Port Engineer

Position Summary:

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a fleet of three to six push boats, as well as 50-100+ customer-owned river barges at one of the busiest dry bulk facilities on the Mississippi River. This position oversees the technical, operational, compliance (Safety Management System & Subchapter M), crewing, safety, and developmental growth of the fleet. Manages the fleet's operating expenses and budgets. Ensures compliance with SMS, USCG, and customer requirements. Oversees repairs, engineering projects, and preventive maintenance performed by vessel crews and/or contractors. Manages fleet performance, ensuring vessels are adequately staffed with qualified and competent crew members to meet operational needs.

About the Role

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Responsibilities

• Supervise all fleet team members including boat crew and shore-side staff
• Critical role in Emergency Response Organization responding to any vessel casualty to ensure preservation of life and to maximum extent vessel and cargo under crisis conditions
• On call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days per year to respond to vessel casualties, other emergencies and/or urgent operational needs
• Coordinate procurement of vessel equipment, supplies, parts and services in working with purchasing staff
• Manage technical requirements for a fleet of push boats and barges
• Act as primary point of contact for the fleet at the facility
• Prepare specifications for vessel repair and maintenance activities
• Schedule routine maintenance on an ongoing basis
• Coordinate special projects such system upgrades, installations, refurbishments, refits, and hull repairs
• Attend dockside and shipyard repair projects
• Keep accurate records of all maintenance performed using in-house software program(s).
• Responsible for assigned vessel performance metrics including budget, operating costs, reliability, and planning
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• College degree preferred but not required
• Current USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential
• Minimum 200-ton with towing endorsement
• Previous towing experience on push boats on the Mississippi River is required
• Previous shore-side experience managing vessel repair and maintenance projects; dry dock experience is a plus
• Knowledge of current USCG Subchapter M regulations is required
• Familiarity with and experience maintaining and complying with an approved Safety Management System
• Ability to multitask and manage projects with little or no supervision

Skills and Abilities

• Physical Requirements: Must meet “fit for duty” requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test)
• Must be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders
• Must be comfortable working aboard boats and barges using heavy lines, winches, and mechanical tools for repairs
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 160 feet
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus