Utility Operator

Kirby; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirby is seeking a shoreside professional to manage nitrogen equipment, perform barge stripping activities, and transport equipment between locations. The role does not require service as a crew member for vessel operations.

Responsibilities include identifying cargo, preparing barges for loading, maintaining pumps and hoses, and ensuring compliance with safety and customer specifications. Physical work includes lifting and long shifts at dock locations, with travel as required.

Qualifications

• Organized and detail-oriented with accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee barge stripping operations, including cargo identification, transfer planning, and ensuring customer specs are met.
• Inspect and maintain stripping barges, hoses, pumps, and related equipment.
• Oversee nitrogen equipment refilling and racks maintenance; ensure proper operation and billing accuracy.
• Drive and deliver equipment to multiple locations while maintaining a valid driver’s license and clean record.
• Operate according to safety procedures and use firefighting and spill containment equipment as needed.

Skills

Organized

Communication

Self-motivated

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Outlook

Oasis

Excel

Acutum

Job description

This shoreside position supports operations by managing nitrogen equipment, performing barge stripping activities, and transporting equipment between locations. This job does not require service as a crew member for the operation of any specific vessel.

Responsibilities

• Barge Stripping Operations
  • Identify cargo contained in barge set for cleaning.
  • Determine where cargo is to be transferred based on cargo type, amount, and available storage
  • Inspect barge ensuring it is cleaned to customer specifications.
  • Prepare the barge for loading/discharging liquid petroleum cargoes as per facility loading instructions. This includes performing line-up of pipelines, opening/closing valves, and connection/disconnection of transfer hoses and loading arms.
  • Connect and disconnect cargo hoses to facilitate the safe transfer of liquid petroleum cargo between vessels.
  • Continuously monitor transfer utilizing gauges.
  • Use Acutum software for completing necessary paperwork.
  • Perform gauging and sampling duties as needed.
  • Ability to use firefighting equipment and spill containment equipment.
• Stripping Barge Maintenance includes but is not limited to :
  • Upkeep and repair of pumps used to transfer cargo.
  • Inspection of hoses for wear and failures.
  • Inspection of stripping barge.
  • Inspect rainwater for clarity and discharge.
• Nitrogen Equipment
  • Oversee refilling of nitrogen equipment at vendor shipyards.
  • Make sure nitrogen racks are reinstalled correctly on barges, and they are turned on before leaving.
  • Oversee maintenance of nitrogen racks.
  • Maintain tracking of spare equipment and make sure billing is accurate.
  • Utilize the Acutum Software for tracking.
• Driving
  • Maintain eligibility to operate a company vehicle in accordance with the company automobile policy by maintaining a driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
  • Make sure equipment is kept clean and maintained including trucks, trailers, and nitrogen tanks.
  • Deliver crossover hoses and other equipment on as needed basis to locations as directed.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Organized, detail-oriented and accurate.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to manage the business without daily direct supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities communicate with others.
• Knowledge and use of computer software: Outlook E-mail, Oasis, Excel, and Acutum
• MMC with tank barge PIC endorsement.

Education

High school diploma or GED.

Experience

Shipyard experience.

Physical Activities & Requirements

• Subject to a physical examination by a Kirby Corporation-appointed physician.
• Work Classification: Medium work - lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Pushing/Pulling: Requires occasional pushing/pulling of equipment or tools (e.g., moving hoses, adjusting fittings) up to 50 pounds, typically 1-2 hours per shift.
• Standing/Sitting/Walking:
  • Standing: 6-8 hours per day during inspections and repairs on barges.
  • Walking: 2-3 hours per day, navigating barge decks and dock areas.
  • Sitting: 1-2 hours per day, primarily during documentation or breaks.
• Climbing/Crawling/Movement:
  • Frequent climbing of ladders or stairs to access barge decks (up to 10 times per shift).
  • Occasional crawling or movement through enclosed spaces (e.g., void tanks, cargo compartments) during internal inspections, typically 1-2 hours per shift.
• Other Physical Demands: Must be capable of occasional heavy lifting or carrying of 50 pounds (e.g., tools, equipment).
• Ability to perform duties while wearing personal protective equipment as needed.

Working Conditions

• Work Monday through Friday 10-hour shifts and travel as required to multiple locations.
• On-call availability with possibility to work weekends and after hours.
• Duties primarily take place at the dock with occasional daytime boarding of boats/barges. Typically, does not require overnight stays on boats/barges.
• May be exposed to harsh natural elements, such as intense heat, freezing cold, rain, ice, sleet, and various other environmental conditions.