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Barge Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Barge Dispatcher - Mt Vernon, IN Introduction At American River Transportation Company (ARTCO), we ... Comfortable working in an open-office environment requiring multitasking and focus. Physical ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Elevator Worker - Rensselaer (Parr), IN This is a full-time, hourly level position. Position ... Barge loading (for Barge/Terminal locations) * Deck Handing (for Barge/Terminal locations)

Archer Daniels Midland

Seasonal Elevator Worker - Rockport, IN This is a seasonal, hourly position Position Summary ... Barge loading (for Barge/Terminal locations) * Deck Handing (for Barge/Terminal locations)

ADM

Elevator Worker - Rensselaer, IN

Rensselaer, IN · On-site

Elevator Worker - Rensselaer, IN Department/Function: Operations: Manufacturing, Production ... Barge loading (for Barge/Terminal locations) * Deck Handing (for Barge/Terminal locations)

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All JobsBarge Worker JobsBarge Worker Jobs in Indiana

Barge Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$29

$32

$35

How much do barge worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge worker in Indiana is $32.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.44 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a barge worker?

Barge workers are individuals who perform essential tasks on barges, which are flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods and materials on rivers and canals. Their duties can include loading and unloading cargo, securing items, maintaining equipment, and assisting with navigation. Barge workers often work long hours in varying weather conditions and must adhere to safety protocols. The job typically requires physical strength, attention to detail, and teamwork. Many barge workers are employed in industries such as shipping, construction, and oil and gas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge worker?

To thrive as a Barge Worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety equipment, deck machinery, and sometimes certifications like a TWIC card or OSHA training are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe cargo handling, efficient operations, and accident prevention on the water.

What are some typical challenges faced by barge workers during shifts, and how are they addressed?

Barge workers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and maintaining safety on sometimes unstable surfaces. To address these issues, crews follow strict safety protocols, receive comprehensive training, and use specialized equipment to minimize risks. Team communication is essential, as barge workers coordinate closely to ensure tasks like loading, unloading, and securing cargo are performed safely and efficiently. Regular safety meetings and ongoing skills development also help workers adapt to changing conditions and responsibilities.

What is the difference between Barge Worker vs Deckhand?

AspectBarge WorkerDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, OSHASTCW Basic Safety, OSHA
Work EnvironmentOn barges, waterways, docksOn ships, boats, docks
Job DutiesLoading/unloading, maintenance, safetyCleaning, assisting navigation, maintenance
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, transportationMaritime, shipping, transportation

Both Barge Workers and Deckhands work in maritime environments, often holding similar certifications like STCW and OSHA. Barge Workers typically focus on loading, unloading, and maintaining barges on waterways, while Deckhands assist with ship operations, navigation, and general maintenance on vessels. Despite differences in specific duties, their roles overlap in safety protocols and maritime industry employment.

How do I get a job on a barge?

To get a job as a barge worker, you typically need a valid maritime or safety certification such as OSHA or STCW, and relevant experience in maritime or industrial environments. Applying through maritime companies, labor unions, or job boards that specialize in industrial or maritime work can help you find opportunities. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging conditions are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Barge Worker jobs in IN?

For Barge Worker jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Barge Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,268 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Lower Miss Pilot/Captain (25+ barge experience)

Jeffersonville, IN • On-site

American Commercial Barge Line LLC
Transportation and Warehousing • 1 - 5K employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about American Commercial Barge Line LLCexternal

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Lower Miss Pilot/Captain (25+ barge experience)
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Traveling on waterways
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: 28 Days Onboard, 28 Days Off OR 14 Days Off
Are you an experienced and dedicated Marine Pilot or Captain ready to lead vessels through the picturesque waterways of the Lower Mississippi? Join American Commercial Barge Line and play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible navigation.
When you join ACBL…
American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River.  We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team. 
What you will be doing... Your IMPACT 

  • Navigate vessels safely and efficiently along the Upper Mississippi, Lower Mississippi, Illinois Rivers, and other tributaries, considering factors such as currents, weather conditions, and river traffic.
  • Supervise and lead the vessel's crew, ensuring a cohesive and safety-conscious team.
  • Ensure vessels adhere to all federal and local maritime regulations and environmental standards.
  • Respond promptly and effectively to navigational challenges and emergencies to protect the vessel, crew, and cargo.
  • Maintain accurate logs and records of each voyage, including navigational charts and incident reports.
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels
  • Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick-up, drop-off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center

 What we are looking for...

You will need to have:

  • Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required
  • Must have an Inland Waters or Near Coastal Endorsement
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements
  • Must be able to travel to and from vessel / training locations via air or vehicle.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to work 28 days onboard and 28/14 days off schedule with willingness to work overtime as needed.
  • Must be able to work a 6 hours on / 6 hours off watch or 12-hour watches.
  • Must have experience pushing 25+ barges on the Lower Miss.
  • Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must maintain valid USCG licensing.
  • Maintain an active TWIC.

Even better if you have:

  • Must have experience pushing tows of 25+ barges.
  • 4+ years of previous experience.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL …

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to lead navigational operations in the heartland of the United States.
  • Collaborative and safety-focused work environment
  • Well-maintained and state-of-the-art vessels
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

What American Commercial Barge Line employees say

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