Vessel Operator

GrayMar Environmental Services, LLC; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness programs

401(k) with company matching

Spending account options

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-paid life coverage

Company-paid disability coverage

Job summary

GrayMar Environmental Services, LLC seeks a Vessel Operator to safely operate, maintain, and navigate vessels supporting environmental emergency response and hazmat cleanup. You will be on-call for rapid deployment and provide on-water logistical support to field teams protecting waterways.

Expect to work in dynamic, high‑pressure environments with strict safety practices, regulatory compliance, and documentation of operations. A-USCG license and related credentials greatly enhance consideration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid USCG Captain’s license (OUPV or higher) preferred; WA State Boater’s Card considered.
• Knowledge of spill response operations and environmental procedures.
• HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate standby vessels to support oil spill response and hazmat cleanup.
• Maintain vessel readiness, fueling, inspections, and safety equipment.
• Respond to emergencies on short notice in challenging conditions.
• Deploy and tend containment boom with response teams.
• Transport personnel and equipment to incident sites per safety protocols.
• Document vessel operations and maintenance records.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Independent work

Team player

Multitasking

Under pressure decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

USCG Captain’s license (OUPV or higher) preferred

WA State Boater’s Card considered

HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification preferred

Job description

GrayMar Environmental Services continues to expand its national footprint while remaining firmly grounded in the values that define who we are. We live by Respect, Integrity, Safe Work Practices, Excellence in Service, and a deep sense of Family -a commitment we proudly call RISE through Caring.

We specialize in environmental remediation, health and safety, hazardous materials management, waste disposal, and environmental emergency response. Through comprehensive and sustainable solutions, we help our clients and the communities we serve manage risk, maintain compliance, and protect the environment. Safety is our top priority, and we take pride in our highly skilled, dedicated team that works together to get the job done safely—every time.

At GrayMar, every employee is seen, heard, and valued, not as a number, but as a member of our family. Our culture supports continuous learning, professional development, and long-term career growth.

We offer a robust benefits package that includes

• wellness programs
• a 401(k) with company matching
• spending account options
• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• company-paid life and disability coverage (long and short-term)

ensuring our employees are supported both in and out of the field.

Inclusion at GrayMar is not just an initiative; it is fundamental to how we innovate and grow. We draw strength from diverse experiences and perspectives and foster an inclusive environment where every voice matters. As we continue to grow nationwide, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers while building a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and proud to belong.

Position Overview

The Vessel Operator is responsible for safely operating, maintaining, and navigating vessels that support environmental emergency response, marine spill containment, and hazardous materials cleanup operations. This role ensures rapid deployment during incidents, provides on‑water logistical support, and assists field teams in protecting sensitive waterways and shorelines. The operator must be mission‑ready, safety‑focused, and capable of working in dynamic, high‑pressure environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate standby vessels to support oil spill response, hazmat cleanup, boom deployment, wildlife protection, and environmental monitoring activities.
• Maintain vessel readiness, including fueling, inspections, preventive maintenance, and ensuring all safety and response equipment is onboard and operational.
• Respond to emergency call‑outs on short notice, navigating safely in challenging conditions such as low visibility, strong currents, or contaminated waters.
• Deploy, retrieve, and tend containment boom and other spill control equipment in coordination with response teams.
• Transport personnel, equipment, and materials to and from incident sites while adhering to safety and environmental protocols.
• Assist hazmat and environmental technicians with on‑water sampling, shoreline assessments, and debris recovery.
• Follow all regulatory requirements, including USCG, OSHA, EPA, and company‑specific safety procedures.
• Document vessel operations, including logs, maintenance records, and incident support activities.
• Participate in drills, training, and exercises to maintain operational readiness and certifications.
• Support demobilization efforts, including equipment decontamination and vessel cleanup after response operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule

• This position is on call only, with no guarantees of regularly scheduled work.
• Requests to support ongoing project work and emergency responses can come in any time 24/7/365.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong work ethic with a safety-first mindset.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proven experience operating small vessels, workboats, skiffs, or similar crafts in marine or inland waterway environments.
• Ability to work extended hours, irregular schedules, and emergency call‑outs.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Physical ability to lift equipment, handle lines, and work in adverse weather conditions.

Education and Experience Required

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Valid USCG Captain’s license (OUPV or higher) preferred; equivalent experience and WA State Boater’s Card considered, depending on jurisdiction and vessel type.
• Knowledge of spill response operations, containment boom handling, and environmental emergency procedures.
• Familiarity with hazardous materials awareness and safe work practices (HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification strongly preferred).
• Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 60 days of full-time employment.
• 401(k) with possible yearly company match.
• Company paid STD, LTD, and life insurance.
• Company paid time off and holidays.
• Career path programs and ongoing company paid training.
• Family culture with positive and safe work environments.

Disclaimer: This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of GrayMar Environmental Services, LLC.

GrayMar Environmental Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at GrayMar are based on one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, victims of a QAOV and those with a family member who is a victim of a QAOV, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.