1

Vessel Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First order is for the safety of the vessel, second order is for the welfare of the crew and third ... ship's Master. * Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic ...

First order is for the safety of the vessel, second order is for the welfare of the crew and third ... ship's Master. * Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic ...

Vessel Cook

Harahan, LA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained. * Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location. What we are looking for... You will need to have:

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained. * Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location. What we are looking for... You will need to have:

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

While on watch and in the absence of the Master, the Pilot exercises the authority of the Master. II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Responsible for reporting any relevant vessel condition information ...

While on watch and in the absence of the Master, the Pilot exercises the authority of the Master. II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Responsible for reporting any relevant vessel condition information ...

Vessel Cook

Cairo, IL

$14 - $17.50/hr

Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained. * Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location. What we are looking for... You will need to have:

Vessel Cook

Convent, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained. * Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location. What we are looking for... You will need to have:

Vessel Cook

Vacherie, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained. * Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location. What we are looking for... You will need to have:

next page

Showing results 1-20

Vessel Master information

See salary details

$5

$58

How much do vessel master jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel master in the United States is $58.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.93 and $58.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vessel master?

A Vessel Master, also known as a ship captain, is the person in overall command of a vessel. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship, including navigation, crew management, compliance with maritime laws, and the safety of passengers, cargo, and the vessel itself. Vessel Masters make critical decisions during voyages, oversee maintenance and inspections, and ensure that all regulations and safety protocols are followed. Their role is essential for the successful operation of commercial, passenger, or cargo vessels at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a vessel master?

To thrive as a Vessel Master, you need deep knowledge of maritime navigation, vessel operations, and compliance with international maritime regulations, typically supported by a valid master's license and extensive sea-time experience. Familiarity with navigation systems (such as ECDIS and radar), safety management systems, and communication equipment is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and crisis management abilities help set successful Vessel Masters apart. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and lawful operation of vessels while protecting crew, cargo, and the marine environment.

What challenges do vessel masters face when managing crew and operations during long voyages?

Vessel Masters often encounter challenges related to maintaining crew morale and discipline during extended periods at sea, as well as ensuring effective communication among a diverse team. They must balance operational demands, such as navigation and cargo management, with strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Additionally, unexpected weather changes or equipment issues can require quick decision-making and adaptability. Successful Vessel Masters foster a collaborative environment and are proactive in addressing conflicts to ensure smooth operations throughout the voyage.

What is the difference between Vessel Master vs Chief Officer?

AspectVessel MasterChief Officer
CertificationsSTCW Master, Marine LicenseSTCW Officer, Marine License
Work EnvironmentOverall vessel command, navigation, safetyDeck operations, cargo handling, safety management
ResponsibilitiesVessel navigation, crew management, safety complianceCargo operations, deck maintenance, safety procedures

The Vessel Master is responsible for the entire vessel's operation, navigation, and safety, acting as the captain. The Chief Officer reports to the Vessel Master and focuses on cargo operations, deck safety, and maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope of responsibilities and authority onboard.

More about Vessel Master jobs

What cities are hiring for Vessel Master jobs?

Cities with the most Vessel Master job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Vessel Master jobs?

The top employers for Vessel Master jobs are:

What states have the most Vessel Master jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vessel Master jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Vessel Master jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Master jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Master jobs?

For Vessel Master jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vessel Master job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,634 per year, or $58 per hour.

Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master)

Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Massena, NY โ€ข On-site, Remote

$125K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Office of Lock Operations and Marine Services, Marine Services Division, Massena, NY. You will serve as a working supervisor of the Marine Services Division with major responsibilities for the Corporation's marine vessels, floating plants, aids to navigation, and hydrographic surveys.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master):
  • Administers the waterway channel maintenance program and the navigational aids program. Responsible for maintaining preventive maintenance and repairs of all navigational aids and vessels. Prepares short and long-range preventive maintenance plans for the Marine Division.
  • Exercises technical and administrative supervision over marine crews. Identifies and initiates employee development as needed. Prepares and delivers performance evaluations. Manages personnel issues in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Communicates on a regular basis on behalf of the agency with various external entities and binational stakeholders in relation to the activities of the Marine Division. Drafts budget requests for the division.
  • Develops new or modifies existing operating procedures and training programs.
  • Pilots vessels and supervises activities of marine crews and vessel operations. Provides strong leadership and support to the agency's safety and occupational health program. Provides technical expertise for emergency response exercises and training.

The ideal candidate for this position will have the appropriate USCG Master's License and have the appropriate knowledge and work experience gained by specifically working on the St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes or like waterway.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
  • You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE: A recruitment incentive of up to 25% of basic pay may be authorized for an eligible, highly qualified candidate newly appointed to the Federal Government. A written service agreement will be required.
  • DRUG TEST: This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace." Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
  • DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT: You must also be able to obtain and maintain a driver's license.
  • TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Due to the location of our agency and the duties of this position, you must be able to enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law and re-enter the United States.
  • SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).

PLEASE SEE THE "OTHER INFORMATION" SECTION FOR ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:
  • Experience as a Vessel Master operating and maintaining vessels, in addition to overseeing shipping channel maintenance, maintaining aids to navigation, responding to emergencies on the water, conducting ship inspections, or investigating vessel incidents/accidents.
  • Experience with various maritime operational practices, procedures, regulations, and policies such as American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules and guidelines, or similar, sufficient to assist others on the requirements.
  • Experience operating "Z-drive," or similar azimuthing drive propulsion systems for towing vessels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Computer Skills - Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
  • Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
  • Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal, State, or other accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying. OR
For positions other than Marine Transportation, experience in maintaining, retailing, purchasing, or procurement of automotive, rail, air, bus, or other transportation equipment or services, or in the operation of a commercial transportation facility or terminal. This experience must have demonstrated knowledge of fleet operations; familiarity with Federal, State, and municipal regulations governing the use of transportation vehicles; and the maintenance of inventories and cost computations.
You must have a current USCG Merchant Marine Credential endorsed as Master of Steam or Motor Vessels of 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) upon the Great Lakes and inland waters or superseding routes. You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials, or you will be rated ineligible.
Towing endorsement: You must have a current USCG License/Credential that qualifies as Master of Towing Vessels upon the Great Lakes and inland waters or superseding routes.
Additional information
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code ยง 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R ยง 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.