Marine Vessel Operator

Position Summary

The Marine Vessel Operator is responsible for the safe operation of American Safety’s small watercraft (up to 30 feet) in support of environmental and emergency response operations. This role performs vessel navigation, launch/recovery, crew/passenger transport, and workboat activities that may include debris/wreckage support, containment boom deployment, monitoring, and other spill and waterway response tasks. Work is performed outdoors in variable, and sometimes adverse weather and water conditions, with a strong emphasis on risk assessment, communications, and safety compliance. Roles equivalent to this position commonly operate in exposed waters and across seasons/weather conditions, and support spill response readiness and operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate small watercraft up to 30 feet in length for ER and environmental response missions.
• Navigate inland waterways, rivers, canals, bays, near-shore waters, ports, and industrial facilities.
• Conduct vessel operations in day/night and adverse weather conditions, including reduced visibility, current, wind, and vessel traffic.
• Comply with navigation rules, local operating restrictions, and facility-specific marine safety requirements.
• Execute safe docking, undocking, trailering, launching, and recovery operations

Support ER missions such as:

• Transport of response personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Deployment, tending, repositioning, and retrieval of containment boom and marine response equipment.
• Support activities related to floating debris, wreckage control, exclusion zones, and waterway monitoring, as directed.
• Assistance with shoreline and waterway assessments.
• Maintain readiness for rapid deployment in emergency conditions consistent with spill response and incident command environments.

Safety, Risk Management & Compliance

• Perform pre-task planning, job hazard analysis (JHA), and continuous dynamic risk assessments considering:

-Weather and sea state

-Vessel traffic

-Crew condition

-Environmental and industrial hazards

• Ensure proper use of USCG-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) and required PPE based on task, conditions, and company policy.
• Enforce safe work practices related to line handling, propeller hazards, pinch points, slips/trips/falls, and overboard risks.
• Follow incident command structure, emergency action plans, and stop-work authority when unsafe conditions exist.
• Promptly report incidents, near-misses, equipment deficiencies, and unsafe conditions

• Perform routine care: washdown, corrosion prevention, basic mechanical checks, battery management, trailer checks (if assigned), and minor repairs within scope.
• Complete required logs (pre/post inspections, hours, fuel usage, maintenance notes, incident/near-miss reports, and mission/task documentation).

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record (per company policy).
• Valid boating license and/or boating safety certificate (state-approved or accepted equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate small watercraft up to 30 feet (workboat experience preferred).
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and around water hazards.
• Ability to read and follow written procedures; communicate clearly by phone/radio.

Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Desired)

• Prior environmental response, spill response, industrial marine support, or emergency-response experience (boom operations, logistics, decon support).
• Knowledge of federal/state boating safety expectations and required carriage/safety equipment concepts.
• Training/experience aligned with “small craft operator” standards (operating across seasons and weather; safety-focused operations).
• Mechanical aptitude (small engine/outboard basics), trailering/launching experience, and docking alongside structures/vessels.
• Current First Aid/CPR (or willingness to obtain).

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis, including marine equipment such as containment boom, anchors, lines, hoses, tools, fuel containers, and response materials.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, bend, kneel, crouch, and work on uneven or slippery surfaces including docks, vessel decks, shorelines, and industrial marine facilities.
• Ability to safely handle ropes, rigging, and equipment under tension.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity.
• Ability to tolerate vessel motion, vibration, glare, noise, and prolonged exposure to marine environments.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to operate vessels safely, maintain situational awareness, and communicate via radio and verbal commands.

Work Environment and Hazards

• Work performed on or near water and industrial environments with exposure risks that may include slips/trips/falls, drowning hazards, rotating equipment/propulsion hazards, pinch points (lines/cleats/winches), changing weather/sea conditions, and potential exposure to fuels/chemicals consistent with environmental response operations.
• Must follow all PPE requirements; small-boat safety guidance highlights serious hazards and emphasizes protective measures such as PFD use.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Driver’s License (required)
• Boating License and/or Boating Safety Certificate (required)
• Company may require additional role-specific training based on assignment, customer requirements, or regulatory considerations.

Performance Expectations

• Zero-compromise safety mindset; consistent use of risk assessment and stop-work authority.
• Reliable attendance and rapid response availability during incidents.
• Professional conduct at customer sites and during emergency operations.
• Accurate documentation and care of company equipment.

Cross-Training Requirement
While your job description defines your primary responsibilities, the company may require you to perform additional duties outside of your regular role as business needs arise. Cross-training ensures that all employees are prepared to support operations and contribute to overall team success.

Employment Relationship and Right-to-Work Notice

Employment with American Safety LLC is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason or no reason at all, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. American Safety LLC operates in several Right-to-Work states, where employees are not required to join or financially support a labor union as a condition of employment. This policy reflects the Company’s commitment to maintaining a fair, open, and compliant workplace environment.

Equal Employment Policy

American Safety LLC’s hiring, and employment practices are based on job qualifications, performance, and/or conduct without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25