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Tug Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA · On-site

Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on ... Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license. * Must possess and maintain valid passport.

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on ... Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license. * Must possess and maintain valid passport.

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on ... Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license. * Must possess and maintain valid passport.

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on ... Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license. * Must possess and maintain valid passport.

La Sierra University

Landscape Student Worker

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Able to use upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a ... Must have a current driver's license Lots of walking and physical activity outside in heat /cold ...

Arvato

Data Center Installer

Santa Clara, CA

... tug. * Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with high levels of attention to detail. * Valid class driver's license with a good driving record. * Ability to travel for business needs.

Bertelsmann-Jobs

Data Center Installer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... tug. * Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with high levels of attention to detail. * Valid class driver's license with a good driving record. * Ability to travel for business needs.

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Tug Driver information

See California salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do tug driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug driver in California is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug driver?

Tug drivers, also known as ground support equipment (GSE) operators, are responsible for operating tugs or tractors that move aircraft, baggage carts, cargo, and other equipment around airports. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of aircraft and materials on the ground. Tug drivers must be skilled in maneuvering large vehicles in busy airport environments and adhere to strict safety protocols. Their work helps maintain timely flight schedules and supports overall airport operations.

What are some common challenges faced by tug drivers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tug drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating busy or congested airport ramps, adhering to tight schedules, and working in varying weather conditions. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with ground crews and follow all safety protocols diligently. Staying alert, keeping up with ongoing training, and being adaptable to sudden operational changes can help tug drivers perform efficiently and safely. Collaboration with dispatchers and other team members is also essential to ensure smooth ground handling operations.

What is the difference between Tug Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectTug DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often requiredForklift certification/license required
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, shipping yardsWarehouses, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, logisticsWarehousing, manufacturing, retail
Job FocusMoving large ships, tugging cargo shipsMoving pallets, containers within facilities

While both roles involve vehicle operation in logistics settings, Tug Drivers primarily operate specialized vehicles to move ships and large cargo in ports, requiring a CDL. Forklift Operators focus on internal material handling within warehouses, needing forklift certification. Both roles are essential in logistics but differ in environment, equipment, and specific skills.

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

To thrive as a Tug Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience or certification in operating heavy vehicles or airport ground support equipment. Familiarity with airport communications systems, ground handling procedures, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations on busy airfields. These skills and qualifications are crucial to prevent accidents, maintain flight schedules, and uphold safety standards in airport environments.
What are popular job titles related to Tug Driver jobs in California? For Tug Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tug Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Driver jobs in California are:
Tug Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,970 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer (Tactical Data Links) - MUST be a US Citizen

TUG

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Technology Unlimited Group (TUG) seeks a highly motivated System Engineer who will be responsible for the creation of network interoperability concepts and prototypes for networks formed from multiple mobile platforms using RF links. The Systems Engineer will be part of a team of system/software engineering professionals developing networking concepts for software defined radio and supporting systems. Activities include providing expertise on networking and the adaptation of tactical data links (e.g., Common Data Link (CDL), Link-16 and/or Link-22) to form networks and improve multi-service interoperability. This position will be at the TUG office in San Diego, CA, and/or customer sites in San Diego. Travel to attend working meetings will be required.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

· Seven years or more of relevant experience.

· Bachelor degree from an accredited university in the areas of Electrical Engineering or related Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Specific Technical Skills:

· Experience with Tactical Data Links and wideband communications systems.

· Knowledge of networking protocols and their application.

· Experience with waveform fundamentals and/or definitions.

· Ability to develop software and/or simulations of interfaces using either MATLAB/Octave/Python/C++ or other method.

· Experience with RF system concepts and components.

· Successful candidate must be proficient in technical writing and oral communications skills and proven ability to work with and

communicate with project team members, customers, and service representatives.

· Knowledge of how-to-author documents in a team setting use Microsoft Office tools.

· Experience with technical documents including System Performance Specifications (SPS), System Design Document (SDD), Interface

Requirements Specification (IRS), Interface Design Documents (IDDs) or equivalents.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

In addition to the required skills, the ideal candidate may have one or more of the following:

· Possess an Active Government Security Clearance.

· Knowledge of Cisco IOS and ability to configure routers and switches.

· Experience developing proof-of-concept prototypes.

· Experience integrating networking and communications components into functional systems.

· Knowledge of the use of Agile processes including tools such as JIRA to support the tracking of issues.

· Familiar with the generation and/or use of MIL and IEEE standards.

Technology Unlimited Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Company Description

Technology Unlimited Group (TUG) is a provider of high quality, cost-effective system engineering and software development services. Our technical team covers all aspects of systems and software engineering support services, including the specification, development and certification of systems, software, and surveillance-related applications as well as System Administration, Cybersecurity and Testing. We are a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB).