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.

This positions is for those with a minimum of 6 months experience working on an inland pushboat.  Those with limited or no experience should apply for the Entry Level Inland Deckhand position.

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.
• 6 months minimum experience on an inland pushboat required

EDUCATION

• High School or GED required

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

• $206+/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 satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements
• 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
• Must not be color blind

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