Push Boat Captain

T. Parker Host Career Center; Braithwaite (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Host Crewing, LLC is seeking a Push Boat Captain to oversee safe navigation and crew management of tug operations at United Bulk Terminals – Davant in Louisiana.

Responsibilities include directing deckhands, maintaining records, coordinating drills, and ensuring fleet readiness with daily barge movements while complying with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum license: 200 Ton Master, inland, with towing and radar endorsement.
• Valid TWIC
• Valid US Driver’s License
• Previous experience as Master of a twin‑screw tug engaged in fleet work
• Excellent communication skills with crew, shore staff, customer, and line handlers via VHF, email, and/or mobile phone
• Ability to get along with crew in confined quarters for prolonged periods
• Must be able to direct, evaluate, and correct performance of subordinates
• Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
• Ability to work 2 weeks on /1 week off schedule (around the clock shifts, holidays and weekend)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook), HELM, PDFs, and use of work mobile devices

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary tug vessel operator, safely maneuvering tug and barge(s)
• Direct deckhands in docking & undocking maneuvers
• Maintain tug records including vessel logbook and HELM
• Coordinate and conduct scheduled drills with tug, crew and port captain
• Ensure vessels are always clean and well maintained
• Coordinate daily barge inspection/checklists and HELM entries
• Prepare for USCG internal and external audits
• Oversee fleet of two tug assists
• Coordinate between boat and shore staff for safe barge movements
• Manage deck side consumable and spare parts requests

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Crew coordination

VHF communications

MS Office

Education

200 Ton Master inland with towing and radar endorsement

Tools

HELM

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Title: Push boat Captain

Status: Full-time, Rotational Schedule

Company: Host Crewing, LLC

Reports To: UBT Davant Port Captain

Supervises: Tug Deckhands and any other on‑board crew

Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant

In 2019, T. Parker Host acquired United Bulk Terminals (UBT) on Mile 55 of the Mississippi River as one of the largest bulk terminals in the U.S. Gulf, specializing in coal and petcoke. This 1,200 acre property in Davant, Louisiana is capable of extensive loading, discharging and storage – with deep‑water docks, fleeting capacity for 500 barges and over 40 pieces of heavy equipment to handle cargo loads.

Since the acquisition, HOST has made extensive improvements in systems and equipment, making the facility safer, more environmentally friendly, and more efficient to better serve our customers.

Position Summary

Responsible for safe navigation, and vessel & crew management, of push boats at United Bulk Terminals- Davant. Captains will coordinate and execute a rigorous daily schedule to support the facility, and customer needs as well as supervise daily, routine and emergency vessel maintenance.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Responsible for the safe and reliable daily operation of their tug
  • Serve as primary tug vessel operator, safely maneuvering tug and barge(s) throughout the UBT fleet
  • Direct deckhands in docking & undocking maneuvers
  • Maintain tug records including vessel logbook and HELM
  • Coordinate and conduct scheduled drills with tug, crew and port captain
  • Ensure vessels are always clean and well maintained
• Ensure daily barge inspection/checklists are being conducted and completed in HELM
• Prepare for and participate in USCG required internal and external audits
• Responsible for the safe and reliable daily operation of fleet of two (2) assists tugs
• Coordinate between boat and shore side staff to ensure safe operation of barge movements in respect to daily schedule, weather, shore side‑line handling, assist tug operation, and barge maintenance.
• Responsible for deck side consumable and spare part requests.

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required

• Minimum license: 200 Ton Master, inland, with towing and radar endorsement. (100 Tons with towing endorsement considered on a case-by-case basis)
• Valid TWIC
• Valid US Driver’s License
• Previous experience as Master of a twin‑screw tug engaged in fleet work
• Excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively/efficiently with crew members, shore staff, customer, and line handlers via VHF, email, and/or mobile phone
• Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to direct, evaluate, and correct performance of subordinates
• Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
• Ability to work 2 weeks on /1 week off schedule (unless otherwise agreed), around the clock shifts and holidays and weekend.
• Willingness and ability to be flexible and creative
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook), PDFs, HELM, and use of associated computer, printer/scanner, and work mobile phone.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Must meet “fit for duty” requirements upon job offer (pre‑employment physical and drug test)
• The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces
• Must be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders.
• Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.)
• Must be comfortable working aboard boats and barges using heavy lines, winches, and mechanical tools for repairs
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 160 feet.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to conduct crew changes at the United Bulk Terminals - Davant

Core Principles

All team members must demonstrate an ability to adhere to and understand the core principles of the company. This team member must be able to provide value and depth to the Core Principles of Host.

• Our people are our greatest assets.
• Their safety is our top priority.
• We provide exceptional service.
• We believe every relationship is important.
• We are detectives, understanding all activities within our markets.
• We know today's opportunities are tomorrow's growth.
• We conduct all business with integrity.
• We build on our legacy.

Position Specific Behaviors

• Team player
• Makes decisions and executes quickly
• Honesty and integrity
• Adaptable and flexible
• Collaborative- works well with others
• Excels in high growth, entrepreneurial and meritocratic environment