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Entry Level Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survey Field Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Barge Design Solutions is seeking an entry - level Survey Field Technician ! In this role, you'll support both field and office staff while learning to operate survey equipment and execute accurate ...

Survey Field Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Barge Design Solutions is seeking an entry - level Survey Field Technician ! In this role, you'll support both field and office staff while learning to operate survey equipment and execute accurate ...

Barge Design Solutions is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Project Scientist IV to join our ... Mentors and may review work of entry level staff for quality purposes * Provides direction to other ...

Terminal Operator/ Cover Handler

Port Allen, LA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... barge unloading operation adhere to safe operating rules and policies. • Entry-level operators will perform houseman duties as directed by the shift superintendent including bin cleaning ...

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Entry Level Barge information

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$12

$16

$22

How much do entry level barge jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level barge in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level barge jobs?

Entry level barge jobs involve working on barges, which are flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods on rivers and canals. These positions typically include roles such as deckhand or laborer, where workers assist with loading and unloading cargo, maintaining the barge, and performing general cleaning duties. No prior experience is usually required, but workers must be prepared for physically demanding tasks and long hours on the water. Safety training and a willingness to learn are important for success in these roles. Entry level barge jobs can be a starting point for a career in maritime or shipping industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Barge Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Barge Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with safety protocols, marine equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or TWIC are typically required. Dependability, strong teamwork, and attention to detail help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining operational safety and efficiency in challenging maritime environments.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level jobs such as commercial boat crew members, including deckhands on barges, can earn around $3,000 per month with minimal formal education. These roles often require physical fitness, safety training, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or maritime safety courses. Experience and location can influence salary levels for these positions.

What are some common challenges faced by someone starting in an entry-level barge position, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level barge workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to long hours, physically demanding tasks, and working in varying weather conditions. It can also take time to become familiar with safety protocols and operating procedures on the water. To overcome these challenges, it's important to actively participate in training, ask questions, and learn from experienced crew members. Building good communication skills and maintaining a strong focus on safety will help new hires succeed and progress in their careers.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level barge jobs, such as deckhands or crew members, can pay around $4,000 per week, especially with overtime or in high-demand environments like offshore or industrial waterways. These roles typically require physical fitness, safety training, and sometimes certifications like STCW or OSHA, but do not usually require a college degree.

How do you get a job on a barge?

To get a job as an entry-level on a barge, candidates typically need a valid maritime or safety certification such as STCW, relevant physical fitness, and sometimes a maritime or related technical background. Applying through shipping companies, crew agencies, or job boards that specialize in maritime employment is common, and prior experience or training in navigation, cargo handling, or deck operations can improve chances.

Can you get a job on a cruise ship with no experience?

Entry level cruise ship jobs often do not require prior experience, as employers provide on-the-job training. Candidates typically need good communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work in a team environment. Certifications such as STCW may be required for certain positions, but many entry-level roles are accessible to newcomers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Barge vs Entry Level Tugboat Operator?

AspectEntry Level BargeEntry Level Tugboat Operator
Required CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, TWIC cardSTCW Basic Safety Training, TWIC card
Work EnvironmentStationary or slow-moving vessels, often in ports or inland waterwaysMoving vessels, navigating waterways, often in open water
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authorities, inland waterwaysMaritime shipping, port operations, offshore industries

Entry Level Barge roles typically involve working on stationary or slow-moving vessels in port or inland waterways, focusing on cargo handling and vessel maintenance. In contrast, Entry Level Tugboat Operators actively maneuver vessels in open water, requiring navigation skills. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in maritime industries, but they differ mainly in work environment and vessel operation type.

More about Entry Level Barge jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Barge jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Barge job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Barge jobs? The most popular types of Barge jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Barge jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Barge jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Barge jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Barge jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Barge job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,227 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Survey Field Technician

Survey Field Technician

Barge Design Solutions

Nashville, TN • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

What We're Looking For:
Barge Design Solutions is seeking an entry - level Survey Field Technician! In this role, you'll support both field and office staff while learning to operate survey equipment and execute accurate surveying techniques. Working under the guidance of experienced surveyors, you'll gain exposure to essential tasks such as field data collection, traffic control, and the operation of survey instruments. This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to grow their skills and build a strong foundation in the surveying profession.
Responsibilities:
  • Set up, adjust, operate, inspect surveying equipment, including electronic total station, data collector to measure distances, elevations, angles, and other data in order to collect survey data.
  • Processes data from manual or electronic field books.
  • Performs basic field calculations of horizontal and vertical geometry roadways under supervision.
  • Performs calculations for construction stakeout for review.
  • Assist in researching existing record information, including record maps, plans, deeds, easements, and right-of-way documents; and maintains field data records.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Education & Experience Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent and minimal experience
  • Ability to read and understand various types of documents and operate instruments in order to provide accurate information.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Valid driver's license and sufficient driving record
  • Ability to work varying schedules
  • Ability to travel at times and overnight

Daily work environment includes working out of doors in rough terrain. Individuals will walk, sit, and stand while operating various equipment, tools, and machinery. Individuals may need to carry, push, pull, or lift up to 50 lbs. Individuals may need to climb to various elevations and requires visual acuity sufficient to read alpha/numeric symbols and perform computation and design.
Why join us?
Barge Design Solutions,Inc.,is an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in-house multidisciplinarypractice areas. The employee-owned company is more than 550+ people strong andserves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is ranked on Engineering News-Record (ENR)'s Top 500 Design Firms and Architectural Record's Top 300 Architecture Firms and is a certified GreatPlace To Work®.
Our primary purpose for being in business is ultimately to create a better life by unleashing the potential of our people, clients and communities. This purpose is supported by our company's core values because at the end of the day, Barge CARES:
  • Collaborate - Help and expect help. Teamwork is essential in what we do.
  • Authentic - Honesty, integrity and trust are at the heart of everything we do. We are who we say we are.
  • Responsible - We are accountable for our work, our attitude, and our actions. We make Barge better.
  • Excellence - We go all in and expect more of ourselves than others expect of us.
  • Service - We are humble. We use our gifts in service of others.

We believe that if we are living out our purpose for being in business and integrating our values into everything we do, we will ultimately achieve our vision to be the firm best known for being selected when it matters most.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled