Boat Captain/Master - Bowhead Transport

JOB TITLE: Boat Captain/Master

UIC, Bowhead Transport seeks a seasonal, river-based Captain/Master. Under the direction of Bowhead Transport’s leadership group, the Captain/Master will be stationed in Bethel, AK and responsible for conducting safe & efficient operations of a small tug & barge set that transports cargo to various villages along the Kuskokwim River System from May through October.

Boat Captain/Master Essential Functions Include:

• Safely operate and maneuver tugboat and barge, based on current river and weather conditions.
• Attend daily safety and communications meetings.
• Perform pre-use inspection of all equipment operated and perform preventative maintenance as required.
• Report damaged and unsafe equipment to Terminal Manager & Port Engineer for repairs.
• Proven safety consciousness including the ability to recognize and report hazards, and to apply safe working methods.
• Operate heavy equipment, as necessary.
• Lash rolling stock and equipment, as necessary.
• Create a barge load that is balanced and stable, as well as to the captain’s wishes.
• Perform routine engine room checks.
• Drive our skiff with outboard motor, to sound the river, as needed.
• During larger beach operations, that involve our large line-haul barge: Assist the operator and crew of the barge with any operating work, hand-signaling and radio comm direction for other equipment operators, lashing/unlashing, as directed by project supervisor.
• Keep yard clean.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor, work effectively and cooperatively with other people, focus attention on detail and follow established work rules.
• Ability to maintain regular, dependable attendance.
• Ability to operate moving equipment safely and efficiently in tight spaces around and above other workers.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Universal Hand Signals for rigging and lifting.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to interpret written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform strenuous, physical work.
• Ability to work flexible hours or shifts.
• Ability to work cooperatively with employees and the public.

Licenses, Credentials, Requirements and Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience operating boats of various sizes (river boats preferred)
• One (1) years of experience operating cargo delivering equipment (e.g., loaders, dozers, excavators & various sized forklifts)
• Two (2) years of experience operating equipment on and off barge or other marine equipment
• Driver’s License
• Forklift Operator Certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the Kuskokwim River from the mouth to McGrath is preferred.

Physical Demands:

The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to dock, port, bay, beaches, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:

• Repetitive movements of the neck, shoulder, wrist, low back.
• Lift 50 lbs.
• Static postures of the neck, shoulders, wrist, and low back.
• Walking, sitting, standing, and climbing.
• Handling of cables, chains, or hooks.
• Effective Radio Communication
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Required to work all shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed and required.
• Perform work in a dusty environment and all types of temperature/weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration.

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen and must follow UIC’s Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant’s resume/application may be subject to verification.

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