Pilot Trainee

Job Posting End Date

03-14-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

Manage the day to day operation of the vessel in an efficient manner. Place orders for stores, fuel or water and taking these items on board the vessel. Administer disciplinary action in accordance with company procedure. Administration of the USWA Wage Agreement as it pertains to vessel employees. Perform all duties and work with employees in a safe manner in accordance with established standards and safety practices. Carry out, within the assigned area of responsibility, the Company's program of Equal Employment Opportunity, including its Affirmative Action obligations. Maintain compliance within guidelines of the Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) and ensure crew members are following RCP procedures. Obtain a valid Radar Observer endorsement when applicable. Perform all other duties as assigned.Under the direction of the Port Captain, the Pilot Trainee will serve an apprenticeship period under the direct supervision of a Master Pilot or Pilot. During the apprenticeship period the Trainee's primary responsibility will be learning how to perform the duties and carry out the responsibilities of a towboat pilot. Specific areas of training will include safe navigation of the vessel, supervision of the personnel, proper radio procedures, vessel safety rules and regulations, emergency medical procedures, and administration of Company policies. Pilot Trainee will work out of Lakin WV and will be required to work 21 days on and 21 days off. Safely navigate a towboat under varying river conditions through hands-on training. Proper use of radar, VHF and all communication equipment including compliance with FCC regulations. Maintain a vessel and its tow in a safe and seaworthy condition in accordance with safe operating procedures and maintain the vessel's log. Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations (oil pollution control, clean water act, etc.) and AEP environmental policies and practices. Conduct effective job briefing, safety meetings and assist the Safety Department in investigating claims of employee injury and completion of an accident report form. Emergency medical procedures including administering CPR and securing emergency medical assistance for ill or injured employees.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

• Expected to exercise considerable initiative in all areas of work to ensure safe and efficient operations. 
• Possess a current valid driver's license.
• Possess a valid license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers or Inland, or greater USCG license. Ex. Mate (Pilot ) of towing vessels.
• Maintain a good employee record with no prior disciplinary proceedings or safety violations within the previous 12 months.
• Captains/Pilots are permitted to write two (2) letters of recommendation.
• Produce documented steering time and maintain trip documentation in the USCG Towing Officers Assessment Records (TOAR) Book.
• (Note: a pilot trainee may steer the vessel only under the direct supervision of the Master or Pilot of the vessel to which he or she is current assigned.)
• Must provide TOAR and Steering Log for review.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Advanced communication and problem solving skills a must.
• Must be able to read and write and speak the English language.
• Produce documented steering time and maintain trip documentation in the USCG Towing Officers Assessment Records (TOAR) Book.
• Must possess three (3) letters of sponsorship from different Captains/Pilots with the Company's workforce that hold a Valid DE (Designated Examiner) Letter and Master's license who agree to provide their training.
• Above average leadership, management and training abilities.
• Qualified to work as Second Mate. Must have completed 2nd Mate Qualification Book.

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Must have an excellent understanding of the marine business and currently employed by AEP, with a minimum of (2) years of service. Expected to exercise considerable initiative in all areas of work to ensure safe and efficient operations. Advanced problem solving skills a must. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Must possess the ability to motivate and lead co-workers.

Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:

• Maintain a valid driver's license

Other Must Haves:

• Physical demand level is Light. On-call availability.
• Willingness to work additional hours and weekends, to meet project deadlines Travel required 

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-005

Compensation Range:

$63,496.00 - $79,369.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L – Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg c ontrols; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.  NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible

Hear about it first!   Get job alerts by email.  Log in to your Candidate Home Account today!  If you don't have an account, you can create one.  

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.