Barge Readiness Tech

Canal Barge Company (CBC), headquartered in New Orleans, is a leading company in the inland marine industry with a history of steady growth and an exceptional human & environmental safety record. We believe CBC’s Mississippi River transportation system is among the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods of transporting cargo within the United States. CBC has grown into a diversified business with 900+ employees operating over 900 vessels. Our greatest strength is in providing dedicated bulk freight logistics within the rivers and canals of the United States, Gulf of Mexico, & Atlantic Coast.

About the role

This critical role ensures that our barges are ready to meet our customers' high expectations before arriving at their facilities. You will learn new skills and gain tank barge knowledge in this role and be eligible for growth within the company. The Barge Readiness Technician will be responsible for tank barge inspections prior to loading and unloading of products, as well as after barge cleaning operations. Willingness to work outside and ability to learn about tank barges is a must. The job is based in various ports but requires daily travel to local jobsites, necessitating reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure barges are ready to perform a cargo transfer (load/discharge).
• Prevent customer rejections on barges you have inspected (including cleaning).
• Perform work safely and reliably.
• Inspect barge hulls, documentation, cleanliness, safety systems, machinery, and fittings.
• Conduct tank barge inspections, including inspection of barge voids (empty ballast tanks).
• Read and understand tank barge documents (USCG COI, SDS, Strappings, COFR).
• Start barge pump engines and inspect for defects.
• Inspect all working equipment and machinery on the barge.
• Verify barge cleanliness before leaving cleaning facilities.
• Examine decks to ensure they are clear from spills (cargo or engine fluids).
• Locate hull damage and void tank leaks through visual inspection.
• Inspect all barge fittings, including operation of winches.
• Inspect vapor recovery systems on tank barges, including all piping and pressure vacuum relief valves (PVRV).
• Review functions/operations of cargo tanks, cargo piping, cargo tank valves, pump cans, check valves, pressure relief on pumps, and hot oil heaters.
• Document work and complete forms with extensive attention to detail.
• Stay compliant with all regulatory bodies and safety rules.
• Perform minor preventative and corrective maintenance on barge pumps, pump engines, boilers, and heaters.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on Detroit Diesel and Cummins engines.
• Identify issues and maintain fuel systems, gear boxes, couplings, drive shafts, deep well pumps, positive displacement pumps, and centrifugal pumps.
• Understand and perform minor repairs of cargo high-level alarms (mechanical and electrical).
• Assist as needed with barge operations.
• Perform other duties as directed by management.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety, environmental, and barge processes to conduct incident-free inspections.
• Work alone safely (lone worker safety).
• Utilize proper PPE while performing work on barges.
• Adhere to the company Safety Management System (SMS).
• Serve as first-line emergency responders.
• Conduct Stop Work obligation as required.

Company Representation

• Represent the Company to internal and external parties in a way that enhances its reputation.
• Carry out the Business Philosophy, Code of Conduct, and mission of Canal Barge Company.
• Build effective, professional working relationships with customer dock personnel and other external parties such as fleet boats, as well as with CBC vessel personnel.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Show up on time, ready and prepared to conduct the work.

Competencies & Qualifications

• Safety Focus: Embraces our commitment to eliminate harm to people, equipment, and the environment.
• Relationship Builder: Builds connections and nurtures relationships to facilitate candid conversations and accomplish work goals.
• Customer: Keeps the customer at the forefront of actions and decisions, providing strong support to internal customers and mariners.
• Extreme Ownership / Accountable: Takes ownership of outcomes for all work and personal activities.
• Growth Mindset: Demonstrates curiosity and willingness to challenge self and others to learn and evolve, regardless of the situation or context.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation Mindset: Uses curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking to develop and activate new, valuable ideas and solutions that improve organizational performance.
• Resilience: Embraces challenges, views setbacks as learning opportunities, and persists in the face of obstacles to get the job done.

Requirements

• Knowledge of tank barges is preferred but not required.
• A valid Driver’s License.
• Reliable means of transportation (daily travel to multiple locations; travel expenses will be reimbursed).
• A high school diploma or equivalency.
• Able to pass a background check.
• Able to pass a physical exam which includes a respirator fit test and requires the candidate to be clean shaven.

What Success Looks Like

• Complete understanding and documentation of barge conditions with attention to detail.
• Works safely and contributes to the safety of those around you.
• Can diagnose and perform minor barge maintenance.
• Eager to learn, develop, and grow a career with our organization.

Reports to: Tankerman Service Group (TSG) Barge Readiness Supervisor located in Sulphur.