IMCO General Construction
Bellingham, Washington
About the Position
IMCO General Construction is seeking an ambitious Barge Deckhand to join our marine construction project team in Bellingham, Washington.
The ideal candidate will have marine industry experience, preferably involving tug and barge operations within marine construction environments. Candidates should have experience safely operating vessels while supporting dredging operations and some maintenance.
This position requires a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, professionalism, and maintaining a productive jobsite environment.
Project Overview
This project involves the cleanup and restoration of a marine waterfront area near downtown Bellingham.
IMCO provides an employee-focused culture and team-oriented environment, with a strong emphasis on developing successful employees.
Compensation and Benefits
- Starting pay is based on 8/20/2025 Whatcom County Prevailing Wage Rates. The hourly rate depends on the equipment operated during the shift. The hourly rate range is $71.28 – $89.12 a hour. This range listed includes both the hourly wage rate and the hourly rate of fringe benefits plus a fringe package. Link to look up exact wages here: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/wagelookup/rates/journey-level-rates
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance are available on the first day of the month following 60 days of full-time employment.
- 401(k) retirement plan available on the first day of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. IMCO offers 100% company matching up to 4% of eligible wages.
- Paid Sick leave – 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.
Position Details
- Number of Positions Available: 1
- Expected Start Date: Mid-July 2026
- Project Duration:
- Approximately 4 months in 2026
- Approximately 5–6 months in 2027
- Employment Type: Full-Time
Responsibilities
- This list provides an overview of responsibilities and may not include all duties required for the position. Deckhands assist with the daily operations and maintenance of vessels and barges.
- Follow safe work procedures, especially when loading operations and operating near ground personnel and other equipment
- Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans accordingly
- Coordinate with port authorities and other vessels
- Maintain accurate logs and records of operations
- Assist in navigation through inland waterways and coastal areas
- Assisting in preparing barges for loading and discharging products at ports across the inland waterway system
- Building and breaking tow using lines, wires, ratchets, and stationary winches
- Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on deck machinery, rigging, and equipment including transferring rigging, and general vessel and barge maintenance
- Working safely in all weather conditions, day or night, while the vessel is underway
- Lifting and moving heavy or awkward materials and equipment
- Following directions from the foreman and/or boatman
- Maintaining safe work practices and contributing to overall vessel operations
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure all safety equipment (lifeboats, fire-fighting gear) is operational, and that the crew complies with regulations.
- Complete daily work plans, equipment inspections, and reports
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds
- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies that promote effective local, state, and company safety operations for the protection of people and property
Location & Work Commitments
- Project Location: Bellingham, Washington
- Employment Type: Full-time+
- Shifts may vary to accommodate tide schedules. 5- 6 days a week during peak schedule
- Overtime may be available
- Evening and weekend work may be required to meet project milestones
Requirements and Qualifications
- This position requires driving on occasion - Current and valid driver’s license required
- Must be able to pass a basic fit-for-duty physical as required under the project contract.
- Must be able to swim
- Ability to pass a fit-for-work physical
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
- Knowledge of inland navigation rules.
- 1-2 years of marine work- Tug and/or barge operating experience is a plus
- Experience supporting marine construction operations – preferred
- Understanding of inland navigation rules
- Knowledge of marine safety procedures and regulations
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work safely in adverse weather conditions
- Proficiency in cargo handling techniques
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Pre-employment drug testing required
- Criminal background check required
- Ability to adhere to all safety requirements
- Strong commitment to teamwork, safe work practices, and integrity
About IMCO
IMCO is a heavy civil general contractor serving public and private clients throughout Washington, Montana, Oregon, and Idaho. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we take pride in offering competitive wages, strong benefits, training opportunities, and a culture rooted in teamwork and innovation.
Our Mission
Proudly building complex projects with integrity, excellence, and safety.
Our Vision
To be the best—an exceptional team tackling challenging opportunities with world-class innovation while positively impacting our communities every day.
