement of suction hose or siphon to pump water from hold of barge
  • Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work.
  • Ensuring all vessel personnel adhere to all U.S. Coast Guard and company policies
  • Occasionally supervises or assists in operation of all vessel equipment
  • Position is required to hold current license issued by U. S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat
  • Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required.
Requirements:

Experience, Skills, and Education:

  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC.
  • Must have a current USCG Master of Towing Vessel license or higher.
  • Have a Radar endorsement or Radar Certification
  • Be CPR & 1st Aid Certified
  • Have proficient computer skills to include E-mail, internet browsers, and navigational systems Knowledge of the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Tenn-Tom, Tombigbee, Black Warrior, LMR, Red, Black, Ouachita, Atchafalaya, and/or GIWW rivers and waterways are highly preferred.
  • Must have dependable transportation to designated TRS locations, no exceptions. Must be able to work various hours/holidays/weekends.

Physical Requirements

  • Must pass "fit for duty" requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test).
  • The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces.
  • Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.).
  • Must be comfortable working aboard boats and barges.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 40 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry standards.


About Terral RiverService, Inc:

Terral RiverService (TRS) is a Family-owned business with a continually growing footprint of boats and barges throughout most of the inland waterway system of the US. We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically located throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, we are outfitted to transport, handle, and store virtually any commodity needed in the marketplace. TRS has over 600 employees and has operations in multiple states.