Linehaul TugBoat Captain

Vulcan Materials Company; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boat Captain position at Vulcan Materials Company leads and has full responsibility for the assigned vessel, towing barges loaded with construction aggregates. The role ensures safe operation in line with USCG regulations and company policies, with strong leadership to manage crew and maintain efficiency.

You will collaborate with Production Managers and department heads to drive safety performance and operational excellence across inland waterways, including bridge transits and shallow

Qualifications

• Must hold a United States Coast Guard issued license with radar endorsement.
• Must hold a 200-ton Master USCG-issued license with radar endorsement.
• Must have proven proficiency through previous experience or by completing in-house training.
• Must hold High School Diploma or equivalence.

Responsibilities

• Operate and navigate the tug with multiple barges in rivers and bays, ensuring compliance with Coast Guard regulations and company policies.
• Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, and supervision.
• Conduct pre-voyage inspections, monitor vessel performance, and ensure proper maintenance.
• Oversee barge handling, mooring, and securing barges at loading/offloading facilities.
• Maintain logbooks and communications with dispatch and leadership.
• Respond to emergencies and mechanical issues as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Navigation

USCG licensed

Team management

Education

USCG Master License (200-ton)

Radar endorsement

High School Diploma

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Boat Captain will lead and have full performance responsibility for the assigned vessel. The captain will tow barges with construction aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel). The Captain is responsible for safely operating the vessel in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and company policies and procedures. This role requires strong leadership skills to manage crew members directly, ensuring efficient and safe operations. The Boat Captain will work directly with and receive support from several department heads and support groups to lead the business unit to achieve industry-leading safety performance and operational excellence. The position will work closely with the Production Managers.

Job Summary

The Boat Captain will lead and have full performance responsibility for the assigned vessel. The captain will tow barges with construction aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel). The Captain is responsible for safely operating the vessel in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and company policies and procedures. This role requires strong leadership skills to manage crew members directly, ensuring efficient and safe operations. The Boat Captain will work directly with and receive support from several department heads and support groups to lead the business unit to achieve industry-leading safety performance and operational excellence. The position will work closely with the Production Managers.

Essential Functions

• Operate and navigate the tug with multiple barges in rivers and/or bays, including shallow waters and bridge transits. Ensure compliance with all Coast Guard regulations, safety procedures, and company policies, and complete necessary record-keeping.
• Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, and general supervisory duties.
• Conduct pre-voyage inspections, monitor vessel performance, and ensure proper maintenance.
• Oversee and assist with barge handling, mooring, and securing barges at loading and offloading facilities.
• Maintain accurate logbooks, reports, and communication with dispatch and company leadership.
• Respond to emergencies and mechanical issues as needed.

Critical Competencies

• Engages, Inspires and drives Vision & Purpose - Creates a culture that fosters performance excellence, personal engagement, meaningful contributions, and commitment to the organization’s vision and values.
• Manages Complexity - Analyzes complex, large-scale, and sometimes conflicting information to solve problems effectively.
• Health, Safety and Environmental Management - Implements and uphold policies and practices that ensure workplace safety, promote employee well-being, and minimize environmental impact. This includes regulatory compliance, risk assessment & mitigation, workplace safety culture, incident response & prevention, sustainability & environmental stewardship and training & engagement.
• Coaching and Mentoring - Guiding and developing individuals to enhance their skills, performance, and career growth. Coaching focuses on short-term, goal-oriented improvement, while mentoring provides long-term support and knowledge sharing. Both require active listening, constructive feedback, and fostering continuous learning to help individuals reach their full potential.
• Develops Talent - Ensures that the organization has the talent required to meet current and future business needs by bringing the best talent on board, developing internal capabilities, building a pipeline of successors, and deploying talent appropriately.

Education

• Must hold a valid United States Coast Guard issued license with radar endorsement.
• Must hold a valid 200-ton Master USCG-issued license with radar endorsement.
• Must have proven proficiency through previous experience or by successfully completing the in-house training program.
• Must hold High School Diploma or equivalence.

Experience

• Must have the ability to work 6 days on day shift, 3 days off, and then 6 nights of night shift, or two week on and two weeks off vessel.
• Must have experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges.
• Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through bridges.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations related to the vessel's operation in inland waters, including all USCG and environmental rules and regulations.
• The Boat Captain will work directly with and receive support from several department heads and support groups to lead the business unit to achieve industry-leading safety performance and operational excellence. The position will work closely with the Production Managers.

Other Requirements

• Travel based on on/off dates of the vessel.
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions.

Daily Pay Range

the daily pay range for this role is between $750.00 - $850.00. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package. When determining a candidate’s compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.

JD Disclaimer

Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.