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Work Boat Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Work Schedule: * Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

... boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience. Work Environment Worldwide deployments along ...

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Work Boat information

See Portland, OR salary details

$5

$27

$51

How much do work boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for work boat in Portland, OR is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $32.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a work boat?

Work boats are specialized vessels designed to perform a variety of tasks that support maritime operations. These boats are commonly used for activities such as towing, transporting supplies, dredging, maintenance, and construction work on or near the water. Work boats come in many sizes and configurations, depending on their specific purpose, and are essential for industries like shipping, offshore oil and gas, construction, and harbor services.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working on a work boat, and how can they be addressed?

Crew members on work boats often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, long hours, and physical demands of operating and maintaining equipment. Adapting to shift work and being away from home for extended periods can also be difficult. To address these challenges, maintaining strong communication with team members, following safety protocols, and participating in ongoing training are essential. Building camaraderie with the crew and staying organized helps ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a work boat operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Work Boat Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety procedures, often supported by a relevant license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and engine maintenance tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safe, efficient operations and effective response to challenges on the water.

What is the difference between Work Boat vs Marine Technician?

AspectWork BoatMarine Technician
CertificationsSTCW, TWIC, OSHASTCW, Marine Certifications, OSHA
Work EnvironmentOffshore, coastal, industrial waterwaysShipyards, offshore platforms, repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime companies, offshore oil & gas, shippingShip repair, maintenance, vessel systems

Work Boat operators primarily handle vessels used for transportation, support, and industrial tasks in maritime environments. Marine Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing vessel systems and equipment. While both roles require maritime certifications and often work in offshore or industrial settings, Work Boat operators are more involved in navigation and vessel operation, whereas Marine Technicians specialize in technical repairs and system diagnostics.

What are popular job titles related to Work Boat jobs in Portland, OR?

For Work Boat jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Work Boat jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Work Boat jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Work Boat job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,770 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Deckhand (Dual Rate)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$30.14 - $46.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Direct Hire Authority, Section 1109; PL, 116-92, dated 12/23/2023 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
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Duties
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  • THIS IS AN ENTRY LEVEL POSITION PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE: WK-06: You will be expected to perform all the duties pertinent to the certificate required by the USCG for this position.
  • Perform work involved in the maintenance and repair of the deck equipment and general housekeeping on a dredge.
  • Handle and fasten hawsers and mooring ropes to piers; handling lines to secure other craft coming alongside the dredge.
  • Monitor ropes and repair or renew to include splicing the rope to maintain safe operations.
  • Accomplish light rigging such as determining the weight to be lifted and tying it to the crane hook to be lifted safely aboard a sea going vessel such as a Hopper Dredge.
  • Wash the deck, chip away paint and rust, putty holes and crevices, apply primer and finish coats. Paint.
  • Act as a Deckhand on a small work boat under the supervision of the Boat Operator.
  • This is a 24 hour a day job, that call-outs during the middle of the night for repairs or fog related look-out watches are a possibility.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This is a mandatory drug Testing Designated Position (TDP), in accordance with EP 600-1-300, USACE Drug Testing Procedures for the Army's Drug-Free Federal Workplace (DFW) Program, dated 28 Feb 01.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 45 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Deckhand (Dual Rate) without more than normal supervision. You must possess a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), Able Bodied Seaman (AB) Endorsement or higher AND a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials or you may be rated ineligible. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
IAW NPPR 690-1-530 you may intermittently perform higher paying duties in a dual rate position provided you obtain and maintain appropriate US Coast Guard licenses/certifications.
Physical Effort:
Work requires moderate physical effort. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies normally up to 45 lbs. and occasionally over 45 lbs. Work requires prolonged standing, walking and climbing, all of which can cause exertion of the lower back. The employee must maintain good lower back physical condition. Incumbent must possess color and depth perception and be able to see by low visibility conditions in order to perform duties.
Working Conditions: Exposed to extremes of weather conditions, heat, and noise. There is danger of slippery decks and drowning. Must wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing as required, and comply with sound safety practices. May be exposed to hot pipes, escaping steam and the effects of acids, solvents, and paint.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a Career Program (CP) 24 - Transportation & Distribution Management position.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Defense National Relocation Program (DNRP) is not authorized.
  • The following incentives may be authorized to a highly qualified candidate: Recruitment, Relocation, and/or Advanced Leave Accrual.
  • You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials or you may be rated ineligible.
  • The Deckhand WK-5788-06 position has noncompetitive promotion potential to a Marine Machinery Repairer WK-5334-08 and Marine Machinery Mechanic WK-5334-10.
  • Noncompetitive promotion potential to target grade.
  • Salary Range for WK-5788-06 is $30.14-$35.17; Salary Range for WK-5334-08 is $34.86-$40.67; Salary Range for WK-5334-10 is $39.56-$46.16
  • The following incentives may be authorized to a highly qualified candidate: Recruitment, Relocation, Advance in Hire, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Advanced Leave Accrual.

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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
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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.

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About Army Corps of Engineers

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US