Deckhand

Deckhand Deck Hand Newport News Contract To Hire May 19, 2026 MK Industries is hiring Deckhands in Newport News, VA Why choose us? MK Industries knows a company's success begins with its employees, and your success begins with the right career move. With 25+ years of experience, we have grown to become an industry leader in the staffing and recruiting space. Coast to Coast, we got you! For the past 25+ years, we have employed thousands of exceptional employees while partnering with top clientele in every industry nationwide. MK Industries is urgently hiring skilled tradespeople to join the MK team. Partner with your 1:1 recruiter to gain access to available hours & ensure your needs are being met!

Start Date:

 ASAP

• INCREASED

Pay Rate:

$27.31 per hour, plus $120.00 per day per diem, non-local. Job Description Deckhands work aboard tugboats towing barges under the direction and supervision of the Captain and/or Mate. They perform a variety of hands-on physical duties, often on unstable marine platforms and in all kinds of inclement weather. Given the nature of the job, deckhands require strength, flexibility, dexterity, and balance to perform their functions safely. Deckhands are required to be capable of lifting and carrying a variety of equipment. They must be unrestricted in their capabilities to pull, push, climb, and walk on board tugs, barges, and piers. Random drug testing is required. Night and weekend work as required. Duties that Deckhands are expected to perform are:

• Making sure all necessary towing gear is in good order, properly stowed, and ready for use.
• Making sure tug and barge equipment is in good operating condition.
• Making sure barges are moored safely along piers and ships
• Making sure all hatches are properly secured to prevent ingress of water.
• Knowing where all emergency equipment is located and ensuring the first aid kit is fully stocked.
• Act as a lookout during the navigation of a tug.
• Perform periodic checks of the engine room, including the bilges, fluid levels on main and auxiliary engines and gear boxes, and battery water levels.
• Keep all areas of the tug in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Take direction from the Captain or the Mate as required.
• PPE requirement: hard hat, ear protection, eye protection, life jacket, and steel-toed boots.

This position requires a high school graduate or equivalent. and have a minimum of two years' experience on tugboats Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping hazards. The candidate must possess strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. An incumbent must possess a thorough technical knowledge of the tug boats and Ship movement, and have a solid educational base, generally gained through working as a Tug Boat Deck Hand. Benefits Medical Dental Vision Yearly Bonus Consistent Work Industry-leading pay People First Culture Weekly Pay Learn more at mkindustries.com and see a full list of available positions! MK Industries is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.