Deckhand

Illinois Marine Towing; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Marine Towing is seeking a Deckhand to join our inland towing and fleeting fleet. You will assist in preparing barges for transport, handle lines, splices, and towing operations, and maintain vessel cleanliness and safety on mass shifts.

This role requires safety focus and physical stamina for long 12‑hour duties. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain TWIC credentials.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate the ability to employ all safety practices and manage risk.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Hold a valid Driver's License.
• High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performing the various tasks necessary to maintaining, making up and breaking a tow, such as making a coupling, operating winches and ratchets, handling wires, handling and throwing lines and splicing lines
• Dropping, spotting and switching barges at docks
• Standing lookout or “riding the head” of the tow as a lookout
• Maintain cleanliness of the vessel and tow, such as cleaning or “souging” the vessel and cleaning living quarters
• Inspect and maintain equipment
• Preform basic vessel maintenance
• Report any relevant vessel condition information, especially any hazardous or unsafe condition of the boat, tow, and any associated equipment not to the Leadman, Master (or Pilot on Watch) and take action to prevent injuries or accidents
• Adhere to all IMT policies, USCG and environmental regulations

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication skills

TWIC eligibility

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

I. BASIC FUNCTION

Illinois Marine Towing Deckhands work on our fleet of Inland Towing and Fleeting Vessels preparing barges for safe and timely transport. Qualified candidates must be safety-conscious and able to work in a physically demanding environment. The work schedule consists of 21 days on and 21 days off (Line Boat) or 14 days on and 7 days off (Fleet Boat), working 12 hour shifts.

• All applicants must have favorable work references and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.*

ILLINOIS MARINE TOWING

Job Description

DECKHAND

I. BASIC FUNCTION

Illinois Marine Towing Deckhands work on our fleet of Inland Towing and Fleeting Vessels preparing barges for safe and timely transport. Qualified candidates must be safety-conscious and able to work in a physically demanding environment. The work schedule consists of 21 days on and 21 days off (Line Boat) or 14 days on and 7 days off (Fleet Boat), working 12 hour shifts.

• All applicants must have favorable work references and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.*

Ii. Major Responsibilities

• Performing the various tasks necessary to maintaining, making up and breaking a tow, such as making a coupling, operating winches and ratchets, handling wires, handling and throwing lines and splicing lines
• Dropping, spotting and switching barges at docks
• Standing lookout or “riding the head” of the tow as a lookout
• Maintain cleanliness of the vessel and tow, such as cleaning or “souging” the vessel and cleaning living quarters
• Inspect and maintain equipment
• Preform basic vessel maintenance
• Report any relevant vessel condition information, especially any hazardous or unsafe condition of the boat, tow, and any associated equipment not to the Leadman, Master (or Pilot on Watch) and take action to prevent injuries or accidents
• Adhere to all IMT policies, USCG and environmental regulations

Iii. Physical Requirements

Physical requirements of the job include climbing ladders and stairs, repetitive bending and stooping, lifting heavy marine equipment, and lifting objects from various levels ranging from 10-100 pounds. The equipment and tools used to perform job duties includes but is not restricted to lines, cables, ratchets, cheater pipes, pumps.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS

Deckhands work and live aboard their assigned vessel for extended periods of time. The majority of duties performed by Deckhands are on the outside of the vessel and they may be subject to inclement weather (snow, ice, extreme heat, rain, fog, etc.). This work may be performed in rough waters and unstable footing conditions.

Candidates Must

V. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrate the ability to employ all safety practices and manage risk.
• Have strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Hold a valid Driver's License.
• High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred.

Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.