Vessel Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Master of Tow – Captain
Location: Southern California

About The Jankovich Company

Founded in 1933, The Jankovich Company is a family-operated petroleum and lubricants distributor serving customers throughout Southern California. For more than 90 years, we have built a reputation for safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service across our marine, commercial, industrial, transportation, and government markets.

Headquartered in San Pedro, California, The Jankovich Company provides marine fueling, petroleum transportation, barge operations, bulk fuel distribution, lubricant sales, cardlock fueling services, and specialty petroleum products.

As part of the NorthStar Energy family of companies, The Jankovich Company combines the responsiveness and relationships of a local business with the resources, expertise, and support of a larger organization. We remain committed to our core values of safety, integrity, sustainability, and service while continuing to support the communities and industries that depend on us every day.

About the Position

The Master of Tow (Captain) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of company towing vessels engaged in petroleum transportation throughout Southern California. Reporting to the Vice President of Marine Operations, this position exercises full authority over vessel navigation, tow management, crew leadership, and regulatory compliance while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

The Master of Tow leads vessel operations during assigned hitches, oversees the performance and development of crew members, and works closely with shore-side leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient marine transportation services. This role requires sound judgment, strong leadership, and a commitment to protecting people, property, and the environment.

Compensation

We are hiring for two Master of Tow positions with different schedules and compensation structures:

• Local 12-hour Master of Tow: Hourly pay ranges from $50.00 to $60.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Additional earnings are available through overtime and additional shift assignments.
• 24-hour rotational Master of Tow: Compensation is provided under the Company's marine pay plan applicable to 24-hour rotational vessel crews. Compensation differs from the local hourly position and will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process. During active hitches, qualified Masters of Tow have the opportunity to earn $5,000+ per week, depending on schedule and hours worked.

As a member of the team, you will:

• Exercise overall command and authority for the safe operation of the vessel, crew, cargo, and tow.
• Safely navigate and operate company towing vessels in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and industry best practices.

• Plan, execute, and oversee towing operations, including making up, maintaining, and breaking tow configurations.
• Evaluate weather, tides, currents, and navigational conditions when planning voyages and towing operations.
• Ensure the safe transportation of petroleum barges while protecting personnel, cargo, vessels, and the environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the Company's Safety Management System (SMS), company policies, and environmental requirements.
• Lead and supervise vessel crew members, fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, teamwork, and accountability.
• Conduct safety meetings, emergency drills, and onboard training to maintain operational readiness.
• Ensure compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard regulations, company policies, and the Company's Safety Management System.
• Oversee vessel inspections, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, and equipment readiness.
• Coordinate voyage planning, communications, and operational activities with shore-side management.
• Maintain accurate vessel logs, inspection records, regulatory documentation, and operational reports.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and make sound operational decisions under changing conditions.
• Represent the Company professionally while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer service.

We require that you have:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience aboard towing vessels, including service as a Captain or Mate.
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Master of Towing Vessels endorsement and all licenses and endorsements required for the assigned vessel and operating area.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Current Radar Observer endorsement (Unlimited or Inland, as applicable).
• Current firefighting, first aid, CPR, and other U.S. Coast Guard certifications required for the assigned vessel and operating area.
• Demonstrated experience with towing operations, petroleum barge transportation, and marine cargo handling.
• Strong vessel handling, navigation, voyage planning, situational awareness, and risk assessment skills.
• Working knowledge of propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and deck equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the Company's Safety Management System (SMS), towing vessel operations, and maritime industry best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and crew management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely operational decisions in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, including working in a physically demanding marine environment and under varying weather and sea conditions.
• Ability to successfully pass pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing and maintain eligibility under applicable U.S. Coast Guard and company requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating petroleum barges or other tank barges.
• Experience operating towing vessels in Southern California ports and coastal waters.
• Formal training in towing vessel operations, bridge resource management, or maritime leadership.
• Experience leading and supervising towing vessel crews

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Two (2) weeks of paid vacation
• Nine (9) paid holidays
• Six (6) paid sick days
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule & Work Environment

We are currently hiring two full-time Masters of Tow based out of San Pedro, California.

• One position is assigned to a 24-hour rotational crew, working scheduled multi-day hitches with crew changes occurring in San Pedro. Rotational schedules may include one-week-on/one-week-off or two-weeks-on/two-weeks-off assignments.
• One position is assigned to a local 12-hour shift schedule, allowing employees to return home at the end of each scheduled shift.

Both positions offer competitive pay, overtime opportunities, and applicable premium pay. Relocation is not required for qualified candidates who are able to commute to San Pedro for their assigned schedule.

Hiring Practices

The Jankovich Company, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.