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Trainee Tugboat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Tugboat Engineer information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do trainee tugboat engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee tugboat engineer in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Tugboat Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Trainee Tugboat Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Marquette Transportation Company and Canal Barge Company are leaders in the marine transportation industry. Following investments by Redwood Holdings in Marquette and Canal Barge, the family of brands now includes Marquette River and Offshore divisions, Canal Barge Company, Illinois Marine Towing, Canal Terminal Company, Canal Analytical and Environmental Services and Pelican Marine. This integrated network builds one of the industry's largest fleets with nearly 150 vessels, more than 4,000 barges, over 100 deck barges and 2,000 skilled mariners.


Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky, and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of marine transportation services. Through an integrated towing network, Marquette operates across more than 6,000 miles of navigable waterways, including the Mississippi River System and its tributaries, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the nearshore tugboat market.


Founded in 1933 and headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, Canal Barge is one of the largest privately-owned marine transportation companies in the United States. Canal Barge has a successful track record of developing long-term and mutually profitable partnerships with major companies in the refining, petrochemical, power generation, oilfield service, construction, and materials industries.


Principal Responsibilities:

  • Serves as HR business partner for Asset Management across all divisions, which includes both shore and vessel engineering, barge maintenance, purchasing, and supply chain functions.
  • Leads recruiting and onboarding for both vessel and shore-based openings in Asset Management. Anticipates staffing needs and takes ownership of ensuring that the organization has sufficient engineers available to crew our fleet of vessels.
  • Manages selection and onboarding process for employees entering the engineer trainee program.
  • Partners with EVP and other leaders of Asset Management function on all aspects of the employee life cycle, including compensation changes, talent development, and succession planning.
  • Coaches leaders on employee relations and performance gaps that may exist among team members. Partners with talent development function to identify training and development solutions to optimize performance. Works with leaders on performance improvement plans when needed.
  • Handles employee relations issues. Conducts investigations and provides coaching/counseling to employees and managers to promote a respectful workplace.
  • Processes terminations and conducts exit interviews for Asset Management employees.
  • Collaborates and engages with colleagues on HR team on shared goals and support of critical initiatives. Assists with deck crew recruiting and onboarding efforts during peak hiring seasons.
  • Contributes to a positive culture in the HR department, the Asset Management team, and the company at large. Exemplifies company values.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field. (Master’s Degree preferred)
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Self-starting and ability to perform a variety of tasks with moderate supervision.
  • 5-7 years of HR experience.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills required.
  • Proven leadership skills.
  • Travel to New Orleans or Paducah (depending on site location is filled) regularly to build relationships and support Asset Management teams.


This position may be based in either our Paducah, KY or St. Rose, LA office.


Marquette offers competitive pay, health, dental & vision insurance, 401K plan with company match, bonus plan, company paid life insurance, short- & long-term disability, flexible spending account, critical illness, accident insurance, and other incentives!