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Tugboat Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Bristol Bay Fuels

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

The Mate position supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard tugboat. Essential Duties & Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each ...

Crowley Maritime Corporation

2ND MATE

Anchorage, AK

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

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

Bristol Bay Fuels

Master/Captain

Kenai, AK · On-site

The Master position has the legal responsibility and accountability for safe operation of company owned tugboat, and will direct the day-to-day operations as well as coordinate the onboard activities ...

Empire Airlines

C208 Captain (ANC)

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$1.3K - $1.4K/wk

Description INTRODUCTION The Part-135 C208 Caravan Captain will conduct safe, efficient, compliant and professional flight services. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Safely maneuver the aircraft during ...

All JobsTugboat JobsTugboat Jobs in Alaska

Tugboat information

See Alaska salary details

$20.5K

$112.2K

$195.5K

How much do tugboat jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for tugboat in Alaska is $112,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,300.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tugboat?

A tugboat job involves operating or assisting in the operation of tugboats, which are small but powerful vessels used to maneuver larger ships in harbors, rivers, and other confined waters. Crew members may work as captains, deckhands, or engineers, ensuring safe navigation, towing, and docking operations. Responsibilities vary but often include maintaining the vessel, securing tow lines, and assisting with navigation. Tugboat jobs require physical fitness, maritime training, and certifications, depending on the role.

What does a tugboat operator do?

A typical day for a tugboat operator involves assisting ships in docking and undocking, towing barges or other vessels, and navigating busy harbors under various weather and sea conditions. You might operate in coastal ports, rivers, or busy shipping lanes, interacting closely with harbor pilots and other maritime professionals to coordinate safe maneuvers. Assignments can vary, from moving massive container ships to transporting materials along inland waterways, each with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Tugboat operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and the work environment requires constant vigilance and quick decision-making. This dynamic role offers exposure to different types of vessels and situations, contributing to valuable experience and potential advancement into senior marine positions.

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

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you generally need strong navigational skills, mechanical aptitude, and a valid merchant mariner credential such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. Experience with marine communication equipment, towing winches, and vessel maneuvering systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and adaptability are key soft skills, especially when working in changing weather or port conditions. These skills ensure operational safety, efficient vessel handling, and effective coordination with harbor and ship crews.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired as a tugboat crew member, candidates typically need relevant maritime certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and experience in boat handling. Physical fitness, safety training, and knowledge of navigation and vessel operations are also important for employment in this field.

Is working on a tugboat worth it?

Working as a tugboat operator involves handling vessels that assist with maneuvering ships in ports and harbors, often requiring certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential. The job can be physically demanding and involves working in challenging weather conditions, but it offers competitive pay and opportunities for advancement in maritime industries.

What are popular job titles related to Tugboat jobs in Alaska?

For Tugboat jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tugboat jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Tugboat jobs in Alaska are:

Tugboat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboat job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,171 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Mate

Bristol Bay Fuels

Kenai, AK • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

General Description:
The Mate position supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard tugboat.
Essential Duties & Job Functions:
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.
  • Ensure safe and efficient navigation of the vessel.
  • Maintain a safe working environment throughout vessel operations.
  • Inspects towing gear and lifesaving equipment, and orders crew to repair or replace defective equipment.
  • Directs activities of crew engaged in cleaning and painting of boat.
  • Stands watch during specified periods, and determines geographical position of boat upon request of Tugboat Master, using loran and azimuths of celestial bodies.
  • Steers tugboat, upon request of Tugboat Master, to push or pull barges to destination and to berth and unberth ships, avoiding hazards to navigation.
  • Utilizing navigation devices.
  • Assume command of tugboat in the event that the Tugboat Master becomes incapacitated.
  • Ensure crew members are provided with information to adhere to Maritime Regulations.
  • Direct crew in recordkeeping and regular safety drills.
  • Supervise crewmembers in their onboard duties.
  • Open communication with company representatives and on-site supervisors.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Outlook and Word.
  • Ability to apply skill sets and demonstrate proven experience developing, improving and streamlining processes to meet established goals and objectives.
  • Ability to effectively manage projects that may vary in nature and scope.

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 moving mechanical parts and severe outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Hearing protection and the use of safety eyewear is required in most working situations.
Physical Requirements:
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.
  • MOBILITY: While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses computers on a daily basis. He/she is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific physical requirements include, but are not limited to, stooping, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and performing repetitive motions. Employee must be able to exert up 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
  • HEARING: The employee frequently is required to talk or hear while answering phones, working with customers, clients, supervisors, etc.
  • VISUAL ACUITY: Must be adequate to perform above listed tasks in a safe manner. Ability to see and complete work on a personal computer and read color coded writing on equipment forms, etc.

Contingencies:
Offer contingent upon ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work at any time without prior notice.
Bristol Alliance Fuels (BAF 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.
Bristol Alliance Fuels grants employment preference first to BBNC shareholders, their spouses or descendants, and second to other Alaska Native Corporation Shareholders in accordance with P.L. 93-638.
Required Qualifications:
  • USCG License (Master or Mate of Towing) is required.
  • Radar Unlimited course is required
  • 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 preferred.
  • Experience in operating vessel in Alaska is preferred
  • Near Coastal routes preferred

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