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Tug Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Newport News, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.25/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $32.50/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

Regent University

National Recruiter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Serve autonomously as a point of contact for all traditional undergraduate (TUG) related recruiting and admissions events and processes and exercise discretion and sound judgment regularly as a ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services ...

Project Management Quality Services

Rigger

Newport News, VA · On-site

$17.34 - $27.31/hr

Riggers are also responsible for operation of the shipyard's tug boats - moving ships between dry docks and piers, and mooring ships while at the piers and outfitting berths. Riggers handle every ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsTug JobsTug Jobs in Virginia

Tug information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$21

$48

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug in Virginia is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $25.48 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Tug jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Tug job openings:

Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,774 per year, or $21 per hour.

Rigger J1 - J4

NASSCO

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team!
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Rigging department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for 10 Riggers. The hours are 06:00 - 2:45pm & 3pm - 11pm.
Shift : ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance
JOURNEYPERSON 4 (Rigging)
  • Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Installs or repairs ships' rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
  • Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.

JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging)
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.

JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging)
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
  • Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
  • Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.

JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging)
  • Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
  • Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship's sides.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splicing natural ropes.
  • Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Use of hand tools.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

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