The Deckhand participates in the general maintenance of an inland pushboat and barges, works with lines and hard rigging and observes the transfer of products on the barges.

SAFETY

• Inland Deckhands are responsible for supporting the vessel master in the safe and efficient operation of Kirby’s boats and barges.
• Kirby employees are responsible for the adherence to safety rules, and safety instructions from Managers and Supervisors as a requirement for employment with Kirby.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attach and remove line and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks
• Handle lines 4 to 8 times during loading and discharging in order to adjust for the changing height of the barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel
• Maintain vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, washing the vessel, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting
• Make minor repairs using tools such as hammers, fire axes and ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders
• Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing clothes)

EXPERIENCE

• Basic computer skills knowledge required.
• 12 months of consecutive work experience preferred.

EDUCATION

• High School or GED preferred

WORK CONDITIONS

• Must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family.
• Work schedule and hours determined by boat.  Typical work schedule is  a 2 for 1 schedule up to 30 days, with a 12 hour work shift including holidays.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold.
• Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
• Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.

COMPENSATION

• $207/DAY, PLUS BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION/401K, ETC.)

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Valid TWIC card must be in hand prior to applying. Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
• Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
• Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
• Valid state issued birth certificate required.
• Valid social security card required
• Must be 18 years of age
• Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
• Must be able to read and write English
• Ability to understand written and verbal orders

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Walk – Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
• Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
• Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
• Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet, and carry weight while climbing
• Grip/Hold/Pull – Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs
• Lift – Must be able to lift 75lbs.
• Lift & Carry - Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for approximately 350 feet
• Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
• Hearing – Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
• Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
• Smell – Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
• Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 75%
• General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
• Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear, personal flotation device, rubber gloves and boots. 
• Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment