Port Engineer & Fleet Ops Lead, Mississippi River

Energy Jobline ZR; Orange Grove (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Host Terminals, LLC is seeking a Port Engineer responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a fleet of three to six push boats and 50–100+ customer-owned river barges at Davant, LA. The role oversees technical, operational, compliance, crewing, safety, and budgetary aspects of the fleet.

You will manage repairs, maintenance projects, and preventive maintenance, ensuring SMS and USCG compliance, with on-call availability and coordination of vessel upgrades and dockside work.

Qualifications

• Current USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential is required.
• Minimum 200-ton towing endorsement is required.
• Previous towing experience on push boats on the Mississippi River is required.
• Knowledge of USCG Subchapter M regulations is required.
• Familiarity with and experience maintaining an approved Safety Management System is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all fleet team members including boat crew and shore-side staff.
• Emergency Response Organization role to preserve life and vessel/cargo during crises.
• On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year for vessel casualties and emergencies.
• Coordinate procurement of vessel equipment, supplies, parts and services with purchasing staff.
• Responsible for maintaining budget and operating costs.
• Manage technical requirements for a fleet of push boats and barges.
• Act as primary point of contact for the fleet at the facility.
• Prepare specifications for vessel repair and maintenance activities.
• Schedule routine maintenance on an ongoing basis.
• Coordinate special projects such as upgrades, installations, refurbishments, refits, and hull repairs.
• Attend dockside and shipyard repair projects.
• Keep accurate records of maintenance using in-house software.

Skills

USCG credential

Push boat experience

Mississippi River towing

Crew supervision

Education

College degree

Tools

Maintenance software

Job description

Host Terminals, LLC is seeking a Port Engineer responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a fleet of three to six push boats and 50–100+ customer-owned river barges at Davant, LA. The role oversees technical, operational, compliance, crewing, safety, and budgetary aspects of the fleet.

You will manage repairs, maintenance projects, and preventive maintenance, ensuring SMS and USCG compliance, with on-call availability and coordination of vessel upgrades and dockside work.