Boat Captain

Boat Captain

Orion is seeking an experienced Boat Captain to support our field construction operations on marine and heavy civil projects. Our Boat Captains play an important role in safely operating and navigating company vessels, transporting crews and equipment, supporting marine construction activities, and coordinating with project teams in active waterfront environments. This position works closely with field leadership and skilled craft professionals on projects involving ports, terminals, docks, wharves, bridges, pile driving, marine foundations, and other complex marine infrastructure.

At Orion, safety comes first, teamwork matters, and skilled tradespeople are an essential part of our success. We offer the opportunity to build a long-term career while working on challenging projects that make a lasting impact.

Position Summary

This position is accountable for supporting field operations at marine project locations for Orion Marine Construction -- Atlantic region. Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project Superintendents, General Foreman, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders, Laborers, Helpers and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion, which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork most importantly, with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.

Specific Responsibilities

• Works as assigned by the General Foreman to ensure the successful completion of on-going or new marine construction projects.
• Operates the tugboat and barge while these vessels are in transit to and from marine project locations and doing so in a safe and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates ability to maneuver, position, turn, slow, stop vessels as required by the field operation.
• Utilizes various hand signals for communicating with flagman on barge deck.
• Uses tie-up ropes and wires to secure the tugboat to barges for towing purposes.
• Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways.
• Uses radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc.
• Performs daily safety inspections of the tugboat and recognizes possible problem areas such as hull leaks, packing-gland leaking, tie-up cables and ropes, steering cables, wires, etc.
• Performs minor maintenance as may be required and understands basic functions of the boat engine, transmission, generator, water pump, cooling system, etc.
• Works closely with the General Foreman, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders, Helpers, and other skilled crafts persons to complete current projects in a safe and efficient manner.
• Participates in Health, Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance of State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.

Employee Safety and Compliance

• Responsible and accountable for incumbent's own personal safety.
• Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comes in contact with.
• Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
• Complies with all applicable laws, regulations and Company policies and procedures, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
• Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations or Company policies and procedures promptly, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
• Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requested by immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review, etc.).
• All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to others any confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

Position Requirements

At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The selected candidate must:

• Know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways.
• Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc.
• Be knowledgeable in the use of tie-up ropes and wires to secure the tugboat and recognizing possible problem areas.
• Be adept in the proper use, donning and doffing of negative pressure respirators, positive pressure and/or SCBA respiratory equipment.

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Physical/Mental Requirements The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD's) or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The incumbent must possess the ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident and as directed by the Safety Representative or other management personnel. Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.

In addition, Boat Captains must also be capable of:

• Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, and normally involves physically getting onto and off of work barges, boats, vessels, or dock facilities of varying heights and access parameters.
• Visually seeing navigable waterways well (either naturally or with corrective lenses).
• Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing, or sitting for long periods of time.
• Performing repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work.
• Climbing vertical ladders to heights of 40'-50'.
• Working in confined spaces.
• Working at elevated heights.
• Lifting 50 lb. objects as required.
• Carrying 50 lb. objects as required.
• Adapting to extreme temperature changes.
• Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure.