Typical Workday:

You are responsible for the safe and efficient mooring and handling of barges (before, during and after) while being loaded with grain and feed products. You must understand the proper operation of barge moving winches and the associated safety systems of that equipment. You must understand the proper mooring of barges using barge lines and winch cables, how to read barge drafts and how to properly clean the barges and dock area. Responsible for properly obtaining all applicable information and communicating effectively that information to the barge loader tower operators. Follow established policies and procedures, along with proper communication, while working on the river dock. This position is expected to assist in all areas of the unloading, loading, and transferring of grain and grain products which may include but not be limited to barge, truck, rail and cleaning operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Responsible for the safe and efficient mooring and handling of barges (before, during and after) while being loaded with grain and feed products.

· Talk with management and the barge loader tower operators at the beginning of each shift to coordinate the barge loading schedule, commodities to be loaded in each barge and the requested drafts for each barge for that shift. Maintain communication thru out the day with management and the barge loader tower operators to ensure everyone is on the same page and that the work schedule has not changed.

· Under the instructions of the barge loader tower operators, properly attached the barge moving winch cables, breasting winch cable (if needed), hard down barge lines, in-between lines and sliders to each barge(s) at the dock.

· Understand that no hard down lines should be removed from any barge at the dock unless the barge loader tower operator has given you permission.

· Opens the barge hatches on the barges—check the cargo hold to ensure it is clean and dry--report any concerns to the barge loader tower operators.

· Responsible to check all wing tanks on barges being loaded (before, during and after)—report all findings to the barge loader tower operators.

NOTE: Under no circumstances are any COFCO employees (except management) to enter any wing tank on barges being loaded, the dock barges, or the dock boat (no part of your body is to enter the confined space).

· Responsible for reporting any safety concerns and/or damages on the barges being loaded. Responsible to notify management if the barge fleets have left any rigging on the barges.

· Understands the proper operation of the barge winch moving system.

· Communicating and working with the barge loader tower operators & other deckhands to ensure safety is a priority and all safety policies, procedures and rules are always followed—all safety PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is always being worn.

· Responsible for properly obtaining all applicable information and effectively communicating that information to the barge loader tower operators.

· Responsible to know how to properly read drafts on barges and communicate effectively to the barge loader tower operators.

· Responsible to properly clean all barges after each barge loading is completed.

· Responsible to use and maintain the leaf blowers—if an issue, you are to bring to landside and let management know what is wrong with it.

· Ensuring that each deckhand always has a portable radio on his possession and that the batteries are properly charged.

· Ensuring that each deckhand has his life vest securely fastened on his body at all times outside the interior of the dock boat. Ensure that each life vest is equipped with their designated Man Overboard Alert system and strobe light (strobe light to be on during nighttime hours)

· Follow all facility safety policies, procedures, and rules—always wear all applicable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in the work area.

· Responsible to maintain a clean and safe work environment— deckhands to work with others to maintain good housekeeping on the loading docks.

· Responsible for keeping hoppers on dock barges pumped out.

· Responsible to keep barge lines picked up and dry. Responsible to replace damaged lines and replace with new lines as needed. Responsible to weave eyes for the new barge lines.

· Responsible to know the different sounding alarms at the river dock (emergency evacuation and extreme weather alarms, Man Overboard alarm and winch start-up alarm and light beacons).

· Work with barge loader tower operators to ensure there is no barge movement, winch pull cables being moved and/or barge loading is being done when the fleet boats/crews are at our docks or when the grain inspector is out on the barge doing his inspection.

· Have a good understanding of barge moving winch operation, how to effectively use barge ropes for securing barges, changing weather conditions (wind, rain, sleet, and snow) and the river's current during high water levels.

· Be aware of approaching boats and wakes to alert other deckhands of the barge they are on being hit hard, or drastically moving up and down in the river.

· Be able to remain calm and act immediately to alert fleet boats and management in the event of a man overboard incident, or an injury or serious incident—know your responsibilities.

· Responsible to properly attach and remove spout sections as the river rises or falls out.

· Responsible to carry supplies out to the river dock area as needed (gas cans, leaf blowers, ropes, tools, etc.)—responsible to bring empty gas cans, leaf blowers needing maintenance, etc. back over to shop area as needed.

· Be willing to assist in other areas of the unloading, loading and transferring of grain and feed products which may include, but not limited to barge, rail, truck, maintenance and cleaning operations in the event barges are not being loaded.

· To be actively involved in all safety meetings and maintain knowledge of the company’s safety programs by successfully passing testing and courses.

· Observes equipment and safety devices in operation and have the knowledge to know if there is an issue by using your senses (sound, sight, smell or feel) and to communicate to management if they believe there is something inconsistent with normal operations.

· At the end of each shift, work with the barge loader tower operators to properly secure the barges with hard down lines, remove the barge winch pull cables, close all hatch covers and clean the barge.

· Responsible to inspect slide line cables and rigging along the dock barges and dock boat.

· Responsible to keep walking areas along the dock clear of trip hazards and dangerous materials and/or conditions.

Qualifications:

· Previous experience as a deckhand is preferred or have a willingness to be properly trained.

· Effective communication skills to work with management, the fleets, the barge loader tower operators and other deckhands for working safely and efficiently.

· A willingness to work with the barge loader tower operators and other deckhands to get the work completed safely and effectively.

· Ability to remain focused in a demanding and sometimes changing environment while multi-tasking.

· Demonstrated ability to remain focused on safety for all people (employees, barge fleet employees and grain inspectors) on the river dock in a fast-paced operation.

· Basic written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to maintain a good working relationship with other employees and the barge fleets.

· Ability and willingness to report to work on time for scheduled workdays—willingness to work daily overtime, six days a week and some Sundays.

· A willingness to learn all facility job duties and be able to fill-in at other areas when needed.

· High School Diploma, or GED equivalent is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

· Pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical.

· Walking on catwalks at a variety of heights.

· Working on barges and around/over the water.

· Climbing stairs, ladders, and an inclined belt structure catwalk.

· Lifting to 50 LBS.

· Working at some heights with appropriate PPE.

· Working outdoors in a broad range of weather conditions.

· Maintaining good physical hygiene & wearing clothing suitable for the work area.

Benefits:

• 401(K) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation and Personal Days
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Jury Duty Leave
• Maternity Leave

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• East Saint Louis, IL 62201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person