ATB Assistant Engineer

McAllister Towing; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

McAllister Towing is seeking an ATB Assistant Engineer to operate, maintain and repair vessel propulsion and auxiliary systems on our tug and barge units based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The role reports to the Engineer and supports deck operations, maintenance, log entries, and safety procedures.

The position requires a Coast Guard credential, STCW, and prior engine-room experience with Caterpillar diesel engines. Candidates must pass drug and medical tests; TWIC is also required.

Qualifications

• Current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Minimum two years serving in the Engine Department of a commercial vessel.
• At least two years’ experience with Caterpillar diesel engines and typical electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic auxiliary systems.
• Pass pre-employment drug test and pre-employment physical.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and repair vessel propulsion systems, heating and ventilating systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment on tugs and barges.
• Report to the Engineer for engine room watches, maintenance and repairs; assist in deck evolution (deck maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, towing, mooring and un-mooring).
• Coordinate with Engineer to maintain vessel’s trim and stability by gauging tanks and reporting results; conduct transfers as needed.
• Assist in procurement, loading, discharge, transfer and use of potable water, ballast water, fuel oil and lube oil; serve as PIC for transfers and log entries.
• Participate in barge loading and discharging; acting as PIC.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Marine engineering knowledge

Propulsion systems maintenance

Safety procedures

Watchkeeping

Education

U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer License (preferred)

STCW Certification

Person-In-Charge Liquid Gas

IEC Maintainer Certification

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About Us

Since 2021, McAllister Towing LNG Services, LLC serves as technical manager for Seaside LNG's bunkering operations in Florida. McAllister currently operates the POLARIS / CLEAN CANAVERAL articulated tug and barge (ATB) unit and will begin operating the TORTUGA / CLEAN EVERGLADES ATB out of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2027. Both units are designed to transport LNG coastwise and deliver it as marine fuel.

Job Description

About Us

Since 2021, McAllister Towing LNG Services, LLC serves as technical manager for Seaside LNG's bunkering operations in Florida. McAllister currently operates the POLARIS / CLEAN CANAVERAL articulated tug and barge (ATB) unit and will begin operating the TORTUGA / CLEAN EVERGLADES ATB out of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2027. Both units are designed to transport LNG coastwise and deliver it as marine fuel.

The POLARIS and TORTUGA is a 4,000-horsepower tug fitted with a JAK-400 coupling system and paired with the CLEAN CANAVERAL and CLEAN EVERGLADES, a 5,500-cubic-meter LNG bunkering barge.

Delivered by Master Boat Builders in 2024, the TORTUGA is a 109-foot, 4,000-horsepower tug powered by two EPA Tier 4 Caterpillar 3512E engines. It features twin Berg MTA 523 Z-drives and a Beacon Finland JAK coupling system. The tug is paired with the CLEAN EVERGLADES, a 5,500-cubic-meter LNG bunkering barge built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and delivered in 2023.

Job Title: ATB Assistant Engineer

Salary: $781/day (2027 rates)

Reports to: The Assistant Engineer operates and maintains machinery on assigned tug and barge at the Engineers’ direction.

Supervises: None

Essential Functions

• The vessel Assistant Engineer’s primary function is to operate, maintain and repair vessel propulsion systems, heating and ventilating systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment on tugs and barges.
• They report to the Engineer for the proper conduct of the engine room watches, maintenance and repairs; assist in deck evolution such as deck maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, making tow or mooring and un-mooring in which the Assistant Engineer is participating.
• Project a positive company image and maintain professional, amicable relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times.

General Responsibilities

• Familiarity with and adherence to all McAllister’s policies, procedures and Quality Safety Management System.
• Assists the Engineer in operation and maintenance of all onboard machinery in accordance with the policies and procedures in the QSMS. Machinery includes but is not necessarily limited to: main engines; generators; steering gear; other electric, pneumatic and hydraulic auxiliary machinery; deck machinery; and, piping systems and barge systems, appurtenances.
• Maintains all arrangements, systems and components related to the watertight integrity of the vessel.
• Coordinates with Engineer to maintain vessel’s trim and stability by gauging tanks and reporting results, and conducting any transfers deemed necessary.
• Assists the Engineer with procurement, loading, discharge, transfer and use of all potable water, ballast water, fuel oil and lube oil, ascertaining that said products are of proper quality and quantity. Serves as Person in Charge (PIC) for transfers and makes required log and record book entries.
• Participating in barge loading and discharging; acting as PIC.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Safety/Regulatory Responsibilities

• Reporting hazardous occurrences, conditions or actions.
• Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station Bill. Assist the Master and/or Mate in the execution of emergency plans aboard the vessel.
• Participates in all training, drills and exercises.

Equipment Responsibilities

• Complete planned maintenance, inspections, and repairs for tug and barge under the direction of the Engineer.
• Ensuring that all work done on machinery is in accordance with safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Assisting personnel of an assigned barge with completing scheduled maintenance and repairs.
• Perform maintenance and sanitation tasks on tug under the direction of the Engineer and Master.

Reporting Responsibilities

• Properly and legibly complete, submit and maintain Engine Room Logs, Oil Record Books, service requests, requisitions, inspection reports and other records as directed by the Engineer.
• Ensuring the Engineer is kept informed of the vessel requirements, conditions, scheduled maintenance and/or repair items that are beyond his/her ability to complete or items that are deferred for any reason.

Minimum Requirements

• Current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Current U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer License preferred.
• Person-In-Charge Liquid Gas
• IEC Maintainer Certified (preferred)
• STCW Certification.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years’ experience with Caterpillar diesel engines and typical electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic auxiliary systems.
• Minimum two years serving in the Engine Department of a commercial vessel.
• Pass pre-employment drug test and pre-employment physical.

Physical Requirements

The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the crew members to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:

• Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
• Adequate hearing.
• Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
• Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
• Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
• Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
• Sufficient strength to:
• Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level;
• Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level;
• Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
• Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.

FLSA Status

Exempt

• This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.