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Barge Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Install boat hoists on the lakes using a barge. * Prepare/rig boat hoists and docks in the shop. * All positions will be working with three or four-person teams to efficiently and safely carry out ...

Harbor Boat Pilot

Burlington, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are a dependable barge transportation resource for the safe and efficient transport of grain, salt, coal, cement, fertilizer, pig iron, asphalt, oversized mechanical components, and more. We offer ...

Assisting barge cleaners, mechanics, and welders may also be required Job Requirements: * Experience preferred, but not required * Ability to work safely, exercise initiative and good judgment

Assisting barge cleaners, mechanics, and welders may also be required Job Requirements: * Experience preferred, but not required * Ability to work safely, exercise initiative and good judgment

Assisting barge cleaners, mechanics, and welders may also be required Job Requirements: * Experience preferred, but not required * Ability to work safely, exercise initiative and good judgment

Barge Terminal duties and troubleshooting * Assist with grain handling * General housekeeping duties * General maintenance, as needed * Heavy equipment operation- prior experience preferred Job ...

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Barge information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$16

$21

How much do barge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge in Iowa is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by barge operators and how can they be managed on the job?

Barge operators often encounter challenges such as navigating changing water levels, unpredictable weather, and coordinating with port authorities for docking and loading schedules. Effective communication with crew members and other vessels is essential to maintain safety and efficiency. Staying up-to-date with regulations and maintaining equipment are also key aspects of the role. Building strong teamwork and problem-solving skills helps barge operators handle these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Barge Operator, you need knowledge of marine operations, navigation, cargo handling, and relevant licensing such as a Merchant Mariner Credential or state pilot license. Proficiency with navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient transport of goods and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Barge vs Crane Operator?

AspectBargeCrane Operator
Primary RoleOperates and manages boats used for transporting goods or equipment on waterOperates cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials
Work EnvironmentWatercraft, ports, and dockyardsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
CertificationsMaritime licenses, STCW certificationsCrane operation certifications, OSHA safety training

While both roles are essential in port and maritime industries, a Barge primarily involves operating watercraft for transportation, whereas a Crane Operator focuses on lifting and moving heavy loads using cranes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the maritime and construction sectors.

What are different types of jobs on a barge?

A barge is a flat-bottomed ship that carries freight and cargo down rivers and canals, and there are a number of jobs on a barge, depending on the size of the vessel. Similar to a barge, a tugboat is flat-bottomed and used to tow other ships. Like any other ship, a barge needs a captain, whose responsibilities are to ensure that the daily operation of the barge goes smoothly, the itinerary is set, and all cargo is stowed properly. Sometimes, a captain also performs the duties of a pilot, while in other cases there is a separate job for a pilot. Other jobs on a barge include mates, engineers, deckhands, oilers, and chefs.

What does a barge worker do?

Barge workers are professionals who operate, maintain, and manage barges—flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods and materials, typically on rivers and canals. Their duties may include loading and unloading cargo, ensuring safe navigation, performing maintenance, and following safety regulations. Some barge workers also assist with towing operations or work as part of a crew under a captain or pilot. This job requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and sometimes specialized maritime certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Barge jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Barge jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Barge jobs in Iowa?

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Barge jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Barge job openings:

Infographic showing various Barge job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,747 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Grain Elevator Operator - Barge Facility Tech

CGB Enterprises

Burlington, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! At CGB, you can contribute to meaningful work, grow professionally and personally, and belong in a place where everyone has a voice.
Founded in 1969, CGB Enterprises, Inc. is known as an innovative and progressive leader in the grain and transportation industries. Today, CGB operates an enterprise with over 100 locations and nearly 2,000 U.S. employees overseeing a diverse family of businesses that provide an array of services for producers and logistics services for an international base of customers. The combination of our assets provides a growing organization that is celebrating over 50 years of strength and stability!
Join our team and play a hands-on role in moving agricultural products through one of the nation's most important transportation networks. As a Barge Facility Technician, you'll work outdoors, operate equipment, and help ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of barges.
This job is primarily responsible for working at a facility that loads and unloads barges and trucks. This is a general laborer position that performs a wide variety of duties that are based on the daily needs of the operation; may include cleaning and repair of barges.
In this job, you will:
Actual responsibilities will vary depending on daily needs and type of facility.
  • Fully participate in the company Safety Program and attends daily pre-shift meetings.
  • Perform all duties within compliance of OSHA, company safety, and environmental regulations (ISO where applicable); including wearing appropriate PPE for task being performed.
  • Perform deckhand responsibilities e.g., reading drafts, opening/closing lids, tying off barges, etc.
  • Perform all barge loading duties e.g., loading barges to meet draft and quality requirements and oversees deckhand(s). Note: Generally the duty of the most highly qualified person(s).
  • Perform duties to transfer, load and move grain to appropriate location, where applicable.
  • Perform duties required to maintain grain quality while being stored and/or transferred.
  • Complete documentation timely, accurately and legibly.
  • Perform general clean-up including sweeping, shoveling, washing, painting and other general housekeeping responsibilities.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and/or repairs, where applicable.
  • Dependent on facility and location, may be responsible for any variety of the following; unloading barges, cleaning barges, movement of product to storage, loading of trucks using heavy equipment, loading of rail, loading of products to required specifications; operating, running, monitoring, and shutting down dryer; operating a variety of heavy equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Here's what you'll need to be considered:
Education
Required - High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
Required - None.
Preferred - 1 years' experience working in an industrial environment with a dependable work record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Basic mathematical skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
  • Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of people within and outside the organization.
  • Ability to complete documentation requirements.
  • Ability to follow directions and use logical thought process to interpret oral and written instructions, and troubleshoot problems.
  • Ability to work well both independently and within a team environment.
  • Ability to use tools appropriate for assigned task.
  • Ability to remain focused on exceptional customer service, both internally and externally.
Here's additional information you need to know:
Physical Demands & Requirements
The physical demands and requirements frequencies of this job may vary depending on the specific location and operational needs as well as other factors.
  • Ability to balance constantly/continuously.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, twist, crouch, crawl, kneel and squat (constantly/continuously) frequently.
  • Ability to (frequently) climb stairs and climb ladders (and work at) to significant heights.
  • Ability to concentrate on task without becoming distracted, constantly/continuously.
  • Ability to distinguish grade, color, odor and various damage characteristics in grain samples (at some facilities).
  • Ability to distinguish, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality odors, or recognizing
  • particular odors, using nose.
  • Ability to enter information into a computer (observations, other computers).
  • Ability to grasp and reach frequently.
  • Ability to lift/push/pull 50 lbs. occasionally to continuously depending on daily needs of location.
  • Ability to meet requirement of and utilize all applicable PPE, when applicable.
  • Ability to meet requirements of PFT and fit testing, when applicable.
  • Ability to pass all required testing under FRA and DOT for this position (where applicable).
  • Ability to perform work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to safely walk on barge surface(s) with the ability to work around (deep/swift) water.
  • Ability to stand and walk constantly/continuously.
  • Ability to understand and communicate verbally, in person and over two-way radio (and recognize emergency alarms).
  • Ability to understand and communicate written instructions.
  • Ability to walk safely on top of railcars, open gates, operate vibrators etc., where applicable.
  • Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.
  • Ability to work in an environment with high dust levels around grain and other bulk products (where applicable).
  • Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
  • Acutely aware of surroundings with ability to quickly adjust to a signal or change in environment.
  • Uses near, far and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed; may need to be able to identify
  • problems with grain.

Uses near, far and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed; may need to be able to identify problems with grain.
Required to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including shifts during non-standard business hours that may include evening, nighttime, weekends, holidays, and/or extended hours (Convent, LA location only).
Environmental Conditions
The work environment described here are meant to be representative of those an employee would normally encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment.
Travel, 5%-20% travel may be required at some facilities. This may include off-site training and/or work at alternate locations.
The expected base pay range for this role is:
$17.00 - $25.00
Actual pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including work location, job-related knowledge, skills and relevant experience for the job. Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
Are you ready to make a meaningful career move & an impact at CGB? Apply today!
Known in our industry for stability and high ethics, CGB Enterprises, Inc. offers a stellar benefits package including: an outstanding 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, & disability benefits, flexible spending accounts, paid leave (holidays, vacation, sick), wellness programs, recognition programs, community involvement opportunities, and much more!
CGB Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal links in English or Spanish are listed here. Also, we are unable to legally hire anyone who is not eligible to work in the United States nor are we able to sponsor visas.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.
All Third Party Agencies, Headhunters, and Recruiters
CGB Enterprises, Inc. and its Subsidiaries only forms contracts with recruiters with whom we have an established relationship and with whom we have in place a signed contract. All contact from third parties must go through our Human Resources Department. Any contact made outside of our Human Resources Department by a third party will cancel any future business relationships between the third party and CGB Enterprises, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.