Apprentice Deck Mechanic - Military veterans preferred

Tidewater Barge Lines

Location: Operations - Marine Vessel Crew
Department: Tidewater Barge Lines
Number of openings: Operations - Marine Vessel Crew

THE JOB

The Apprentice Deck Mechanic works a 15-day on / 15-day off work schedule consisting of 6-hours on / 6-hours off shift rotations while onboard a vessel. This position is responsible for: conducting all deck operations aboard the tug as well as the barge tow, maintaining the engine room and mechanical systems of the vessel, and performing all routine inspections and house duties as required by the operation. Deck operations include the handling and placement of a variety of tow-rigging including steel cables, straps, and rope lines. This role is responsible for cooking, cleaning, and a variety of daily tasks and projects. Crew members work in close quarters with other crew members sharing community spaces and must maintain common courtesies. This position will also:

• Ensure the safety of the towing vessel and takes appropriate actions to prevent accidents.

• Communicate with wheelhouse, via handheld radio during lookout duties, navigational reporting, and while conducting other deck operations.

• Perform mooring operations, tying and untying barges, as well as boats.

• Build tow and rig barges together for safe transport.

• Maintain working knowledge of all vessel and deck equipment, including basic mechanical and electrical systems, winches, plumbing systems, and barge particulars.

THE PAY & BENEFITS

• Starting wage is $35.73 per hour for the first 1080 hours worked and $41.23 per hour for the second 1080 hours worked. Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship Program, the starting wage as a Deck Mechanic is $54.97 per hour.

• Full-family medical/dental/vision coverage

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• Nine paid holidays

• 401(k) plan with Company match of 50% on contributions up to 6%

• 7% of wages to IBU Trust Pension Plan

• Long-Term Disability

*This is a union position represented by the Inland Boatman’s Union of the Pacific Columbia River Region (IBU).

THE TIMELINE

• Application Open to Candidates: August 11 - 24, 2025

• Virtual Teams Interviews: September 2 - 4, 2025

• Final Onsite Interviews: September 22 - 24, 2025

• Position Start Date: October 21, 2025

THE CATCH

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain (1) a Transportation Work Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Department of Homeland Security and (2) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Medical Certificate rated for “lookout duties” with no nighttime restrictions from the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

• A successful candidate in this role will exhibit the following characteristics and skillsets:

  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment;

  • Exhibit good time management;

  • Capable of working in extreme weather conditions;

  • Demonstrates self-motivation, dependability and reliability;

  • Displays a positive attitude; and

  • Communicates well.

• Employment offers subject to passing a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and driving record/criminal background check.

• Physical requirements of the role:

  • Pulling/pushing up to 75 pounds of force; lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 75 pounds on occasion. May be subject to the listed environmental/atmospheric conditions and physical activities for extended periods of time (e.g. up to 6 hours)

  • Will be working inside or outside areas of tugboats and barges during daylight and nighttime hours. Will be exposed to loud operating machinery, inclement weather conditions, working around water, multiple elevations, slip/fall hazards, electrical and mechanical hazards, foreign body hazards, chemicals, vapors, dust, fumes, vibrations, and harmonic tones.

  • Machines and equipment may include the use of winches, ropes, shackles, pumps, electric power tools, hand tools, and other tools as needed to perform the essential functions of the position. Computer software programs, including web-based software, as needed to perform the essential functions of the position.

THE COMPANY – Connecting Customers to Local, Regional and Global Markets

Founded in 1932, Tidewater has evolved into a multi-commodity transportation and terminal company serving the diverse and evolving transportation needs of the Pacific Northwest, Canada and beyond. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, Tidewater operates the largest barge transportation and terminal network on the Columbia-Snake River system.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

• Submit your application at http://www.tidewater.com/careers.

PI277240630