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Tug Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

2ND MATE

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

Crowley is actively hiring for an Second Mate in our Western Alaska Crowley Fuels tug and barge fleet. This position is a great fit for someone looking for adventure! Have you ever wanted to see a ...

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

Tug and Barge experience required. * Valid Driver's License is required. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required Preferred Qualifications: * High school Diploma or GED is ...

The Master assists and is primarily responsible for the safe operation of the tug and barge while underway, idle, and while engaged in cargo operations. Captain will provide direction to crew ...

The Master assists and is primarily responsible for the safe operation of the tug and barge while underway, idle, and while engaged in cargo operations. Captain will provide direction to crew ...

Showing results 21-29

Tug information

See Alaska salary details

$8

$22

$52

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug in Alaska is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug?

Tugs, also known as tugboats, are specialized vessels designed to maneuver other vessels by pushing or towing them. They are commonly used in harbors, ports, and canals to assist ships in docking, undocking, and navigating through tight or crowded areas. Tugs are equipped with powerful engines and are highly maneuverable, making them essential for moving large ships that can't easily navigate these spaces on their own.

How to get hired on a tug?

To get hired as a tugboat operator, candidates typically need a valid maritime license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and relevant experience operating vessels. Employers also look for strong navigation skills, safety training, and the ability to work in challenging environments, often requiring physical fitness and adherence to safety regulations.

What is the difference between Tug vs Crane Operator?

AspectTugCrane Operator
CredentialsMaritime licenses, certifications in vessel operationCrane operation certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentMaritime, dockyards, portsConstruction sites, industrial facilities, ports
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, manufacturing, shipping

While both Tug and Crane Operator roles involve heavy machinery, Tug operators primarily work on water, maneuvering vessels in ports and harbors, requiring maritime certifications. Crane Operators work on land, operating cranes in construction or industrial settings, with certifications focused on crane safety. Both roles are essential in port and shipping industries but differ mainly in environment and specific skills.

What jobs are there on a tug?

Jobs on a tugboat include deckhand, mate, engineer, and captain. These roles involve operating and maintaining the vessel, navigating waterways, and ensuring safety during towing operations. Certifications such as STCW and experience in maritime environments are often required.

What does a tug do?

Tugboat operators are primarily responsible for maneuvering large vessels, such as ships and barges, safely in and out of harbors, docks, and through narrow waterways. A typical day involves monitoring weather and water conditions, maintaining communication with port authorities, pilots, and ship captains, and ensuring the tug and its equipment are in good working order. Tugboat operators work closely with deckhands and engineers on board, as well as with external crews, to coordinate towing, docking, and undocking procedures. This role requires strong teamwork, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to respond quickly to changing situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, usually supported by a relevant license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and GPS navigation technology is essential. Excellent teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels, protecting crew, cargo, and the environment in busy port and harbor operations.
What are popular job titles related to Tug jobs in Alaska? For Tug jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tug jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Tug jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,550 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Overview

As a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company, Crowley provides services to 36 nations and island territories. Our purpose is to bravely advance what's possible to elevate people and planet, with our core values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive guiding everything we do.

By expanding and innovating our services, we have expanded our footprint in services within the Logistics, Land Transportation, Shipping, Wind and Fuel industries. Crowley and its affiliated companies have generated more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue through our people's focus on excellence and a culture that values everyone's voices and collaboration. 

To continue laying the groundwork and challenge what's possible for our business, we seek to partner with individuals ready to elevate their careers with us

ABOUT US: A key role with the largest Jones Act employer with a diverse fleet of vessels. Crowley Fuels delivers clean petroleum products across remote Alaska, supplying communities, construction projects, government operations, and the commercial fishing industry. Our specialized tugs and barges, operated by skilled local mariners, allow us to reach challenging, shallow, and otherwise inaccessible areas to keep homes, businesses, and essential services powered across the state.

All employees have the opportunity to join the Mariner Employee Resource Group; which is focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse workforce.


Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Crowley is actively hiring for an Second Mate in our Western Alaska Crowley Fuels tug and barge fleet. This position is a great fit for someone looking for adventure! Have you ever wanted to see a walrus or a polar bear at work? This is your chance! The Western Alaska fleet operates on a seasonal basis from approximately April through November or about 150 days. Check out this short video to learn more about our Western Alaska and Arctic operations.

This position does require the candidate to join the United Steelworkers union as part of their onboarding after accepting a job offer.


Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Credentials

  • Mate 500GT Near Coastal
  • Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
  • Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW)
  • STCW with all required endorsements
  • Valid TWIC
  • Valid Passport - must be able to travel internationally with no felonies, DUI, or other convictions which would restrict entry into Canada or other nations.
  • Working Knowledge of LNG Cargo Operations

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Western Alaska Tugboat experience
  • Multi-Cargo Barge experience
  • Tankerman PIC/Assist
  • OICNW, Basic Polar Code
  • Mate Towing Near Coastal or complete TOAR
  • Current RADAR/ARPA, FCC, Advanced FF
  • ECDIS

Hitch

  • Seasonal (April - November)

Travel costs covered!

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications and Credentials

  • Mate 500GT Near Coastal
  • Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
  • Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW)
  • STCW with all required endorsements
  • Valid TWIC
  • Valid Passport - must be able to travel internationally with no felonies, DUI, or other convictions which would restrict entry into Canada or other nations.
  • Working Knowledge of LNG Cargo Operations

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Western Alaska Tugboat experience
  • Multi-Cargo Barge experience
  • Tankerman PIC/Assist
  • OICNW, Basic Polar Code
  • Mate Towing Near Coastal or complete TOAR
  • Current RADAR/ARPA, FCC, Advanced FF
  • ECDIS

Hitch

  • Seasonal (April - November)

Travel costs covered!

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME