Tug & Barge Operator - Marine Construction

Manaakimarine; Upper Harbour; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Manaaki Marine in Auckland is seeking an experienced Tug & Barge Operator to join the marine operations team. You’ll command single and twin-screw harbour tugs, assist in moving dumb barges and support marine construction activities.

The role is hands-on and deck-facing, with opportunities across crane and piling operations and close collaboration with project teams. A NZ Maritime NZ certification and legal right to work in New Zealand are required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating single and twin-screw harbour tugs.
• Practical experience moving and positioning dumb barges.
• Strong boat-handling and close-quarters manoeuvring skills.
• Confident around marine construction operations and project teams.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willing to work beyond skipper duties.

Responsibilities

• Operating single and twin-screw harbour tugs
• Towing, manoeuvring and positioning dumb barges
• Berthing, unberthing and close-quarters vessel manoeuvring
• Handling mooring and towing equipment
• Supporting mobilisation and demobilisation of marine plant
• Assisting crews with practical marine construction activities
• Working alongside crane, rigging and piling operations
• Carrying out general deck and vessel duties
• Maintaining high standards of vessel safety and housekeeping
• Supporting the wider project team wherever required

Skills

Harbor tug operation

Barge handling

Close-quarters manoeuvring

Boat handling

Safety practices

Teamwork

Effective communication

Job description

Manaaki Marine is recruiting on behalf of an established marine infrastructure and construction business for an experienced Tug & Barge Operator to join its marine operations team.

This is a varied, hands-on position combining tug and dumb barge operations with practical marine construction work.

We’re looking for someone who is confident on the helm but equally comfortable stepping onto the deck, handling lines, supporting lifting operations and pitching in with the wider team when required.

If you're looking for a role where every day brings something different, this could be a great fit.

About the Role

You’ll operate single and twin-screw harbour tugs, primarily supporting the movement, positioning and management of dumb barges associated with marine construction projects.

Once the tug and barge are where they need to be, the job doesn’t stop.

You’ll work alongside the wider project team supporting marine construction activities and generally turning your hand to whatever is required to keep the operation moving safely and efficiently.

The role is predominantly Auckland based, although some projects may require work outside the Auckland region.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operating single and twin-screw harbour tugs
• Towing, manoeuvring and positioning dumb barges
• Berthing, unberthing and close-quarters vessel manoeuvring
• Handling mooring and towing equipment
• Supporting mobilisation and demobilisation of marine plant
• Assisting crews with practical marine construction activities
• Working alongside crane, rigging and piling operations
• Carrying out general deck and vessel duties
• Maintaining high standards of vessel safety and housekeeping
• Supporting the wider project team wherever required

What We’re Looking For

You’ll need to be a competent and experienced commercial vessel operator with:

• Previous experience operating single and twin-screw harbour tugs
• Practical experience moving and positioning dumb bargesStrong boat-handling and close-quarters manoeuvring skills
• Confidence working around marine construction operations
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A strong understanding of safe working practices
• A practical, hands-on attitude
• A willingness to work outside your core skippering duties

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

Bonus Points If You Have

Experience in any of the following would be a significant advantage:

• Crane operations
• Dogman / dogging
• Rigging and lifting operations
• Marine piling
• Marine or civil construction
• Barge deck operations

These skills fit particularly well with the broader marine construction environment, where lifting, rigging, barge handling and general deck work frequently overlap. The type of marine construction experience previously successful within the team has included barge mooring, crane operations, rigging/de-rigging, lifting gear and working directly with barge masters and lifting supervisors.

Who This Role Will Suit

This isn’t a conventional skipper position.

It will suit someone who enjoys variety and practical work and who understands that operating the vessel is only one part of getting a marine construction project delivered.

You might spend the morning manoeuvring a barge into position and the afternoon working alongside the project crew on deck.

If your attitude is “what needs doing?” rather than “that’s not my job,” you’ll probably fit in well.

What’s on Offer

• Full-time opportunity within a specialist marine business
• Variety across tug, barge and marine construction operations
• Exposure to different projects and marine environments
• Opportunity to broaden your practical marine construction experience
• Work alongside an experienced, hands-on team
• Projects across Auckland and, from time to time, further afield

Important Information

Applicants will need to hold the appropriate Maritime New Zealand certification for the vessels and operating limits involved.

Applicants must also already be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.