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Tug & Barge Fleet Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Tug & Barge Fleet Manager to oversee the safe and efficient operation of a fleet consisting of three to six push boats and 50–100+ customer-owned river barges at a prominent dry bulk facility on the Mississippi River. This role is pivotal in managing technical, operational, compliance, crewing, safety, and developmental aspects of the fleet. The manager will also be responsible for managing the fleet's operating expenses, budgets, repairs, and preventive maintenance.

Must Haves

+ Experience in fleet management, barge management, and barge maintenance.

+ USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential with a minimum 200-ton towing endorsement.

+ Experience working on the Mississippi River with ports, marine fleets, or tugboats.

+ Previous towing experience on push boats.

+ Experience managing vessel repair and maintenance projects.

+ Knowledge of current USCG Subchapter M regulations.

Responsibilities

+ Oversee the technical, operational, and compliance aspects of the fleet, including Safety Management System and Subchapter M.

+ Manage fleet operating expenses and budgets, ensuring compliance with SMS, USCG, and customer requirements.

+ Supervise fleet performance to ensure vessels are adequately staffed with qualified and competent crew members.

+ Coordinate repairs, engineering projects, and preventive maintenance performed by vessel crews and/or contractors.

+ Supervise all fleet team members, including boat crew and shore-side staff.

+ Play a critical role in the Emergency Response Organization, responding to vessel casualties to ensure the preservation of life and vessel integrity.

+ Be on call 24/7 to respond to vessel casualties and urgent operational needs.

+ Coordinate procurement of vessel equipment, supplies, parts, and services with purchasing staff.

+ Prepare specifications for vessel repair and maintenance activities and schedule routine maintenance.

+ Coordinate special projects such as system upgrades, installations, refurbishments, refits, and hull repairs.

+ Attend dockside and shipyard repair projects and maintain accurate records of all maintenance performed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ College degree preferred but not required.

+ Experience in dry dock management is a plus.

+ Familiarity with approved Safety Management Systems.

+ Ability to multitask and manage projects independently.

Why Work Here?

Join a dynamic and growing team at a leading facility on the Mississippi River, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment that values work-life balance and offers competitive benefits.

Work Environment

This role requires hands-on management of a fleet within a busy river facility. The manager will work closely with deckhands and captains, managing operations in a facility that currently operates three tugboats with plans to expand to six. The position involves both dockside and shipyard activities, with a focus on safety and compliance. Attire is professional and suitable for both office and dockside environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Avondale, LA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Bonuses, benefits - see AM for benefits package

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Avondale,LA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2025.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.