Alaska Marine Operations Lead (Tug & Barge)

NANA Regional Corporation; Kotzebue (AK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NANA Construction seeks an experienced Marine Operations Superintendent to coordinate daily tug, barge, cargo handling and shoreside activities across Alaska, supporting civil construction projects and customer freight deliveries in remote communities.

The role partners with the Marine Operations Manager to align vessel resources, crew, and schedules while maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across operations.

Qualifications

• US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with a relevant deck officer or towing vessel endorsement.
• Experience with Subchapter M and towing safety management systems.
• Five (5) years of tug and barge, marine transportation, or marine construction operations experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or operational leadership role.
• Working knowledge of towing operations, cargo loading and securing, rigging, and shoreside equipment coordination.
• Experience planning vessel movements and freight deliveries in changing operating conditions.
• Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard operating and inspection requirements applicable to tug and barge operations.
• Ability to lead crews, coordinate multiple work fronts, and communicate clearly with field personnel, customers, and management.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and preparation of schedules, reports, and operational records.
• Ability to read and interpret cargo plans, equipment specifications, operating procedures, and safety documents.
• Ability to travel throughout Alaska, including remote locations, and work extended or irregular hours during marine operations.
• Ability to serve aboard company vessels as relief crew and hold and maintain the credentials, endorsements, medical certification, and qualifications required for assigned vessel duties, as applicable.
• Must be able to pass preemployment drug testing and participate in applicable company drug testing programs.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under the company vehicle insurance policy.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily vessel assignments, voyage schedules, mobilizations, demobilizations, and seasonal startup and layup activities.
• Plan operations around cargo requirements, vessel capacity, landing conditions, weather, tides, river levels, and project priorities.
• Coordinate marine support with civil superintendents and project managers, including equipment delivery and village offloading.
• Monitor operational progress, resolve field issues, and communicate delays, resource needs, and schedule changes to the Marine Operations Manager.
• Supervise assigned marine and shoreside personnel; coordinate crew assignments, rotations, travel, and daily work priorities.
• Work with captains to confirm appropriate staffing and verify personnel qualifications for assigned duties.
• Conduct operational briefings and coordinate training, onboarding, performance feedback, and accountability.
• Review time records and communicate staffing needs and personnel concerns to management.
• Provide occasional onboard relief for vessel crew members during scheduled breaks, vacations, and unexpected time off, performing only duties for which the Superintendent holds the required credentials, training, and qualifications.
• Coordinate freight staging, manifests, loading plans, cargo securing, unloading, and delivery documentation.
• Work with captains to confirm cargo arrangements meet vessel capacity, stability, deck loading, and safe operating requirements.
• Supervise shoreside lifting, rigging, equipment movements, and landing activities; verify suitable equipment and qualified personnel.
• Coordinate with customers, trucking providers, vendors, and village representatives to confirm freight readiness and delivery requirements.
• Implement company safety procedures and applicable vessel operating requirements in coordination with captains, vessel engineers, maintenance personnel, and HSSE personnel; confirm maintenance contractors follow applicable company safety procedures.
• Lead job hazard reviews, safety meetings, and field inspections; stop unsafe work and verify corrective actions.
• Support vessel inspection readiness, operating documentation, and towing safety management procedures, including applicable Subchapter M requirements.
• Report incidents and near misses promptly; support investigations, emergency response, and spill prevention activities.
• Coordinate maintenance priorities and repair schedules with vessel engineers, maintenance personnel, vessel crews, and maintenance contractors to maintain fleet readiness and support operating schedules.
• Confirm vessels, tow gear, cargo equipment, fuel, and supplies are ready before deployment.
• Track vessel utilization, fuel consumption, labor, and project costs; identify operational improvements.
• Provide daily operating reports and accurate freight and equipment records to support billing, budgeting, and management decisions.
• Perform other duties pertinent to the success of the division.

Job description

NANA Construction seeks an experienced Marine Operations Superintendent to coordinate daily tug, barge, cargo handling and shoreside activities across Alaska, supporting civil construction projects and customer freight deliveries in remote communities.

The role partners with the Marine Operations Manager to align vessel resources, crew, and schedules while maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across operations.