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Tug Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caravan Facilities Management

Tug Operator

Canton, MS · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Tug/Fork Truck Operator Safely operate forklift and tugger. Separate containers to include scrap metal, wood, car parts and other recyclables. Bale plastic and cardboard, dispose of trash into ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA

GARNEY A Tug Boat Operator position is available at Garney. As a Tug Boat Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

GARNEY A Tug Boat Operator position is available at Garney. As a Tug Boat Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

GARNEY A Tug Boat Operator position is available at Garney. As a Tug Boat Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

GARNEY A Tug Boat Operator position is available at Garney. As a Tug Boat Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of truckable tugboats to assist in the maneuvering ...

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

Be Seen First

Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Tug Mate of Towing OVERVIEW Since 1977, Miller's Launch's most important goal is to please ... Our personnel are federally licensed operators, certified welders, custom fabricators and fully ...

Worldwide Flight Services

RAMP : (min. Advanced GSE, tug/ belt loader/ GPU/ASU) Pushback, Loader Operator, Load Master, Marshaling, Forklift and Operator/ Tug Operator. * 5+ years of Air Cargo operations experience ...

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Tug Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do tug operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug operator?

Tug operators are professionals who operate tugboats to assist with the maneuvering of ships and other large vessels in harbors, rivers, and canals. Their main duties involve towing, pushing, or guiding ships safely to their berths or out to open water, often in confined or busy waterways. Tug operators must have strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and the ability to work as part of a team to ensure safe and efficient vessel movements.

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

To thrive as a Tug Operator, you need a solid understanding of vessel handling, navigation, and maritime safety, typically supported by a relevant maritime license such as an MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) and experience in marine operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, and towing equipment is essential for daily operations. Strong communication, situational awareness, and teamwork skills help ensure safe and efficient maneuvering in busy ports. These competencies are vital for preventing accidents, protecting cargo, and supporting the smooth flow of maritime traffic.

What are some common challenges tug operators face during daily operations, and how can these be managed?

Tug Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, tight maneuvering spaces in busy ports, and coordinating with multiple vessels and harbor staff. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, a thorough understanding of maritime safety protocols, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations. Regular training, adherence to established procedures, and effective teamwork are essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations.
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Tug Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Tug Operator

Smyrna, TN • On-site

CARAVAN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT LLC
Facilities Support Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about CARAVAN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT LLCexternal

$1/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate forklifts and tugs safely and perform trailer inspections before loading

  • Separate recyclable materials such as metal scrap, wood pallets, and gondolas, and deliver them to appropriate destinations

  • Transport barrels, gaylords, tire bands, and other items throughout the plant

Job description

Job Title:  Tug/Fork Truck Operator

Department: Operations

Reports To: Janitorial Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

 

Description: Safely operate forklift and tugger.   Separate containers to include scrap metal, wood, car parts and other recyclables.  Bale plastic and cardboard, dispose of trash into compactors, load the wood, tire and plastic trucks, perform trailer inspection.  Pick up items throughout the plant.    

 

Responsibilities:

 

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety protocols
  • Operate forklifts and tugs in a safe manner.
  • Complete prior-use checklist
  • Separate metal scrap, wood pallets, and gondolas
  • Deliver scrap metal and nonhazardous material to the appropriate destinations
  • Transport barrels, gaylords, and tire bands throughout the plant
  • Complete trailer inspections on all trailers before loading and report and damage found
  • Perform other duties ad assigned

 

Competencies                                                  

 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

 

Physical Demands 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 stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger motion, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, climb stairs and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds.

 

 

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience                                                    

 

Less than high school education; or up to one month related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Language Skills                                                             

 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

 

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.

 

 

 




3rd Shift Tugger
Training 2 weeks 2nd shift Monday-Friday 4pm-12:30am.
3rd shift Sunday-Thursday 9pm-5:30am.
Schedule change pending production.

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