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Tugboat Tankerman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Training Captain

Temecula, CA · On-site

$195K - $215K/yr

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB)  is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet.

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... Must be comfortable entering tanks and other confined spaces Must be able to work in difficult ...

Apply Early

... and/or tugboat activities, with progressive managerial/supervisory experience is required ... Must be able to board a ship via a gangway or ladder, climb to the top of a tank (200+ steps ...

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... Must be comfortable entering tanks and other confined spaces Must be able to work in difficult ...

Port Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... comfortable entering tanks and other confined spaces • Must be able to work in difficult ...

Tankerman, Deckhands SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned areas by performing the following duties: ESSENTIAL JOB ...

Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent ...

Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent ...

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Captain

Portland, OR

$780 - $875/hr

Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent ...

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent ...

Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent ...

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Tugboat Tankerman information

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$13

$26

$38

How much do tugboat tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for tugboat tankerman in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Tugboat Tankerman?

As a Tugboat Tankerman, your daily responsibilities include overseeing the safe transfer of petroleum or chemical cargoes, conducting pre-transfer inspections, and monitoring all phases of loading and unloading operations. You will regularly communicate with the tugboat crew, terminal personnel, and sometimes regulatory officials to ensure compliance with all safety and environmental guidelines. The role also involves inspecting hoses, valves, and safety equipment, as well as maintaining accurate records of all transfers. These tasks are critical to ensuring smooth and safe maritime operations while protecting the environment and crew.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tugboat Tankerman position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tugboat Tankerman, you need in-depth knowledge of vessel operations, cargo handling, and safety procedures, along with required credentials such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Tankerman endorsement and relevant maritime experience. Familiarity with pump systems, fuel transfer equipment, and adherence to U.S. Coast Guard regulations are vital. Strong situational awareness, communication, and teamwork skills help ensure smooth cooperation with the crew and compliance with safety protocols. These qualifications and competencies are crucial for preventing incidents, ensuring safe product transfers, and maintaining efficient tugboat operations.

How much do you get paid for working on a tugboat?

Tugboat tankermen typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the region. Pay can also include overtime and hazard pay, with many working 12-hour shifts on offshore or port environments.

How much does a tankerman get paid?

A tugboat tankerman typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Pay can increase with additional skills, such as handling hazardous materials or operating specialized equipment, and often includes overtime and benefits.

What is a Tugboat Tankerman job?

A Tugboat Tankerman is responsible for the safe transfer of liquid cargo, such as oil or chemicals, between vessels or facilities. They ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, connect and disconnect hoses, monitor transfer operations, and maintain equipment. Tankermen work closely with tugboat crews and terminal personnel to facilitate smooth and efficient cargo handling. This role requires specialized training and certifications, including a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement. It is a physically demanding job that requires attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety.

What does a tankerman do on a tug boat?

A tugboat tankerman is responsible for safely transferring liquids such as fuel or ballast between tanks on the vessel or to other ships. They operate specialized equipment, monitor cargo levels, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Certification in tankerman operations and knowledge of handling hazardous materials are often required.

What qualifications do you need for a tankerman job?

Tankerman jobs typically require a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement, which involves completing approved training and passing written exams. Candidates must also have relevant maritime experience, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and often a minimum age of 18 or 21 depending on the employer and jurisdiction.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat Tankerman jobs? The most popular types of Tugboat Tankerman jobs are:
What states have the most Tugboat Tankerman jobs? States with the most job openings for Tugboat Tankerman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tugboat Tankerman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tugboat Tankerman jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tugboat Tankerman job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Lead Training Captain

Metrea Management LLC

Temecula, CA • On-site

$195K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. 

Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. 

Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

This role sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions. 


Position Summary

In this role you will be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive pilot training programs for KC-135 operations. This role ensures compliance with aviation regulations, oversees simulator and flight training, and mentors instructor pilots to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency. In addition to these responsibilities, the position also serves as a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of Metrea Strategic Mobility’s KC-135 tanker aircraft. In this capacity, the individual exercises final authority for the safe and compliant operation of assigned missions, leads flight crews through all phases of flight, and ensures strict adherence to FAA regulations, company policies, operational specifications, and contractual requirements. PIC responsibilities include mission planning and execution, sound aeronautical decision-making consistent with the SMS, and the completion of post-flight duties. The role requires maintaining all required qualifications, training, certifications, and currency, and performing additional flight-related duties as assigned.


What You’ll Do

  • Design and implement initial, recurrent, and specialized pilot training programs. Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.
  • Conduct instruction in the aircraft.
  • Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.
  • Mentor and supervise instructor pilots.
  • Manage simulator and flight training resources.
  • Integrate SMS and risk management practices into training.
  • Stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology.
  • Provide ground, simulator, and inflight instruction aboard a KC-135R/RG and C-135FR aircraft as appropriate.
  • Maintain appropriate flight currencies in the KC-135R/RG and C-135FR as appropriate.

What You’ll bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Familiarity with LMS and training software.


Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • ATP Multi-Engine Land with B-707/B-720 Type Ratings
  • Previous USAF Instructor certification for KC-135
  • Current Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and AMEL Instructor.
  • Valid Driver’s License and US Passport.
  • Ability to maintain a Secret clearance.

Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.


Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub


Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.

Ability to maintain Secret clearance throughout employment.

Role requires adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).

Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements.


AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.


Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA


Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard an inflight KC-135R/RG and C-135FR aircraft. 


Travel

30%