Inland Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Barge Quality Inspector 

Department: Commercial Operations 

Reports to: Director, Cargo Stewardship and Fleet Allocation 

Location: Houston, TX (Gulf Coast Ports and Inland Waterways) 

The Role: Southern Devall is seeking a highly motivated Barge Quality Inspector to ensure our tank barges meet the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, reliability, and regulatory compliance. This position plays a vital role in supporting safe cargo transportation while maintaining customer satisfaction and operational excellence. The ideal candidate has marine industry experience, mechanical aptitude, strong attention to detail, and enjoys working independently in a field-based environment. This is a hands-on position requiring regular travel to docks, terminals, ports, and marine facilities throughout the Gulf Coast and inland waterways. Key Responsibilities The Barge Quality inspector will be responsible for inspecting, evaluating, maintaining, and documenting the condition of tank barges. This position will identify deficiencies, coordinate repairs with engineering and operations teams, follow correct actions through completion ensuring all assigned vessels meet the requirements of the cargoes being carried.

•BARGE SERVICE READINESS AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS & OPERATIONAL TESTINGoConduct detailed inspections of barge equipment and systemsoStart and test barge engines, pumps, alarms and associated equipmentoVerify operational readiness using company procedures, tankerman checklists, and industry best practicesoInspect Cargo systems included:-Cargo Valves-Check Valves-Pressure Relief Valves-Pump Systems-Other vessel equipment based on barge configurationoInspect hulls, decks, and void spaces for damages, contamination, spills, debris, and other deficienciesoEnsure vessel meets customer specifications and operational requirementsoBARGE INTERNAL INSPECTIONSoPerform internal CDOF (Clean, Dry, Odor Free) barge cleanliness inspections including:-Cargo Tanks and all associated piping, equipment, fittings and openings-Cargo and vapor piping below and above deck-Deep well-Other parts of cargo system that may affect cargo quality

• TROUBLESHOOTING

o Troubleshoot:

- Diesel Engines

- Gearboxes and Drive Shafts

- Cargo Pumps including Deep Well, Centrifugal and Positive Displacement Pumps

- Electric Pump Systems

- Volcanic Heaters and Related Equipment

o Recommend repairs and coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams as needed

•DOCUMENTATION & COMPLIANCEoComplete Inspection reports, checklists, and condition assessmentsoVerify Vessel Documentation is accurate and compliantoMaintain records demonstrating that barges are ready for service and meet operation requirements•ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITESoSupport specific project and operation needs as assigned by managementoAssist in continuous improvement efforts related to safety, maintenance, and quality assurance

Required Qualifications

•High School Diploma or GED•Valid Driver’s License•Current Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC/MMD)•Dangerous Liquids (DL) and Liquid Gas (LG) endorsements•Basic computer proficiency•Strong communication and organizational skills•Ability to work independently and as part of a team•Ability to travel on short notice, including evenings, weekends, and extended assignments as business needsrequire•Current TWIC Card or ability to obtain one immediately

Preferred Qualifications

•Experience as a Tankerman, Deck Officer, Marine Inspector, or related maritime position•Mechanic and troubleshooting experience•Knowledge of tank barge cargo systems and marine equipment•Familiarity with USCG regulations and industry standards

Skills and Competencies

•SKILLS-Microsoft Office-Strong Communicator-Customer Service Experience-Process Improvement-English Literate-Safety-focused-Detail Oriented•COMPETENCIES-Customer, Quality and Results Orientation-Business Context Awareness-Comfortable working around marine equipment in industrial environments-Committed to delivering exceptional service to customers and operations teams-Multitasker-Quick Learner-Networker-Teamwork-Organizer

•Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally move heavier equipment with assistance or mechanical lifting devices.•Ability to operate valves, hand tools, testing equipment, pumps, and other mechanical devices requiring manual dexterity and grip strength.•Ability to distinguish colors, read gauges, inspect mechanical components, identify leaks or defects, and complete detailed visual inspections in varying lighting conditions.•Ability to hear alarms, radios, vessel communications, and equipment operating sounds in noisy industrial environments.•Ability to work while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection, respirators, life jackets, and fall protection equipment.•Ability to safely perform inspections while working at heights, over water, and around moving mechanical equipment.•Ability to sit, drive, and travel for extended periods between ports, terminals, and customer locations.•Ability to perform repetitive inspection and documentation activities using computers, tablets, and handheld electronic devices.

Working Conditions

•Primarily field-based position requiring frequent travel to marine terminals, docks, shipyards, refineries, petrochemical facilities, customer locations, and inland and coastal waterways throughout the Gulf Coast region.•Regular exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, cold, rain, wind, direct sunlight, and changing weather conditions.•Frequent work around moving vessels, heavy equipment, cranes, forklifts, cargo transfer operations, and other industrial hazards.•Regular exposure to petroleum products, chemical cargoes, fuel vapors, lubricants, cleaning agents, and other industrial materials while following established safety procedures.•Work may involve entering confined spaces, working at heights, and performing inspections over or near water while complying with OSHA, USCG, and company safety requirements.•Requires strict adherence to all company safety policies, environmental regulations, customer site requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.•Position requires flexibility to respond to operational needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as business demands require.•Frequent regional travel by company or personal vehicle with occasional overnight travel to support vessel inspections and operational requirements.•Work is performed independently with regular coordination among Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Commercial, and Customer representatives.•Moderate exposure to noise, vibration, diesel exhaust, marine engines, and industrial machinery is expected.•The position requires maintaining a valid TWIC credential, Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), and all required endorsements necessary to access secure marine facilities and perform assigned duties.