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Hourly Barge Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

... barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for ...

Hourly Barge Cook information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do hourly barge cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly 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 is the difference between Hourly Barge Cook vs Barge Deckhand?

AspectHourly Barge CookBarge Deckhand
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary experienceSTCW certifications, maritime safety training
Work EnvironmentKitchen on barges, confined spaceDeck of barges, outdoor maritime setting
Employer & IndustryMaritime transportation companies, cargo bargesMaritime transportation companies, cargo barges

While both roles operate on barges within the maritime industry, the Hourly Barge Cook focuses on food preparation and kitchen duties, requiring culinary skills and food safety certifications. In contrast, a Barge Deckhand handles deck operations, safety procedures, and maintenance, requiring maritime safety certifications. Both roles are essential for barge operations but differ significantly in responsibilities and skill sets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Hourly Barge Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Barge Cook, you need proven culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and relevant experience, often backed by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong organization, adaptability, and the ability to work independently in confined or remote environments set outstanding cooks apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and contribute to crew morale and operational success during extended barge assignments.

What does an hourly barge cook do?

An hourly barge cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals to the crew on a barge, which is a type of vessel used for transporting goods on rivers and canals. Their duties include planning menus, cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, and following food safety standards. They often work long shifts and may be required to stay on the barge for extended periods. The role requires organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and knowledge of nutrition and meal preparation. Barge cooks play a vital part in ensuring the well-being and morale of the crew.

What are common challenges faced by an Hourly Barge Cook, and how can they be managed effectively?

Hourly Barge Cooks often work in remote, confined environments with limited resources, which can make meal planning and preparation more challenging than in a traditional kitchen. Adapting to varying crew preferences, dietary restrictions, and supply constraints requires flexibility and strong organizational skills. Effective communication with the crew and supply managers helps ensure that meals are nutritious and timely, while maintaining high standards of food safety in a constantly moving setting. Many cooks find success by preparing menus in advance and keeping a well-organized inventory.
More about Hourly Barge Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Barge Cook jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Barge Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Barge Cook jobs? The most popular types of Barge Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Barge Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Barge Cook jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hourly Barge Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 52% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Amnav Maritime LLC

Oakland, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Maintain the vessels in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and walking on barges, boats and narrow barge walkways. Deck must be hosed down and free of lines (all gear must be put away when not in use). Make up all tows, and multiple barge tows as directed by captain. Deck personnel are trained to perform the following skills in addition to other skills required by the captain and/or the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Essential Functions:
  • Use the VHF portable radio.
  • Splice lines. Perform lubrication services. Properly tie off barge tows, raft tows, etc.
  • Give proper direction and distance signals and information. Use equipment on the tug -- winches, capstan, peavey, pike pole, pumps. Make up multiple barge tows. Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs.
  • Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for leaks, broken fuel and oil lines, etc. Take readings on each watch and maintain engine room logs. Drain water out of air tanks every day. Check oil in auxiliary and main engines before starting.
  • Change oil and filter as needed. A general maintenance checklist is provided explaining what equipment needs to be greased started, etc. Engine should be wiped down of oil each night. Keep area clean and free of oil.
  • Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump bilges.
  • Cleaning restrooms on tug. Prepare grocery/supplies list.
  • Performs special duties and other projects as assigned.
  • Adheres to all company policies.
  • Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Must be able to comprehend and respond and carry out specific orders from the captain. Ability to communicate effectively with captain, co-workers, dispatchers and customers. Ability to learn safety awareness, injury prevention, firefighting. Must be able to read, speak and understand English over the telephone and/or radio.
  • Must be able to plan and prepare multiple meals for crews.
  • Must be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, tighten winches, carry heavy items, kneel while painting or changing oil/filters, climb onto barges and upstairs to wheelhouse, bending and twisting during boat/barge tie-up.

Working Conditions:
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, etc.).
  • Must have the ability and flexibility to work a variety of schedules and hours and must be able to report for duty with a one hour notice. Must be able to work overtime, Sundays, Saturdays, holidays, night work.
  • Assignments can last up to 15 days (river) or as much as 90 days (ocean). Must be willing to take callouts.
  • Must not be afraid of heights or narrow walkways.
  • Must join Union.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must possess and maintain US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC).
  • Must possess Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • AB limited with a valid STCW endorsement is preferred.
  • Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license.
  • Must possess and maintain valid passport.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

AmNAv is an Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. AmNav is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.