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Tug Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

Bertelsmann

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.

Rentokil

Utility Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Western Exterminator

Utility Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Western Exterminator

Utility Technician

Carson, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Western Exterminator

Utility Technician

Sacramento, CA

$17 - $23/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Rentokil

Utility Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Western Exterminator

Utility Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Terminix

Utility Technician

Temecula, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Rentokil

Utility Technician

Temecula, CA · On-site

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

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All JobsTug Driver JobsTug Driver Jobs in California

Tug Driver information

See California salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do tug driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 duties of a tug driver?

A tug driver operates tugboats to move ships, barges, or other large vessels within ports, harbors, or docks. Their duties include maneuvering vessels safely, following safety protocols, and maintaining the vessel and equipment. Certification in marine operations and good navigation skills are often required.

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, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,970 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Title: Associate, Operations
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $70,500 - $85,000 Annually
Company: Host Agency, LLC
Reports To: Operations Manager
Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we're appointed - improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.
In addition to immediately serving our customers' vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain - from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring.
Position Summary:
Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
Operations Management
  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory
  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service
  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Prior customer service experience, required. Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications

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