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Tow Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ability to complete necessary tow boat operation documentation which could include but is not limited to: tow logs, safety logs, equipment hours report. * Ability to detect safety hazards and ...

Ability to complete necessary tow boat operation documentation which could include but is not limited to: tow logs, safety logs, equipment hours report. * Ability to detect safety hazards and ...

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Tow Boat information

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$11

$22

$40

How much do tow boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow boat in the United States is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tow boat?

A tow boat job involves operating or working on a vessel designed to push or pull barges and other watercraft on rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. Crew members may include captains, deckhands, engineers, and mates, each responsible for navigation, maintenance, and cargo transport. These roles require physical labor, long shifts, and extended time away from home. Tow boat jobs are essential for moving goods efficiently across waterways, supporting industries like shipping, construction, and oil transport.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tow boat operator?

To thrive as a Tow Boat operator, you need strong navigational abilities, proficiency in vessel handling, and typically a valid captain's license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and safety protocols is essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and stress management skills make you stand out in dynamic and sometimes challenging conditions. These competencies are critical to ensure safe, efficient towing operations and collaboration with crew and clients along busy waterways.

What are the typical working conditions and schedules like for tow boat operators?

Tow Boat operators often work long hours in varying weather conditions, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on client needs and river or harbor activity. You may spend extended periods on the water, staying on-board during multi-day assignments and collaborating closely with a small crew. The work environment is hands-on, requiring constant attention to safety and readiness for potential emergencies. This role can be physically demanding but offers a unique, engaging setting for those who enjoy working outdoors and operating marine vessels.

More about Tow Boat jobs

What cities are hiring for Tow Boat jobs?

Cities with the most Tow Boat job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Tow Boat jobs?

The most popular types of Tow Boat jobs are:

What states have the most Tow Boat jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tow Boat jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Tow Boat jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Tow Boat jobs are:

Infographic showing various Tow Boat 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 $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH • On-site

CRH
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

 
 

Job ID:  526104

The Shelly Company, a CRH company, is a vertically integrated supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mix concrete and paving services throughout the state of Ohio. Our commitment to quality drives us to use the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technology in our industry. The Shelly Company is known throughout the industry for innovation, quality and for our commitment to safety.

 

Position Overview

The Boat Pilot will be responsible for operating a tow boat to position and move barges along the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, as well as other miscellaneous work that needs to be performed. 

Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river.
  • Responsible for overseeing the Deck Hand Laborer that works on the tow boat.
  • Ability to complete necessary tow boat operation documentation which could include but is not limited to: tow logs, safety logs, equipment hours report.
  • Ability to detect safety hazards and equipment malfunctions and respond accordingly.
  • Ability to communicate maintenance needs to Operations Manager.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Other Requirements:

  • Display a professional and courteous attitude to co-workers, supervisors, and the general public at all times.
  • Must be willing to travel and work away from home when required.
  • Must be willing to work nights and weekends when necessary.
  • Report to the assigned job site ready to begin work at the designated start time.
  • Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Manual of Safety Practices and Procedures.
  • Strict adherence to Shelly Company policies and procedures as outlined in the Company Book of Policies.
  • Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required.
  • Timely and regular attendance is an expectation of performance for all Shelly Company employees. Employees will be held accountable for adhering to their workplace schedule.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to effectively problem solve.

Qualifications:

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities. 

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • 2 or more years of Boat Pilot experience preferred.
  • Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ability to obtain it within designated time frame.

Language Skills

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

  • Ability to perform basic mathematical skills. 

Reasoning Ability

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; climb or balance at heights up to 60 feet from ground level. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 105 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The boat pilot will be working in varying weather conditions, in dust and noisy areas. Substantial walking, bending, stooping, lifting or working in awkward or strained positions. Some hazard involved due to working in and around machinery. Boat pilot will be asked to work overtime as well as some weekends.

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What CRH Offers You

  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness programs
  • An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

The Shelly Company, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

 CRH is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.


CRH logo

About CRH

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CRH has a long and proud heritage as one of North America's largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US