Boat Pilot

Position Summary:

Livestock Nutrition Center, a leading regional feed manufacturer, is seeking a Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot. This position involves navigation and operation of the towing vessel and associated equipment, overseeing all crew onboard, and ensuring the safety of all personnel and equipment.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions.
• Determine if an operation would endanger the vessel or crew and take necessary corrective actions.
• Oversee all vessel operations and monitor and control expenditures for fuel, supplies, harbor service usage, and overtime.
• Supervise all persons onboard to carry out their assigned duties.
• Maintain company, state, and federally required logs, documentation, and checklists.
• Ensure the vessel is properly equipped with all safety, lifesaving, and PPE equipment and that it is inspected and checked regularly.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Adhere to safety requirements, policies, and procedures as outlined in the employee manual and safety meetings.

Qualifications And Skills

• Ability to work safely and knowledge of general operation of the vessel, its systems, safety rules, procedures, and policies.
• Must meet all requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area operated, Radar Observer certificates, Medical, and TWIC cards.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Reliable, regular on-time attendance is required and essential to the operation of the LNC team.
• Can read and speak English and willing to submit to background/drug checks and provide employment references.

Physical Requirements

• Standing for up to 10 hours throughout the shift, and up to 6 hours at a time.
• Frequent walking and standing on vessel decks during navigation and inspections.
• Ability to regularly carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels.
• Ability to maintain balance on moving, wet, or uneven surfaces.
• Occasional bending and stooping.
• Ability to reach while operating controls, handling equipment, accessing storage areas.
• Hand dexterity in order to operate controls, radios, navigation equipment, and tools.
• Ability to read navigation instruments, identify markers and vessel lights, and maintain situational awareness.
• Ability to hear radio communications, alarms, machinery sounds, and crew instructions.
• Ability to work extended shifts, commonly 8 hours or longer, while maintaining alertness and operational awareness.

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Exposure to vessel vibration, engine noise, and moving machinery.
• Work near water with risk of slipping or falling.
• Occasional confined space entry for inspection purposes.

Safety Requirements

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including life vest/PFD, safety boots, eye protection, and hard hat when required.
• Compliance with company safety programs and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
• Participation in emergency response drills and procedures.