Barge Inspector

Kirby Inland Marine Lp; Channelview (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirby Inland Marine Lp is seeking personnel for shoreside make-ready activities, including barge inspections, transfer operations, cargo stripping, and internal barge checks at the Channelview facility. This role does not require service on a specific vessel.

Responsibilities include inspections, documenting discrepancies, and maintaining safety standards with PPE. Expect medium work with shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of marine industry experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• TWIC card required.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Physical ability for medium work with lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Barge inspections
• Special transfer operations
• Cargo stripping operations
• Internal barge inspections
• Barge pressure readings
• Inspect drip pans
• Inspect void tanks
• Inspect tool fittings, bolts, and dogs on cargo and void tanks
• Barge endorsements and certificates
• Housekeeping inspections and slip-trip hazard checks
• Prepare barge inspection forms and stripping logs
• Notify Make Ready Supervisor & Traffic of discrepancies
• Indicate discrepancies on forms
• Security awareness responsibilities
• Barge pump engine repairs
• Barge topside repairs
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Organized

Multi-tasking

Self-motivated

Office equipment

Driver's license

TWIC Card

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

This shoreside job primarily involves performing make-ready activities, including barge inspections, special transfer operations, cargo stripping operations, and internal barge inspections. The job does not require service as a crew member for the operation of any specific vessel.

Responsibilities

• Barge inspections


• Special transfer operations


• Cargo stripping operations


• Internal barge inspections


• Barge pressure readings


• Inspect drip pans


• Inspect void tanks


• Inspect tool tightness of all fittings, bolts, and dogs on cargo and void tanks


• Barge endorsements and certificates


• Housekeeping inspections, including slip-trip hazards and trash


• Prepare supporting documents including barge inspection forms and stripping logs


• Notify Make Ready Supervisor & Traffic of discrepancies found during barge inspections


• Indicate discrepancies found during barge inspections on appropriate forms


• Security awareness responsibility


• Barge pump engine repairs


• Barge topside repairs


• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Organized, detail-oriented, and multi-tasked oriented.


• Ability to operate standard office equipment.


• Self-motivated.


• Ability to safely perform task wearing required Personal Protective Equipment, including steal toe shoes, hard hat, goggles, ear protection, gloves, and full-face respirator,


• Active Driver’s License.


• Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card.

Competencies

• Safety Procedures and Practices: Understanding and implementing safety protocols, including emergency procedures, hazardous material handling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.


• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Identifying and resolving issues related to barge safety, equipment, and cargo operations, requiring critical thinking and analytical abilities.


• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintaining detailed inspection records, documenting findings, and preparing reports for regulatory compliance.


• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with inspection tools, equipment, and software used for conducting inspections and recording data.


• Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to work in diverse environments, handle unexpected situations, and adapt to changing priorities.


• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with other inspectors, vessel personnel, and stakeholders to ensure smooth and safe operations.

Education

• High school diploma or GED.

Experience

• One year of experience in the marine industry or with similar job functions.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays.

Physical Activities & Requirements

• Work Classification: Medium work-lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.


• Pushing/Pulling: Requires occasional pushing/pulling of equipment or tools (e.g., moving hoses, adjusting fittings) up to 50 pounds, typically 1-2 hours per shift.


• Standing: 6-8 hours per day during inspections and repairs on barges.


• Walking: 2-3 hours per day, navigating barge decks and dock areas.


• Sitting: 1-2 hours per day, primarily during documentation or breaks.


• Frequent climbing of ladders or stairs to access barge decks (up to 10 times per shift).


• Occasional crawling or movement through enclosed spaces (e.g., void tanks, cargo compartments) during internal inspections, typically 1-2 hours per shift.


• Other Physical Demands: Must be capable of occasional heavy lifting or carrying of 50 pounds (e.g., tools, equipment).

Working Conditions

• Office Environment: Minimal office work; primarily uses a shared office space at the Channelview facility for documentation (e.g., barge inspection forms, stripping logs), equipped with standard office equipment (computer, printer).

Physical Environment

• Primarily outdoors on barges and docks, exposed to weather conditions including temperature extremes (e.g., summer heat up to 100°F, winter lows around 30°F in Channelview).


• Works 10 to 12-hour rotating shifts with occasional weekend and on-call responsibilities.


• Exposure to marine environments, including potential for wet/slippery surfaces, noise from barge operations, and occasional chemical exposure (mitigated by PPE).