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Entry Level Barge Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kirby Corporation

Entry Level Inland Deckhand

Channelview, TX · On-site

$221/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel * Maintain vessel by ... Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing ...

Kirby Corporation

Entry Level Inland Deckhand

Channelview, TX · On-site

$221/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel * Maintain vessel by ... Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing ...

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Entry Level Barge Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do entry level barge cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level barge cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level barge cook do?

An Entry Level Barge Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals for the crew aboard a barge or other marine vessel. Their duties typically include planning menus, ordering and storing food supplies, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, and ensuring that meals meet health and safety standards. They may also assist with basic cleaning and support other galley staff as needed. This role is crucial for maintaining crew morale and ensuring everyone is well-nourished during long work shifts at sea or on rivers. Entry level positions often require little prior experience, but a willingness to work hard and adapt to life on a vessel is important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level barge cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Barge Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, safe food storage practices, and sometimes food handler certifications are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring nutritious, timely meals for crew members while maintaining health standards in a unique, confined environment.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by entry level barge cooks, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry level barge cooks often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing limited kitchen resources, and preparing meals for crews with varied dietary needs. Adapting to a rotational work schedule and maintaining food safety standards in a remote environment are also key aspects to consider. To prepare, candidates should focus on developing strong organizational skills, flexibility, and an understanding of basic nutrition and food safety guidelines. Teamwork and clear communication with the crew are essential, as the cook often collaborates closely with other staff to ensure smooth daily operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Barge Cook vs Entry Level Deckhand?

AspectEntry Level Barge CookEntry Level Deckhand
CredentialsBasic food service certifications, maritime safety trainingBasic safety certifications, maritime safety training
Work EnvironmentKitchen onboard barges, confined spaceDeck, outdoor, variable weather conditions
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, inland waterwaysMaritime, shipping, inland waterways
Job FocusFood preparation, kitchen maintenanceDeck maintenance, cargo handling, safety

Both roles operate in maritime environments and require safety certifications. The main difference is that the Barge Cook focuses on food service and kitchen duties, while the Deckhand handles deck operations and vessel maintenance. These roles are often found together on barges and are essential for smooth operations in the maritime industry.

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Entry Level Barge Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Barge Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Entry Level Inland Deckhand

Kirby Corporation

Channelview, TX

$221/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Deckhand participates in the general maintenance of an inland pushboat and barges, works with lines and hard rigging and observes the transfer of products on the barges.


SAFETY

  • Inland Deckhands are responsible for supporting the vessel master in the safe and efficient operation of Kirby’s boats and barges.
  • Kirby employees are responsible for the adherence to safety rules, and safety instructions from Managers and Supervisors as a requirement for employment with Kirby.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Attach and remove line and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks
  • Handle lines 4 to 8 times during loading and discharging in order to adjust for the changing height of the barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel
  • Maintain vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, washing the vessel, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting
  • Make minor repairs using tools such as hammers, fire axes and ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing clothes)

EXPERIENCE

  • Basic computer skills knowledge required.
  • 12 months of consecutive work experience preferred.

EDUCATION

  • High School or GED preferred

WORK CONDITIONS

  • Must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family.
  • Work schedule and hours determined by boat.  Typical work schedule is  a 2 for 1 schedule up to 30 days, with a 12 hour work shift including holidays.
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold.
  • Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
  • Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.

COMPENSATION

  • $221/DAY, PLUS BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION/401K, ETC.)

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid TWIC card must be in hand prior to applying. Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license
  • Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
  • Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
  • Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
  • Valid state issued birth certificate required.
  • Valid social security card required
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
  • Must be able to meet standards of Criteria Skill Assessment (online)
  • Must be able to read and write English
  • Ability to understand written and verbal orders

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Walk – Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
  • Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
  • Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
  • Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet, and carry weight while climbing
  • Grip/Hold/Pull – Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs
  • Lift – Must be able to lift 75lbs.
  • Lift & Carry - Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for approximately 350 feet
  • Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
  • Hearing – Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
  • Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
  • Smell – Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
  • Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 75%
  • General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
  • Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear, personal flotation device, rubber gloves and boots. 
  • Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment

Apply