Barge Readiness Technician

Canal Barge Company (CBC), headquartered in New Orleans, is a leading company in the inland marine industry with a history of steady growth and an exceptional human & environmental safety record. We believe CBC’s Mississippi River transportation system is among the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods of transporting cargo within the United States.  CBC has grown into a diversified business with 900+ employees operating over 900 vessels. Our greatest strength is in providing dedicated bulk freight logistics within the rivers and canals of the United States, Gulf of Mexico, & Atlantic Coast. Dedicated to long-term mutually beneficial relationships and tailor-made customer service, CBC has a strong customer base made up of several Fortune 500 chemical and oil companies, as well as construction companies, fabricators, public utilities, engineering companies, and the United States Government.  

This critical role ensures that our barges are ready to meet our customers' high expectations before arriving at their facilities.  You will learn new skills and gain tank barge knowledge in this role and be eligible for growth within the company. 

I. POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Barge Readiness Technician will be responsible for tank barge inspections prior to loading and unloading of products.  This position will also be responsible for barge inspections after a barge cleaning operation has occurred. Willingness to work outside and ability to learn about tank barges is a must. The job is based in various ports but does require daily travel to local jobsites, necessitating reliable transportation.   

II. CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Overall 

• Accountable for ensuring barges are ready to perform a cargo transfer (load/discharge) 

• Accountable for ensuring there are no customer rejections on barges you have inspected (to include cleaning) 

• Accountable for performing your work safely 

• Reliable – show up on time and ready to work 

• Inspect barge hulls, documentation, cleanliness, safety systems. machinery and fittings 

2. Conduct Tank Barge Inspections: 

• Inspection of barge voids (empty ballast tanks) 

• Reading and understanding tank barge documents (USCG COI, SDS, Strappings, COFR) 

• Starting of barge pump engine and inspection for defects   

• Inspect all other working equipment and machinery on the barge 

• Inspect and verify barge cleanliness before the barge leaves cleaning facilities 

• Examination of decks to ensure they are clear from spills (cargo or engine fluids). 

• Visual inspection to locate hull damage and void tank leaks 

• Inspection of all barge fittings including operation of winches 

• Inspection of vapor recovery systems on tank barges, including all piping and pressure vacuum relief valve (PVRV). 

• Review of the functions/operations of the cargo tanks, cargo piping, cargo tank valves, pump cans, check valve, pressure relief on pumps and hot oil heaters. 

• Extensive attention to detail required. 

• Ability to document work and complete forms 

• Stay compliant with all regulatory bodies as it applies to the work that is being completed and with all safety rules and policies. 

• Perform other duties as required and directed by management. 

• This position will involve daily travel to multiple locations. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

• Assist as needed with barge operations. 

3. Perform minor preventative and corrective maintenance on barge pumps, pump engines, boilers, and heaters; 

• Troubleshoot and perform minor repair of components on both Detroit Diesel and Cummins engines (Mechanical Skills) 

• Identify issues and maintain fuel systems, gear boxes, couplings, drive shafts, deep well pumps, positive displacement pumps, and centrifugal pumps. (Troubleshooting Skills) 

• Understand the functions/operations and perform minor repair of the cargo high-level alarms, both mechanical and electrical. 

4. Safety & Compliance  

• Follow all safety, environmental, and barge processes to conduct incident-free inspections 

• Be prepared to work alone (lone worker safety)  

• Utilize proper PPE while performing work on barges. 

• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the company Safety Management System (SMS)  

• Serve as first-line emergency responders 

• Conduct Stop Work obligation as required  

5. Company Representation  

• Represent the Company to internal and external parties in a way that enhances the Company's reputation  

• Carry out the Business Philosophy, Code of Conduct, and mission of Canal Barge Company. 

• Build effective, professional working relationships with customer dock personnel and other external parties such as fleet boats and with CBC vessel personnel 

• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor  

• Show up on time, ready and prepared to conduct the work 

III. COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED 

1. Safety Focus: Embraces our commitment to eliminate harm to people, equipment and the environment.  

2. Relationship Builder: Builds connections and nurtures relationships to facilitate candid conversations and the accomplishment of work goals. 

3. Customer: Keeps the customer at the forefront of our actions and decisions, provides strong support to internal customers and our mariners 

4. Extreme Ownership / Accountable: Takes ownership of outcomes for all work and personal activities 

5. Growth Mindset: Demonstrates curiosity and willingness to challenge self and others to learn and evolve, regardless of the situation or context.  

6. Learner who approaches situations with curiosity and humility to improve self, team and organization. Does not accept the status quo / never complacent. 

7. Continuous Improvement & Innovation Mindset: Relentless focus on improvement. Uses curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking to develop and activate new, valuable ideas and solutions that improve organizational performance. 

8. Resilience: Embraces challenges, views setbacks as learning opportunities, and persists in the face of obstacles to get the job done.  

IV. QUALIFICATIONS 

• Knowledge of tank barges is preferred but not required. 

• A valid Driver’s License 

• Reliable means of transportation required. 

• A high school diploma or equivalency 

• Able to pass a background check 

• Able to pass a physical exam which includes a respirator fit test and requires the candidate to be clean shaven 

V. WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE 

• Complete understanding and documentation of barge conditions with attention to detail 

• Works safely and contributes to the safety of those around you 

• Can diagnose and perform minor barge maintenance 

• Eager to learn, develop, and grow a career with our organization. 

VI. KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

Reports to: Tankerman Service Group (TSG) Barge Readiness Supervisor located in Sulphur