Barge Port Engineer

Overview

This shoreside position primarily involves administrative oversight of maintenance and repair of barge equipment, including dockside problem-solving and major shipyard repairs, scheduled and unscheduled. This job does not require service as a crew member operating any specific vessel.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee maintenance and repair activities for barges to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, structural, and system issues promptly.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify potential issues and minimize downtime.
• Ensure all maintenance and repair work meets company policies and regulatory requirements (USCG, ABS, OSHA, environmental regulations).
• Maintain accurate documentation of inspections, repairs, and compliance certifications.
• Monitor and verify quality of work performed by third-party vendors.
• Prepare cost estimates for barge repairs and maintenance projects.
• Ensure all work is completed within approved budgets and timelines.
• Manage barge modification and upgrade projects from planning through completion.
• Prepare detailed project reports and maintain progress tracking.
• Work closely with Port Captains, Operations, and Safety teams to ensure barge reliability and compliance.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to support fleet operations.
• Respond to mechanical failures or incidents promptly and coordinate necessary repairs.
• Conduct investigations and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure maintenance personnel are properly trained on barge systems and safety procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgement
• Solid planning and budget skills
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)
• Ability to operate a company or personal vehicle for business use

Competencies:

• Teamwork: Collaboration, the ability to work effectively with others, and a positive attitude towards teamwork.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to changing situations and priorities, being flexible, and learning quickly.
• Integrity: Maintaining ethical standards, acting with honesty and respect, and being accountable.
• Initiative: Taking proactive steps, identifying opportunities, and going above and beyond expectations.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, active listening, and the ability to convey information clearly.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years related experience in the barge and marine transportation industry.

Special Requirements:

• TWIC

Physical Activities & Requirements:

• Primarily works on docks with the ability to climb aboard and move around vessels.
• Ability to climb 90-degree vertical ladders.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist level.
• Ability to occasionally exert push/pull forces of 50-60 lbs., respectively.
• Requires frequent physical activities including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying. As well as, reaching or handling with arms, hands, and fingers.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by the position, location, and/or customer.
• Ability to put on safety vest within 2 minutes with minimum effort
• May be required to walk the length of a 500 ft. barge tow and return to inspect barge conditions.
• Ability to commute distances as required.

Working Conditions:

• Duties primarily take place in an office, at the dock or shop environment, with occasional boarding of boats and barges. Typically, does not require overnight stays on vessels.
• May be exposed to harsh natural elements including intense heat, freezing cold, rain, ice, sleet, and other environmental conditions.
• Standard work schedule is five days a week, eight hours per day.On call rotation as scheduled
• Periodic overnight travel to different regions may be necessary.