Deckhand

Upper River Services Llc; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 26,174 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus up to 10%

Hiring bonus $2,000

Full benefits package

Job summary

Upper River Services Llc seeks a Deckhand to support mooring, towing, and vessel maintenance along the river. The position involves outdoor work in varying temperatures with 12‑hour shifts and a schedule of six days on, three days off.

Benefits include a year‑end bonus program and a $2,000 hiring bonus if hired before August 31. Starting pay is $21.00 per hour, with eligibility for overtime after eight hours.

Qualifications

• Experience as a deckhand or maritime laborer preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Willingness to work 12‑hour shifts and comply with safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Handle lines, shore wires, and rigging to moor vessels to docks, lock walls, other vessels, or the river bank.
• Build and break tow using rigging and lines.
• Maintain the safety of the towboat and all barges in tow.
• Remove excess water in cargo and tank compartments of vessels.
• Place running lights on the tow as required for safe navigation.
• Examine and repair lines and wires used to lash and moor vessels.
• Maintain a lookout on the head of a tow.
• Clean the vessel and facilities to maintain hygiene and appearance.
• Remove old paint and repaint decks and superstructures as needed.

Skills

Mooring lines

Rigging

Vessel safety

Lookout

Job description

Deckhand

Upper River Services offers a full benefit package and a year‑end bonus program that allows employees to earn up to 10% of wages. A hiring bonus of $2,000.00 is available. Candidates must be hired before August 31 to be eligible. Starting hourly rate: $21.00 per hour. Upper River Services does not have live aboard vessels.

Working Schedule & Conditions

• Seasonal (early spring – late fall)
• Twelve (12) hour shifts; paid overtime after eight (8) hours
• Rotation between Day Shift (0600 – 1800) and Night Shift (1800 – 0600)
• Scheduled to work six (6) days on followed by three (3) days off
• Commitment to shift completion is required except for emergency situations
• Must work outside in varying temperatures, weather conditions, and daylight or darkness

Essential Functions

• Handle lines, shore wires, and rigging to moor vessels to docks, lock walls, other vessels, or the river bank
• Build and break tow using rigging and lines
• Maintain the safety of the towboat and all barges in tow
• Remove excess water in cargo and tank compartments of vessels
• Place running lights on the tow as required for safe navigation
• Examine and repair lines and wires used to lash and moor vessels
• Maintain a lookout on the head of a tow
• Clean the vessel; including floor areas, emptying trash cans, stove, freezer, refrigerators, shower stalls, sinks, toilets, polishing brass, dusting furniture and shelving, and cleaning walls, ceilings, and windows
• Remove old paint and repaint decks and superstructures of vessels

Physical Demands

• Climbing ladders and stairs
• Entering confined spaces
• Repetitive bending and stooping
• Lifting heavy equipment
• Walking on steel decks for extended periods of time
• Lifting and carrying objects ranging from less than ten (10 lbs) to weights in excess of one hundred (100 lbs)

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

The use of PPE is required and provided by the Company.

Must Be Able To Wear

• Personal flotation devices
• Gloves
• Steel‑toed boots
• Hard hats
• Ear and eye protection
• Weather‑dictated clothing
• Equipment designed to prevent inhaling of foreign substances

Upper River Services is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This Deckhand position is regulated by the United States Coast Guard and is subject to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements under 46 CFR Parts 4 and 16. All offers of employment with Upper River Services for this position are contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment screening process, which includes a DOT‑compliant drug (including cannabis/THC) test and physical evaluation. This is a safety‑sensitive position and is also subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post‑accident, and other testing as required by federal regulations.

A positive test result or refusal to test will disqualify an applicant from employment and may result in removal from consideration consistent with applicable law.