ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Seasonal Barge Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsBarge Cook JobsSeasonal Barge Cook Jobs

Seasonal Barge Cook information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do seasonal barge cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Barge Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal Barge Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and prior experience in high-volume cooking, often supported by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with galley kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and safe food storage practices is essential. Flexibility, stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure efficient meal preparation, compliance with safety regulations, and a positive onboard environment for crew members in remote or challenging locations.

What are Seasonal Barge Cooks?

Seasonal Barge Cooks are culinary professionals who prepare meals for crew members and staff on barges, typically during peak operating seasons such as fishing or shipping periods. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, kitchen maintenance, and ensuring meals meet dietary and safety standards. These cooks often work in remote, challenging environments and must be able to manage supplies efficiently for extended periods. The job requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work long hours. Seasonal Barge Cooks play a crucial role in maintaining crew morale and health during operations.

What is the difference between Seasonal Barge Cook vs Riverboat Chef?

AspectSeasonal Barge CookRiverboat Chef
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsFood safety certification, culinary skills
Work EnvironmentOn barges, confined spaces, seasonalOn riverboats, often year-round, mobile
Industry UsageTransport, tourism, seasonal cruisesLuxury cruises, entertainment, tourism
Search IntentSeasonal cooking jobs on bargesRiverboat culinary positions

Both roles involve preparing meals in mobile, confined environments and require culinary skills and food safety certifications. The main difference is that a Seasonal Barge Cook works on barges during specific seasons, while a Riverboat Chef typically works on riverboats, often year-round, in the cruise industry. The choice depends on whether you prefer seasonal work on inland transport vessels or permanent positions on luxury riverboats.

What are some unique challenges faced by a Seasonal Barge Cook, and how can they be managed?

Seasonal Barge Cooks often work in remote locations with limited access to fresh ingredients and supplies, requiring strong organizational and improvisational skills. Meal planning must account for the preferences and dietary needs of the crew, as well as the constraints of storage and equipment available on the barge. Effective time management and communication with the crew and supply coordinators are essential to ensure meals are served on schedule and to maintain morale during extended periods away from shore. Collaborating closely with team members helps to address any issues promptly and fosters a supportive work environment.
More about Seasonal Barge Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Barge Cook jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal 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 Seasonal Barge Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Barge Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Barge Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Barge Cook jobs are:
Seasonal Barge Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Barge Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

QMED/Engineer-Summer Seasonal

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Engineer

Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Season will start July 2026

Sign-On Bonus Available

Set Sail on an Alaska Maritime Adventure

If you're an experienced Marine Engineer ready to maintain and operate propulsion and vessel systems in some of the most dynamic and challenging waters in the world, this is your opportunity to play a critical role at sea.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge-Alaska's premier tug and barge operator-is seeking an exceptional Marine Engineer for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to support towing vessels that power essential maritime operations across Southcentral and Western Alaska while working alongside highly skilled crews committed to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

This role is well-suited for seasoned marine engineering professionals who thrive in hands-on mechanical environments, problem-solving, and system reliability-and who value a defined seasonal schedule paired with meaningful, high-impact work.

Why Join Cook Inlet Tug & Barge?

Work That Matters
Our crews support critical maritime logistics in remote Alaskan waters-this is not routine coastal sailing. Every voyage counts.

Adventure Built In
Experience Alaska from the deck of a working tug-remote ports, challenging conditions, and unforgettable scenery included.

Seasonal Structure
A defined season (four to eight months) allows you to focus fully on the work, then recharge or pursue other opportunities in the off-season.

Crew-First Safety Culture
Health and safety are not slogans here-they're expectations, reinforced daily by leadership and crew alike.

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Vessel Engineer

As a Vessel Engineer, you maintain the heart of the vessel to ensure it is working properly.You are responsible for:

  • Maintaining all machinery, equipment and systems, including main propulsion, auxiliary power generation, ancillary, deck and cargo handling.
  • Ensuring proper operations of control, monitoring, and alarm components and systems all while maintaining a safe work environment on the vessel.
  • Implementing company policies and procedures, and general maritime industry standards wherever applicable.
  • Check and maintains fuel/fluid levels in all tanks within the vessel, taking monthly oil samples for analysis and is responsible for vessel bunkering operations, as well as, following established fueling procedures, maintaining adequate inventory levels of critical spares and general vessel parts.

In Alaska, you are working in remote geography and will need to perform safe and effective repairs with limited resources and outside support while under tight time constraints.

Required Qualifications

  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required/PIC and HAZWOPER preferred.Minimum of a QMED (Engineer License preferred). 4000 horsepower engineer license preferred.
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Valid United States Passport.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check with qualifications to enter Canada.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Experience and Skills:

  • Minimum of five years of previous experience during the last 15 years as a Marine Engineer preferred.
  • Skilled with various equipment, namely what equipment is best suited to handle the job at hand.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Lodging and meals provided onboard the vessel
  • Company-provided transportation to and from the vessel
  • Must be physically capable of:
    • Boarding tugs and barges
    • Ascending and descending ladders
    • Balancing and working safely in a seaway
    • Kneeling, stooping, reaching overhead, and standing for extended periods
  • Comfortable working at heights and on narrow walkways
  • Ability to work 12-hour days, every day, for the full season
  • Regular exposure to all weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, ice, and heat
How to Apply

Submit your application today at:
https://www.cookinlettug.com/careers

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. We are a drug-free workplace and participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

Apply