Deckhand

American Electric Power; West Columbia (WV); On-site; USD 172,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in West Virginia is seeking a Deckhand to join our vessel operations. You will support tow building, loading and unloading, and perform regular maintenance while following safety and environmental requirements.

You'll work with a team to handle lines and rigging, perform inspections for leaks and wear, and ensure compliance with company policies and safety rules. This is a physically demanding role requiring reliability, teamwork, and the ability to respond to on-call

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to perform duties safely and effectively as a team member and supervisor.
• On-call availability 24/7; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Must be able to handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking and docking activities.
• General housekeeping duties including painting, brushing, and lubricating.
• Loading and unloading supplies and materials from dock or other vessels.
• General upkeep of vessel maintenance: chipping, sanding, painting, cleaning, oil and filters changes.
• Splice and repair wire cables and ropes.
• Perform visual inspections for leaks, damage, and loose rigging.
• Follow all company safety rules and policies as stated in official handbooks and manuals.
• Notify supervisor of any potential barge problems.
• Ensure walkways on barges are free of cargo spillage or debris.
• Inspect rigging, ratchets and deck winches for proper operation.
• Ensure rigging is laid to AEP standards.
• Perform all other duties as required.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting End Date

11-10-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

Position Competencies:, This is a culture of high involvement and agility, where employees collaborate to foster mutual care for one another and demonstrate a shared commitment to common goals., Successful candidates for this position are strong team players with a dedication to quality and safety in the workplace. They are resilient and persistently drive for results in an ever-changing environment. Candidates have a high energy level and continually look for learning and improvement opportunities., Brief Description of Job:, Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant, carrying out of assigned duties. Primary function of a Deckhand is to build and break tow., Deckhand will work with other team mates on the vessel and prepare barges for loading and, unloading cargo. Perform planned maintenance on equipment and tools, and perform, regular clean-up work as assigned by supervisor.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Must be able to handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking and docking activities.
• General housekeeping duties; including painting, brushing, and lubricating
• .Loading and unloading supplies and materials from dock or other vessels
• General upkeep of vessel maintenance, which consists of chipping, sanding, painting, cleaning, changing oil and filters.
• Splice and repair wire cables and ropes
• Perform visual inspections for leaks, damage, and loose rigging.
• Understand and implement all company safety rules, procedures and policies as stated in the Employee Handbook, Memorandum Binder, and the RCP manual.
• Notify supervisor of any potential barge problems.
• Ensure that all walking or work areas on barges are free of cargo spillage or any kind of debris.
• Inspect all rigging, ratchets and deck winches to ensure that they are all in good working order.
• Ensure that all rigging is laid to AEP standards.
• Perform all other duties as required

What We’re Looking For:

Educational Requirements:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience, along with holding a current valid driver’s license.

Experience Requirements:

• Must have the physical capability and motivation to perform any and all duties required. Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position as well as the ability to work safely and effectively as a supervisor and team member. Must be polite, respectful and fair in all contacts. Must have the ability to concentrate fully on each assigned task in order to perform all duties in a safe and efficient manner.

Other preferences:

• On-call availability 24/7 Travel required Position Competencies: This is a culture of high involvement and agility, where employees collaborate to foster mutual care for one another and demonstrate a shared commitment to common goals. Successful candidates for this position are strong team players with a dedication to quality and safety in the workplace. They are resilient and persistently drive for results in an ever-changing environment. Candidates have a high energy level and continually work for learning and improvement opportunities.

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

U029-680

Compensation Range:

$151.43 - $151.43

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: H – Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10-20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.