Utility Operator

Kirby Corporation; St. George (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirby Corporation is seeking a shoreside technician to manage nitrogen equipment, perform barge stripping, and coordinate liquid transfers at dock facilities.

Responsibilities include inspecting barges, lining up pipelines, opening/closing valves, connecting/disconnecting transfer hoses, and monitoring gauges. Proficiency with Acutum software for documentation is required; shifts are 10 hours, Monday–Friday, with travel to multiple locations as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Shipyard experience preferred.
• Organized, detail-oriented with strong communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate with others.
• Proficient with Outlook, Oasis, Excel, and Acutum.
• MMC with tank barge PIC endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Barge Stripping Operations as per customer specifications.
• Maintain and inspect stripping barge pumps and hoses for wear and reliability.
• Oversee nitrogen equipment refilling and racks maintenance; ensure proper reinstallation and operation.
• Drive and ensure equipment safety compliance; deliver crossover hoses and equipment as needed.
• Use Acutum software for paperwork and tracking of cargo transfers.

Skills

Organization

Communication skills

Self-motivation

Multi-priority management

Computer literacy

Tank barge PIC endorsement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Outlook E-mail

Oasis

Excel

Acutum

Job description

Overview

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.