Job Description

About Marquette:
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of inland marine transportation services. Our Company operates over 130 towboats on the Mississippi River System, Gulf-Intracoastal Waterway, and near-shore coastwise market. In addition, the Company controls over 1,000 dry cargo barges. The Company has additional offices in St Rose, LA, Lockport, LA and La Porte, TX. With over 1,800 vessel and shore-based employees, Marquette is the largest provider of independent towing services within the inland waterways. We are the only fully integrated fleet in the industry that can do what we do.

Responsibilities:
• Manage day-to-day operations of a fleet of 10–12 line-haul towboats (5,000–9,000 HP), ensuring adherence to company Core Principles.
• Continuously identify and implement innovations across your fleet to improve productivity.
• Lead vessel management teams, including port engineers, crew managers, port mates, safety managers, and purchasing managers.
• Oversee daily voyage planning for your fleet and provide guidance to vessel master’s on execution.
• Ensure tow configurations align with vessel capability, crew experience, and operating conditions.
• Ensure appropriate use of tug assists for bridge and lock transits.
• Optimize fleeting and midstream operations, including barge movements, crew changes, fueling, repairs, and supply logistics.
• Maintain and improve fleet-wide safety and environmental compliance standards.
• Manage crew assignments to ensure appropriate experience levels and readiness.
• Ensure fleet performance is operating within budget.
• Participate in industry meetings and represent the company on marine committees as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential required.
• Marine industry experience in vessel operations or leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of inland waterways operations, maritime regulations, and vessel inspection standards.
Proven leadership and personnel management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret operational data and drive performance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with modern navigation systems and vessel management software.
• Ability to travel approximately 40% between St. Paul, MN and New Orleans, LA.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record required.
• Ability to work an on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends.

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!

Marquette is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. By clicking the link below, you authorize Marquette Transportation Company, LLC to contact you by any method at the number provided.