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Union Cargo Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metro Ports

Operations Manager I

Portland, OR · On-site

... ship's gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel. * Skills: * Ability to direct and supervise union ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA

Ensure compliance with hazardous cargo regulations and safety protocols. What You Bring: Bachelor ... union labor under a collective bargaining agreement. Ability to work rotating shifts including ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

... installed new ship-to-shore crane equipment designed to service the world's largest container ... Ensure compliance with hazardous cargo regulations and safety protocols. What You Bring: Bachelor ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

... installed new ship-to-shore crane equipment designed to service the world's largest container ... Ensure compliance with hazardous cargo regulations and safety protocols. What You Bring: Bachelor ...

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Union Cargo Ship information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do union cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for union cargo ship in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union cargo ship?

A Union Cargo Ship job typically involves working on a cargo vessel that is governed by a labor union, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and job security for its crew members. Positions on these ships range from deckhands and engineers to officers and stewards, with responsibilities varying based on the role. Crew members help with navigation, cargo handling, maintenance, and ensuring the safe operation of the vessel while transporting goods globally. Being part of a union also means workers have representation in negotiations for better working conditions and wages.

What are the typical work schedules and living conditions like aboard a union cargo ship?

Union cargo ship crew members often work on rotational schedules, such as several weeks at sea followed by equivalent time off, which allows for extended rest periods between assignments. While onboard, you can expect shared living quarters, communal dining, and access to recreational facilities, with shifts typically structured around a watch system to ensure 24/7 vessel operation. The work environment fosters strong teamwork and close collaboration, as crew members rely on each other to maintain safety and efficiency during voyages. These conditions not only build camaraderie but also provide opportunities for skill development and advancement within unionized shipping lines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the union cargo ship position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Cargo Ship crew member, you need strong maritime skills, experience with cargo handling operations, and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent sea certification. Familiarity with navigation equipment, safety systems, and international shipping regulations is essential. Excellent teamwork, communication, and adaptability to variable schedules are valued soft skills. These abilities ensure efficient, safe transport of goods while meeting union standards and maintaining regulatory compliance.

How hard is it to get a job on a union cargo ship?

Getting a job on a union cargo ship typically requires relevant maritime certifications, such as STCW training, and experience in the shipping industry. The hiring process can be competitive, often involving physical exams, background checks, and interviews, but opportunities are available for qualified candidates with the necessary skills and credentials.

How much do you get paid working on a union cargo ship?

Union cargo ship crew members typically earn between $2,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, rank, and the shipping company. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and crew members may work on rotational schedules that can involve several months at sea.

How to get into Union Cargo Ship jobs?

To work as a crew member on a cargo ship, candidates typically need relevant maritime certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and experience in maritime operations. Applying through shipping companies, maritime unions, or recruitment agencies specializing in maritime jobs is common, along with passing medical and background checks. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship jobs?

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What states have the most Union Cargo Ship jobs?

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Union Cargo Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Operations Manager - NEW SITE START UP SIGN ON BONUS $5,000

Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals

Lacey, WA • On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Expected Salary: $83,100 - $103,900 per year.
** NEW SITE START UP SIGN ON BONUS $5,000 **
About us
Nautilus International Holding Corporation provides business administration and management services to its subsidiary marine transportation companies that have been serving the maritime community for over a century. Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.
Position Summary
The Operations Manager I provides day-to-day operational leadership for vessel and rail operations at the Grays Harbor terminal. Reporting to the Sr. Operations Manager, this role directs union labor to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant cargo-handling operations while exercising independent judgment and discretion. The Operations Manager I partners closely with Metro Ports, customers, and external stakeholders to execute operational plans that support service commitments and business objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor allocations, manpower assignments, and hiring needs for vessel and rail operations.
  • Exercises independent judgment and discretion to manage daily work assignments for ILWU labor, holding employees accountable and taking immediate corrective action for non-compliance.
  • Coordinates vessel and rail operations to ensure timely, cost-effective loading and unloading without compromising service quality or customer requirements.
  • Monitors, enters, reviews, and approves operational documentation, including vessel, rail, and payroll records, ensuring accuracy and completion by the end of each shift.
  • Interfaces and communicates with customers, agents, rail companies, PMA, Local ILWU representatives, and pilots' associations to support effective operational execution.
  • Ensures strict compliance with customer cargo handling and cleaning procedures, including requirements related to cargo changes, cargo types, and destinations.
  • Promotes safety awareness and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and health policies by initiating immediate corrective action and completing injury and incident reports as required.
  • Maintains working knowledge of applicable labor agreements, including PCLCD and PCMSC, and remains aware of labor relations issues to effectively manage organized labor.
  • Prepares and completes accurate shift reports, cargo-handling notes, and required records, routing documentation appropriately by the end of each shift.
  • Establishes and implements operating priorities, procedures, practices, and goals to meet organizational objectives, continuously evaluating operations for improvement.
  • Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and governmental agencies regarding the most effective methods of operation.
  • Handles labor grievances in an expeditious manner by gathering relevant facts and applying sound judgment and discretion in resolution.
  • Delivers and enforces regulatory compliance training, including PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, OSHA, port working rules, stowage, hazardous materials, and proper manning requirements.
  • Performs daily and monthly operational and safety compliance inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
  • Assists with maintenance repair coordination and oversight as needed to support operational readiness.
  • Participates in industry functions and attend meetings as required.
  • Maintains awareness of site security requirements and ensures terminal security procedures are followed.
  • Must be able to work day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience: 3-5+ progressively responsible, related, experience, including a background in a position such as Terminal Operations Supervisor/Superintendent.
  • Licenses:
    • Valid driver's license.
    • Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Knowledge:
    • Thorough understanding of operating procedures for terminal equipment, including mobile and fixed equipment, ship loaders, ship's gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations.
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
  • Skills:
    • Ability to direct and supervise union labor effectively.
    • Independent judgment and discretion in operational decision-making.
    • Strong planning and organizational skills.
    • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
    • Ability to resolve problems, manage conflict, and handle grievances professionally.
    • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Logistics, or a related field.
  • Knowledge:
    • Familiarity with PMA processes and reporting requirements.
    • Understanding of hazardous materials handling and stowage practices.
  • Skills: Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities in a fast-paced terminal environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • Physical Demands: The physical demands described here represent those that are typically required to perform the essential functions of this position. This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. It may involve regular exposure to outdoor environments and active work sites. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the task. Some positions may require travel between job sites.
  • Work Environment: Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active job sites with varying weather conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and required as appropriate.

Benefits
  • Paid vacation and holiday pay.
  • Health, dental and vision (employee contribution required).
  • 401(k) with company matching contribution.
  • Bonus eligible.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Pet insurance (employee contribution required).

Why Join Us
At Nautilus, our people are our most valuable asset. We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to grow with us. Whether you are starting your career or looking for the next step, we are committed to investing in your development, offering clear pathways for advancement, ongoing training and leadership development.
With operating areas across CA, FL, IN, NC, NJ, SC, TX and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. Nautilus International Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact HRDept@nautilusintl.com.
This job description is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Employment with Nautilus International Holding Corporation is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the company.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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