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Tugboat Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project ...

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project ...

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the Project ...

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project ...

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project ...

Inland Port Captain

Channelview, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Extensive knowledge of the tugboat and oil transportation industry * Must be thoroughly familiar with tank barge, ship and terminal/refinery operations * Knowledge of tug and barge maintenance ...

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside position, but this is not required. The preferred candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience ...

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside position, but this is not required. The preferred candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience ...

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Tugboat information

See Spring, TX salary details

$16.9K

$92.7K

$161.5K

How much do tugboat jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for tugboat in Spring, TX is $92,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $113,900.00 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 Spring, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Tugboat jobs in Spring, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Tugboat jobs in Spring, TX are:

What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Tugboat jobs?

Cities near Spring, TX with the most Tugboat job openings:

Infographic showing various Tugboat job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,688 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Boat Captain

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Orion is seeking an experienced Boat Captain to support our field construction operations on marine and heavy civil projects. Our Boat Captains play an important role in safely operating and navigating company vessels, transporting crews and equipment, supporting marine construction activities, and coordinating with project teams in active waterfront environments. This position works closely with field leadership and skilled craft professionals on projects involving ports, terminals, docks, wharves, bridges, pile driving, marine foundations, and other complex marine infrastructure.

At Orion, safety comes first, teamwork matters, and skilled tradespeople are an essential part of our success. We offer the opportunity to build a long-term career while working on challenging projects that make a lasting impact.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is accountable for supporting field operations at marine project locations for Orion Marine Construction -- Atlantic region. Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project Superintendents, General Foreman, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders, Laborers, Helpers and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons.
The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion, which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork most importantly, with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works as assigned by the General Foreman to ensure the successful completion of on-goingor new marine construction projects.
  • Operates the tugboat and barge while these vessels are in transit to and from marine projectlocations and doing so in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Demonstrates ability to maneuver, position, turn, slow, stop vessels as required by the fieldoperation.
  • Utilizes various hand signals for communicating with flagman on barge deck.
  • Uses tie-up ropes and wires to secure the tugboat to barges for towing purposes.
  • Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways.
  • Uses radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships,tugboats, etc.
  • Performs daily safety inspections of the tugboat and recognizes possible problem areas suchas hull leaks, packing-gland leaking, tie-up cables and ropes, steering cables, wires, etc.
  • Performs minor maintenance as may be required and understands basic functions of the boatengine, transmission, generator, water pump, cooling system, etc.
  • Works closely with the General Foreman, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders,Helpers, and other skilled crafts persons to complete current projects in a safe and efficientmanner.
  • Participates in Health, Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to complianceof State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.
EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
  • Responsible and accountable for incumbent's own personal safety.
  • Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comesin contact with.
  • Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafecondition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
  • Complies with all applicable laws, regulations and Company policies and procedures, and issubject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
  • Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations or Company policies andprocedures promptly, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) forfailure to do so.
  • Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requestedby immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review,etc.).
  • All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to othersany confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The selected candidate must:

  • Know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways.
  • Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. CoastGuard, ships, tugboats, etc.
  • Be knowledgeable in the use of tie-up ropes and wires to secure the tugboat and recognizingpossible problem areas.
  • Be adept in the proper use, donning and doffing of negative pressure respirators, positivepressure and/or SCBA respiratory equipment.

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.


The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD's) or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The incumbent must possess the ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident and as directed by the Safety Representative or other management personnel. Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.

In addition, Boat Captains must also be capable of:

  • Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site toanother, and normally involves physically getting onto and off of work barges, boats,vessels, or dock facilities of varying heights and access parameters.
  • Visually seeing navigable waterways well (either naturally or with corrective lenses).
  • Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing, or sitting for long periods of time.
  • Performing repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back inperformance of work.
  • Climbing vertical ladders to heights of 40'-50'.
  • Working in confined spaces.
  • Working at elevated heights.
  • Lifting 50 lb. objects as required.
  • Carrying 50 lb. objects as required.
  • Adapting to extreme temperature changes.
  • Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure.