Job Description:

Push Boat/Barge Captain - Lake Chelan Position Summary The Push Boat/Barge Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a tugboat and freight barges transporting construction materials, equipment, fuel, and other cargo throughout Lake Chelan. The Captain oversees vessel navigation, cargo operations, crew supervision, and regulatory compliance while ensuring safe, timely deliveries to waterfront homes, businesses, marinas, and remote locations such as Lucerne and Stehekin. This position serves as the senior authority aboard the vessel and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and customer service. Essential Responsibilities

• Safely operate and navigate a push boat while pushing freight and charter barges on Lake Chelan.
• Supervisor and participating in loading, securing, transporting, and unloading cargo to ensure vessel stability and safe delivery.
• Perform safe docking and undocking at public docks, private docks, marinas, construction sites, and shoreline landings.
• Lead and supervise deckhands, assigning work and promoting safe work practices.
• Conduct daily vessel, barge, push boat, and safety equipment inspections.
• Maintain vessel logs, inspection reports, and other required documentation.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Washington State requirements, and company safety policies.
• Coordinate with Office Admin, Operations Manager, Yard Maintenance Manager, and customers regarding deliveries and schedules.
• Monitor changing weather, lake conditions, and recreational boat traffic, adjusting operations to maintain safety.
• Identify maintenance needs and coordinate repairs with the mechanics to ensure vessel reliability.
• Respond effectively to emergencies while protecting crew, cargo, equipment, and the environment. Qualifications
• Valid Captains License
• Valid CDL Class A
• Forklift Certification
• Experience operating push boats, workboats, or commercial vessels with barge responsibilities.
• Experience driving dump trucks, semi tractors, long reach and forklifts.
• Strong knowledge of inland navigation rules, vessel handling, barging operations, and safe cargo transport.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and seasonal overtime.
• Ability to pass required drug and alcohol testing.
• Ability to arrive at work on time and to stay on schedule.
• Willing to stay overnight in Stehekin up to one or two nights per week. Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and safely handle mooring lines and cargo securement equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders, board barges, and work on uneven or slippery surfaces.
• Ability to work outdoors in changing weather conditions and variable lake environments.

Work Environment This position operates aboard a commercial push boat on Lake Chelan in all weather conditions. Daily work includes transporting freight to waterfront homes, businesses, construction sites, marinas, and other locations accessible only by water. The Captain must safely navigate changing lake conditions while sharing the waterway with recreational boaters and passenger vessels. Success in this role is measured by safe operations, reliable deliveries, regulatory compliance, strong crew leadership, essential communication with barge crew, punctuality, excellent customer service, and proper care of company vessels and equipment.

Pay:

$25.00 - $35.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 - 50.0 per week

Work Location:

In person