Linehaul Tug Boat Captain

Build Your Career. Build America's Future.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregate-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. Joining Vulcan is more than starting an exciting career-you get to make a difference for millions of people every day across the country.

When you join Vulcan, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued. No matter the role or the location across the country, every member of the Vulcan team lives through the Vulcan Way: doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Linehaul Tug Boat Captain to join our team. The captain will be responsible for maneuvering and shifting barges carrying construction aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel) in harbor and terminal operations. This role requires strong leadership skills to manage crew members effectively, ensuring efficient and safe vessel operations in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and company policies.

What You'll Do:

• Harbor & Linehaul River Operations: Safely operate and navigate the tugboat to shift, dock, and undock barges in confined harbor environments. Master the art of river transit, including flanking tight bends, navigating narrow channels, and adapting to changing river stages, shoaling, and heavy currents.

• Regulatory & Voyage Compliance: Ensure adherence to USCG regulations (including Subchapter M), safety procedures, and company policies, including record-keeping and reporting requirements. Analyze Local Notices to Mariners (LNM), monitor river gauges, and calculate strict air draft/wheelhouse clearances to safely clear low bridges and overhead obstructions.

• Crew Leadership & Lock Operations: Direct and supervise crew members, oversee performance, and conduct weekly crew safety training. Lead the crew through safe lockage procedures with the USACE, managing the breaking, holding, and re-coupling of the tow under hazardous river conditions.

• Pre-Shift Inspections & Maintenance Oversight: Conduct pre-voyage inspections, monitor vessel performance, and coordinate routine maintenance to ensure the vessel remains in top working condition. Continuously monitor shallow-water depths and draft to prevent groundings and hull damage.

• Barge Handling, Tow Building & Mooring: Oversee and assist in securing barges at loading and offloading facilities, ensuring proper handling and positioning. Direct the configuration of multiple barges into a secure river tow, ensuring proper weight distribution, draft, trim, and high-tension rigging using wires, ratchets, and winches.

• Communication & Traffic Reporting: Maintain accurate logbooks, reports, and real-time communication with dispatch and company leadership. Maintain proactive VHF radio communication with other inland vessels to arrange safe passing agreements in blind bends and restricted river channels.

• Emergency Response: Respond to onboard mechanical issues, breakaways, or emergency situations as needed. Execute immediate recovery procedures in the event of grounded barges, parted rigging, or steering failures in swift river currents.

• Champion Safety: Per MSHA, OSHA, and Vulcan standards, take an active role in prioritizing safety for yourself and others throughout the operation at all times. Maintain responsibility for the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the vessel, the crew, and the multi-barge tow in a high-risk inland environment.

Skills and Qualifications You'll Need:

• Minimum 200-Ton Master of Towing USCG-issued License with radar endorsement (Required).

• Experience operating a tugboat in harbors, rivers, and bays.

• Strong understanding of barge maneuvering, mooring, and dockside operations.

• Proficiency in navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through bridges.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions and respond to emergencies effectively.

What You'll Like About Us:

Great Company Culture. Our people share a competitive drive for excellence in an environment of trust, teamwork, open-mindedness, and communication.

Safe. Industry leader in health and safety standards. We are committed to creating a safe work environment and protecting all employees and customers.

Meaningful Work. What sets us apart is that our work impacts daily lives - and every employee contributes. Our aggregates produced are used to build roads, schools, hospitals, airports, and housing throughout the United States.

Health Benefits. Medical, Dental, and Vision programs, plus much more.

Rest and Relaxation. Paid vacation, personal floating days, and paid holidays.

Prepare for the Future. 401(k) with company match and contribution.

Training and Development. We see our development programs and helping our employees meet their goals as critical to our business.

Hourly Range: the pay range for this role is between $750.00 - $850.00 per day. This position will work a 2-week-on, 2-week-off rotation. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package. When determining a candidate's compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.

Vulcan Materials Company is committed to employing a diverse workforce. You will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability. You also have the right to be free from discrimination for medical needs arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

NOTICE TO TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES, PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND PROFESSIONAL RECRUITERS: Vulcan Materials Company has an internal recruiting department. Please review our policy regarding using temporary staffing agencies, placement services, and professional recruiters.

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