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Tug Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Yard Assistant I

Denver, CO

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

... or tug • Pick up all foreign material in yard in order to maintain a safe work environment and clean appearance • Collect recyclable materials and store as directed • Sweep the yard safely ...

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Yard Assistant I

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

... or tug • Pick up all foreign material in yard in order to maintain a safe work environment and clean appearance • Collect recyclable materials and store as directed • Sweep the yard safely ...

Pilatus Aircraft

Team Leader, Line Service

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Tug/tow, park, and marshal aircraft safely using proper equipment and techniques * Maintain clean, organized, and safe hangars * Keep ramps and taxiways clear of foreign object debris (FOD) * Wash ...

CITY OF STERLING

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO · On-site

... or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time. * Remain in a seated position, alert, and awake for extended periods of time specifically during a 12-hour shift. * Driving and ...

City of Sterling, CO

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

... or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time. * Remain in a seated position, alert, and awake for extended periods of time specifically during a 12-hour shift. * Driving and ...

Rentokil

Innovation Technician

Sterling, CO · On-site

Push objects forward, downward, or outward with sustained force using the upper extremities to press with steady force and drag, draw, haul, or tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in ...

All JobsTug JobsTug Jobs in Colorado

Tug information

See Colorado salary details

$7

$22

$51

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug in Colorado is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $27.07 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.

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 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.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired as a tugboat crew member, candidates typically need relevant maritime experience, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and certifications such as Basic Safety Training and Marine Radio Operator Permit. Employers often require physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment, with job opportunities available through maritime unions, shipping companies, or specialized job boards.

What jobs are there on a tugboat?

Jobs on a tugboat include deckhand, engineer, captain, and mate, each requiring specific skills and certifications. Deckhands assist with towing operations and vessel maintenance, while engineers handle engine and mechanical systems. These roles demand safety training, maritime certifications, and familiarity with navigation and communication tools.

What are popular job titles related to Tug jobs in Colorado?

For Tug jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tug jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Tug jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Tug job openings:

Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,427 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Yard Assistant I

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Denver, CO

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Under direct supervision, performs a variety of general manual labor tasks including but not limited to, lifting and moving materials, loading and unloading of trucks, and other activities in a helping or assisting role.

Principal Accountabilities& Deliverables
•Duties may include, once properly trained and certified as required: yard clean up, product receiving, breakdown, product handling and operating yard equipment such as the saws or tug
•Pick up all foreign material in yard in order to maintain a safe work environment and clean appearance
•Collect recyclable materials and store as directed
•Sweep the yard safely using a mechanical sweeper if available
•Review supply inventory with Supervisor to maintain necessary level
•Notify Supervisor of any maintenance or safety issues observed
•Manually stack lumber products as instructed
•Assist with inventory and/or cycle counts as directed
•May operate a gas-powered tug to move lumber products
•Package materials and keep packaging area clean and organized
•Assist in keeping all lanes and other areas clean and clear for traffic
•May assist in general yard housekeeping and chores as assigned
•May use saw to cut lengths from lumber as needed to fill an order if properly trained
•Keep an inventory of stickers, corners and wrap
•May occasionally bar code
•Perform other work-related duties as assigned by your supervisor and be flexible and adaptable to changes that will occur during the course of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
•0 to 2 years previous experience industry
•Good knowledge of lumber products
•Ability to model the Capital values and to provide innovative solutions
•Ability to deliver high quality, detailed error free work on a consistent basis
•Ability to read, write, speak and understand English to the extent required to receive and
Communicate information as necessary to the position.

Abilities

  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds
  • Must be able stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 5% or less of the workday
  • Must be able to sit and walk or otherwise move around for prolonged periods of time throughout the workday

Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, and moving mechanical parts and vibrations. Work is performed outdoors, and employee is exposed to variety of extreme weather conditions at the distribution warehouse. The noise level in the work environment and warehouse can be loud.
Our Benefits: 

We are in the people business, we just happen to sell lumber... so you can have GREAT BENEFITS!

  • Paid Time Off (Sick, Vacation, Volunteer Time Off)
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • TeleDoc
  • Best Doctors
  • Company Paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with Match Percentage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Hearing Services
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Smart Dollar
  • Wellness Program through Vitality with program completion incentive towards medical premium

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