Senior Riverboat Captain

Bi--state-Development-Agenc; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision coverage

4 weeks PTO

Floating birthday holiday

401(k) retirement plan

Unum supplemental benefits

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

PSLF eligible

Gym discounts

Onsite gyms 24/7

Free MetroLink/MetroBus access

Discounted cell phone plans

Job summary

Bi-State Development seeks an experienced maritime leader to ensure safe, secure, and professional vessel operations. You will oversee crew performance, safety protocols, and guest experience while coordinating with regulatory bodies.

leadership will focus on navigating USCG rules, maintaining vessel logs, and implementing drills. The role requires a Master 100 Tons endorsement and strong leadership in a dynamic riverport setting.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Master of 100 Tons endorsement and 10 months remaining before expiration.
• Valid USCG Medical Certificate.
• TWIC card required at hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate the vessel in compliance with USCG regulations and company policies.
• Lead the mate, deckhands, and crew to ensure safety, security, and guest experience.
• Coordinate with the Director of Operations and regulators to ensure compliant vessel operations.
• Conduct routine inspections, COI and hull inspections, and monthly drills.
• Maintain logs of vessel operations, maintenance, and daily cruise reports.

Skills

Crew supervision

Safety leadership

Regulatory compliance

Maritime operations

USCG rules

Emergency response

Budgeting/Finance

Communication

Public speaking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Benefits

• Join a company committed to making a positive impact in the community
• Receive a competitive salary
• Enjoy comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage starting on your first day
• Earn 4 weeks of paid time off (PTO) each year
• Take advantage of 10 paid holidays annually — plus a floating holiday to celebrate your birthday
• Contribute to our company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan
• Access supplemental benefits through Unum, including off-the-job accident, critical illness, whole life, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Participate in our wellness program, which includes free health screenings
• Use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and resources
• Bi-State Development is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Get exclusive gym discounts at Club Fitness, The Edge Fitness Clubs, and OneLife Fitness at Ballpark Village
• Work out anytime at one of our nine onsite gyms, available 24/7
• Enjoy free MetroLink and MetroBus access
• Save with discounted cell phone plans

Let us support your well-being and professional growth while making a difference!

Job Summary

Mission

Ensure the safe, secure, clean, and professionaloperation of the vessel by leading the crew and overseeing vessel operations inaccordance with United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations and companystandards. Provide leadership and management support for the Marine OperationsDepartment while promoting guest safety, operational excellence, and engagingcruise experience.

Essential Outcomes

Navigation and Vessel Operation:

• Operate and safely navigate the vessel in accordance with USCG regulations, company policies, and accepted marine practices while exercising sound judgment in varying weather conditions, river stages, and harbor traffic.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including those of the USCG, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security, St. Louis Port Authority, St. Louis Department of Health, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Monitor current and projected river conditions and position the four wharf barges and heliport to support safe and efficient vessel operations.
• Implement operational safety and security procedures in accordance with applicable maritime laws, USCG regulations, and company policies.

Leadership and Crew Management

• Provide a safe, clean, and secure vessel by effectively supervising the mate, deckhands, and other members of the crew.
• Develop employees through selection, training, coaching, and annual performance evaluations.
• Foster a safe, engaging, and enjoyable experience for riverboat guests.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Operations and other operational leaders to support efficient marine operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety:

• Serve as the Facility Security Officer (FSO) and fulfill applicable security responsibilities in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and maritime security requirements.
• In collaboration with the Asset Maintenance Manager, consult regularly with USCG officials to ensure vessel operations, maintenance activities, and capital improvements remain compliant with applicable regulations.
• Conduct routine inspections of the vessel and its equipment, coordinate annual Certificate of Inspection (COI) and hull inspections, and conduct monthly emergency drills in accordance with USCG requirements.
• Report equipment issues, personnel concerns, unusual incidents, and passenger feedback to management in a timely manner.

Maintenance, Asset Management, and Capital Improvements:

• Partner with the Asset Maintenance Manager to coordinate maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections that support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of vessels and facilities.
• In collaboration with the Asset Maintenance Manager, oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of construction and capital improvement projects related to riverboat facilities and equipment.
• Maintain logs of machinery condition, service, preventive maintenance, vessel operations, and the vessel's logbook, and submit required daily cruise reports.

Financial Management:

• Work with the Director of Operations to control operating expenses, prepare budgets, and monitor budget performance.

Other:

• Complete other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Requirements

• Must be at least 19 years of age or older.
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Master of 100 Tons endorsement and a minimum of ten (10) months remaining before expiration required.
• Valid USCG Medical Certificate.
• Must have Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card at hire.
• Must pass DOT Physical, Essential Functions Test, and alcohol/drug screening at hire (subject to other testing as required in the agency D&A policy).
• Must be at least 19 years of age or older.
• Must pass basic background check at hire.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which includes some holidays, nights and weekends.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively convey information to employees, management, regulatory agencies, and guests.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to build relationships, coach employees, resolve conflict, and effectively address sensitive employee relations matters.
• Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of passenger vessel operations and the hospitality and tourism industries.
• Leadership and Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, supervise, and lead employees in achieving operational goals and organizational objectives.
• Financial Management: Ability to assist with budget development, expense management, and financial planning through the analysis of operational and financial data.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing inland passenger vessel operations.
• Technical Knowledge: Ability to understand the technical and operational aspects of marine operations, interpret technical manuals, and apply USCG rules and regulations.
• Navigation: Demonstrated ability to safely navigate a passenger vessel in congested waterways while exercising sound judgment during varying river conditions, weather, and harbor traffic.
• Decision Making: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills, including the ability to respond effectively during emergency situations.
• Customer Service: Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and creating a positive guest experience.
• Organization and Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet operational deadlines.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Initiative: Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and implement strategies, policies, and procedures that support operational excellence.
• Public Speaking: Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills.
• Work Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.

Compensation

84,750.00 - 98,875.00 (Annually)

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

Gateway Riverboat Cruises

Education

High School diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

Minimum six (6) years on passenger vessel as Master or equivalent required. Minimum two (2) years of supervisory/management experience required. Experience operating passenger vessels on inland rivers is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Master of 100 Tons endorsement and a minimum of ten (10) months remaining before expiration required.Valid USCG Medical Certificate.Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Bi-State Development is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation Disclosure

Bi-State Development is committed to ensuring all employees are compensated fairly. The salary range provided reflects our current expectations for this position.