Demo

Vessel Operator

Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC
Tampa, FL Full Time
POSTED ON 6/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/23/2026
Job Summary

The Vessel Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining response vessels while supporting emergency environmental response and remediation projects. This role plays a critical part in on-water oil spill response activities, including containment, recovery, and cleanup operations. In addition to emergency response work, the operator will assist with routine vessel line handling, environmental and industrial service projects.

This position requires a strong commitment to safety, the ability to work in challenging outdoor and industrial environments, and flexibility to respond to emergencies outside of normal business hours.

Job Responsibilities

  • Execution of field work encompassed in marine projects while under direct or indirect supervision.
  • Safely operate and maintain response vessels ranging from 24 to 32 feet in length.
  • The ability to safely drive and perform safety checks on all vehicles for which licensed.
  • Tow, launch, and retrieve vessels and related equipment.
  • Deploy and operate oil spill response equipment, including containment boom, skimmers, pumps, and ancillary tools.
  • Perform routine vessel inspections and basic maintenance to ensure operational readiness.
  • Respond to emergency on-water oil spills and other environmental emergencies.
  • Conduct containment, recovery, and cleanup activities in marine and shoreline environments.
  • Support environmental remediation, industrial cleaning, and other non-emergency service projects.
  • Participate in after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergency callouts as needed.
  • Adhere to all company policies, client requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Participate in daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and job hazard analyses.
  • Maintain compliance with site-specific health and safety plans.
  • Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow hazardous materials handling procedures.
  • Complete daily work reports, timesheets, and safety documentation accurately and on time.
  • Report equipment issues, incidents, and safety concerns promptly.
  • Due to the diversity of both scheduled and non-scheduled projects, physical demands, and environmental conditions vary significantly depending on the project.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, heat, cold, and wind.
  • Perform duties in marine, industrial, and hazardous environments.
  • Frequently lift, carry, and move equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
  • Stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.
  • May be required to travel to response locations and work extended shifts during emergencies.

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
  • Experience operating small vessels.
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow safety procedures and technical instructions.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules and respond to emergency callouts.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B.
  • United States Coast Guard OUPV (“6-Pack”) License.
  • Transportation Security Administration TWIC Card.
  • Previous oil spill response, marine operations, or environmental remediation experience.
  • OSHA HAZWOPER certification (40-hour).

SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY

  • Flexible schedule with on-call availability required.
  • Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during emergency response operations.
  • Overtime and travel may be required based on project and response needs.

What We Offer:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
  • Generous 401(k) Plan with 4% match
  • Company paid Financial Advice Program
  • Career development opportunities, including our Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Paid Vacation based on years of service

Moran Environmental Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary.com Estimation for Vessel Operator in Tampa, FL
$82,944 to $102,953
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Vessel Operator?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Vessel Operator career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$55,723 - $75,010
Income Estimation: 
$106,582 - $128,279
Income Estimation: 
$83,347 - $109,848
Income Estimation: 
$100,371 - $147,505
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC

  • Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC Indianapolis, IN
  • JOB SUMMARY: The Environmental Supervisor must be able to work in compliance on remediation and industrial maintenance projects. They must adhere to and ma... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC East Providence, RI
  • JOB SUMMARY The Vacuum Truck Operator must be able to work in compliance in the delivery of MER’s four (4) core service lines (Emergency Response, Industri... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC East Providence, RI
  • JOB SUMMARY The Environmental Supervisor must be able to work in compliance on remediation and industrial maintenance projects. They must adhere to and mai... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC Savannah, GA
  • Job Summary The Fleet Diesel Mechanic position provides a wide range of preventative maintenance as well as service and repair work on the MER fleet of veh... more
  • 4 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Vessel Operator jobs in the Tampa, FL area that may be a better fit.

  • American Operator Tampa, FL
  • About American Operator American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and ownership. We place experienced ope... more
  • 19 Days Ago

  • Sperber Landscape Companies LLC Thonotosassa, FL
  • Position Overview: We are seeking a skilled and experienced Operator to join our landscaping business. As an Operator, you will be responsible for operatin... more
  • 3 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!