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Tow Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its ... Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel is ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its ... Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel is ...

The Cooper Group, Inc.

Pilot

Mobile, AL

Description Cooper Marine Pilots are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow. * The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the ...

Cooper Marine

Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

Cooper Marine Pilots are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow. * The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews ...

Cooper Marine

Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

Cooper Marine Pilots are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow. * The Pilot is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crews ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:Ensure that company policy, rules and ... Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel is ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH · On-site

Ability to complete necessary tow boat operation documentation which could include but is not ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH

Ability to complete necessary tow boat operation documentation which could include but is not ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS

Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel ... Big Valley Pilot Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED * Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel ... Big Valley Pilot Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED * Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel ... Big Valley Pilot Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED * Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel ... Big Valley Pilot Qualifications:High School Diploma or GEDMust have a U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton ...

Canal Barge Company

Vessel Pilot

Inland, NE

CANAL BARGE COMPANY VESSEL PILOT *Candidates will be considered for wheelhouse positions for both ... Navigate the vessel and tow safely and efficiently while on watch * Supervise crew members and ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

... tow, and any associated equipment to the Master and take action to prevent accidents. 2. Responsible for the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel 3. Maintaining vessel seaworthiness and ...

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Tow Pilot information

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$11

$22

$40

How much do tow pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow pilot 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 pilot?

A Tow Pilot is responsible for flying an aircraft that tows gliders, banners, or other aerial objects. Their primary duty is to ensure a smooth and safe tow until the glider or object is safely released. Tow Pilots must have strong flying skills, situational awareness, and knowledge of proper towing procedures. They typically operate from glider clubs, flight schools, or aerial advertising companies. Proper certification and experience in towing operations are usually required.

What does a tow pilot do, and who do they work with during gliding operations?

A typical day for a Tow Pilot often begins with pre-flight inspections, thorough weather checks, and coordination with glider pilots and ground crew. Throughout the day, you'll complete a series of takeoffs and landings, towing gliders into safe release altitudes while maintaining constant radio communication. The role involves close collaboration with the ground crew, glider instructors, and students to ensure smooth operations and flight safety. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment where quick thinking and adaptability are valued, and it's an excellent way to gain varied flying experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tow pilot, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tow Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with relevant flight hours, a strong understanding of aerodynamics, and excellent situational awareness. Proficiency in operating tow planes, using radio communication equipment, and adhering to FAA regulations and safety procedures is essential. Reliability, strong decision-making, and clear communication skills set successful tow pilots apart. These competencies ensure safe, efficient glider launches and effective teamwork with ground crew and glider pilots.

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Tow Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tow Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Fuel Boat Pilot

Ergon, Inc

East Alton, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Ergon Inc. rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

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 pride in your physical accomplishments, this job might be a good fit for you. EMIS services vessels and tows, and this job allows you to be a part of that support of the river crews.
Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. EMIS is a subsidiary with facilities that support marine traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Our facilities are located in Vicksburg, MS, Wood River, IL, and Memphis, TN.
Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) Matching, Health, Life, Dental, Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance, and Profit Sharing
The Fuel Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow in a manner that complies with company policy, U. S. Coast Guard rules and regulations, and federal, state, and local laws.
Fuel Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:
  • Ensure that company policy, rules and regulations are followed.
  • Report violations of EMIS company policy or violations of federal, state or local laws.
  • Ensure deck crew are performing their duties.
  • Inspect all areas of the vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and a clean vessel is ready for voyage.
  • Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.
  • Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge.
  • Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS vessels and docks are using Proper PPE.
  • Assist other operations as required by management.
  • Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment, documenting fleet checks every six hours or as per MARSEC levels.
  • Inspect all barges according to the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report, notify a supervisor immediately of any damage, and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.
  • Responsible for reviewing the tow orders and determining whether the boat is of sufficient horsepower.
  • Report incidents immediately to appropriate supervisor and enter in vessel logs.
  • Order supplies as needed.
  • Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher.
  • Ensure fire hose with nozzle is at each fire station.
  • Ensure dewatering pumps are on board the vessel and ready for use.
  • Ensure adequate number of approved life preservers are on board.
  • Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.
  • Ensure crewmembers are properly trained in emergency procedures including fire drills.
  • Chip, Buff, Prime and paint vessel and equipment as needed.
  • Complete Towing Vessel Record each shift which includes the following:
    • Engine Room Log
    • Fuel Operations Log
    • Pre-Sail Check List

    When a Fuel Boat Pilot is assigned the task of training an upcoming pilot the current pilot is considered the "Master of the Vessel" and is responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of the trainee in the performance of their duties.
    Captain is required to have a safety briefing with crew prior to engaging in any barge tow work, barge movement activity or fuel transfers. This briefing must be documented in the towing vessel record.

Fuel Boat Pilot Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing
  • Must have sufficient time with EMIS to prove competence and leadership skills as determined by the Vice President, for promotion from within the company
  • Must be able to swim
  • Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
  • Must have a valid driver's license

We are an EEO/AAP employer.
Position: Fuel Boat Pilot
Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.

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