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Tugboats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boat Pilot

Lisle, IL ยท On-site

Boat Pilots are responsible for the safe operation of tugboats, managing the vessel and crew, handling loaded and empty barges, and maintaining fleets. Pilots must stay in constant communication with ...

Diesel Mechanic

Lakeland, FL ยท On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$23.50 - $32.50/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Operate and maneuver truckable tugboats to maneuver construction barges * Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on tugboat systems ...

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$23.50 - $32.50/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

You will be one of the lucky personnel to be a team member that makes up the premier Northeast builder of double-hulled barges, tugboats, ferries, aluminum CTVs, and other vessels. Some of the team ...

Diesel Mechanic

Lakeland, FL ยท On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Must be willing to work odd hours in a non - climate control and onboard towboats, tugboats, offshore supply vessel, 24-7-365 Full Compensation Package Available to include: * Competitive Salary

Operate and maneuver truckable tugboats to maneuver construction barges * Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on tugboat systems ...

Must be willing to work odd hours in a non - climate control and onboard towboats, tugboats, offshore supply vessel, 24-7-365 Full Compensation Package Available to include: * Competitive Salary

The Diesel Mechanic will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of diesel engines and related systems on our fleet of tugboats. This role requires a thorough understanding of ...

Showing results 21-40

Tugboats information

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$10

$19

$26

How much do tugboats jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for tugboats in the United States is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tugboat?

Tugboats are powerful, small vessels designed to maneuver larger ships by pushing or towing them in harbors, along rivers, or through narrow channels. They are essential for docking, undocking, and assisting ships that cannot move themselves in confined spaces. Tugboats are equipped with strong engines and specialized equipment to provide the necessary force and control. Their work ensures the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic in busy ports.

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

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety regulations, often supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential and relevant endorsements. Proficiency with marine communication systems, navigation equipment, and modern propulsion controls is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and decision-making skills distinguish top operators in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels in challenging environments and preventing accidents in busy ports or waterways.

What is the difference between Tugboats vs Marine Engineers?

AspectTugboatsMarine Engineers
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime licensesSTCW certification, engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentOn water, near ports and shipsOn ships, in engine rooms or shipyards
Industry UsageMaritime transportation, port operationsShip operation, maintenance, and repair
Primary RoleAssist ships in docking, towingMaintain and operate ship engines

While tugboats focus on maneuvering ships and assisting with docking, marine engineers are responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and systems. Both roles require maritime certifications and work in the maritime industry, but tugboats are more involved in on-water operations, whereas marine engineers work primarily onboard ships or in shipyards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a tugboat crew member?

Crew members on tugboats handle a variety of daily tasks including assisting with docking and undocking larger vessels, maintaining and operating towing equipment, conducting safety inspections, and performing routine maintenance on the boat. They also monitor communication channels for instructions from harbor authorities and ensure safe navigation. Collaboration with pilots, port staff, and other vessel crews is common to coordinate movements efficiently and safely.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired on a tugboat, candidates typically need a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a towing endorsement, relevant maritime experience, and completion of safety training such as STCW certification. Prior experience in maritime operations and physical fitness are also important, and many employers require a background check and drug testing before hiring.
More about Tugboats jobs
What cities are hiring for Tugboats jobs? Cities with the most Tugboats job openings:
Infographic showing various Tugboats job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,659 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Equipment Service Technician - Beaumont, TX

Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd

Beaumont, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd. in the BEAUMONT, TX area is offering challenging and exciting career opportunities for Equipment Service Technicians.ย  We are seeking qualified candidates that are focused on project success and exceeding customer expectations.ย  Qualified candidates must be able to perform all duties listed below safely and follow all of the companyโ€™s safety procedures.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on industrial equipment, such as lattice boom cranes, manlifts, hydraulic power units, tugboats, outboard engines, welding machines, and generators.
  • Perform monthly crane inspections with operators.
  • Utilize I-Pad for processing PM work orders.
  • Communicate daily with Equipment Maintenance Manager.
  • Installation and removal of mechanical components and parts varying in weight and dimension inside of engine compartments and various heights above the ground, with fall protection measures in place.ย 
  • Environment is both shop and outside, thus the job often involves all weather extremes.ย 
  • Work requires alert individuals with good balance and physical strength.
  • Work well with others in a team environment and able to work overtime as necessary including weekends.
  • Travel as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5+ yearsโ€™ experience in preventative maintenance and repair of heavy industrial equipment
  • Experience with I-Pad and ability to navigate through work orders
  • Effective communication skills, detail oriented, and exceptional organizational skills
  • Must have own tools
  • TWIC Card
  • Clean Driving Record
  • Able to lift 50lbs+

PREFERED EXPERIENCE ย 

Preference given to candidates with at least 10+ yearsโ€™ experience performing preventative maintenance and repair to lattice boom crawler cranes, tugboats, and other equipment used in industrial construction.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

  • Inclusive Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Disability, and Illness insuranceย 
  • Company paid Life Insuranceย 
  • Health Savings Account contribution of up to $1,000 per yearย ย 
  • 401(k) retirement savings program with a company matchย 
  • Employee Assistance Program including discounts with major vendors & productsย 
  • Mental and physical wellness programsย 
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
**CSG/Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd., does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CSG/ Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd. without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CSG/ Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd.
ย 
Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified Candidates will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.