Deckhand & Push Boat
Line Handling & Positioning
Tying up, casting off, and positioning tugboats, barges, dredges, and scows as vessels come and go.
On the Water
Now Hiring · 3 Open Positions · Patriot Marine LLC
Join Our Marine
Construction Crew
Work outdoors. Work on the water. Work with heavy equipment. Patriot Marine LLC is growing our dredging & marine construction team in New Haven, CT and hiring for three roles: Mechanical Dredge Barge Deckhand, Push/Work Boat Operator, and Welder. Pick the role that fits your experience below and apply directly on this page.
Why Patriot Marine
Where hard work
meets open water
Mechanical dredge barges keep New England's harbors, channels, and waterways open for the tugs, ferries, and commercial vessels that depend on them. Whether you're handling lines on deck, running a push boat, or laying down a weld, you're hands-on from day one — building real marine construction skills alongside a crew that's been doing this since 1988.
Apply Now
Now Hiring — New Haven & New England
38yrs
In business
50lb+
Lifting ability
CT+
New England work
Learn By Doing
No two days look the same on a dredge. You'll train hands-on — handling lines, greasing equipment, running winches — building real skills mechanics and operators need.
Work Safe, Work Smart
Safety isn't a poster on the wall here. Every task — from tying up a barge to fueling diesel equipment — starts and ends with following company and jobsite safety requirements.
Build A Real Career
This is a launching pad, not a dead end. Deckhands who show up, work hard, and stay sharp move into equipment operator, mechanic, and tugboat crew roles.
The Crew
You'll be responsible for
Across all three roles — Deckhand, Push/Work Boat Operator, and Welder — you'll be trained to handle the tasks that keep a dredging operation running safely and efficiently.
01
All RolesSafety Compliance
Follow all company and daily jobsite safety requirements — every task on the water starts and ends with a safety check.
02
Deckhand & Push BoatLine Handling & Vessel Positioning
Tie up and position tugboats, barges, dredges, and scows on the water.
03
Deckhand & Push BoatEngine & Equipment Care
Fuel, oil, and grease diesel engines and support equipment throughout the shift.
04
WelderStructural Welding & Repairs
Perform stick (SMAW) welding to repair barges, dredges, buckets, and heavy equipment.
05
Deckhand & Push BoatWinch & Vessel Operation
Operate spud winches or a 25-ft push boat after hands-on training from experienced crew.
06
All RolesMechanical Support & Repairs
Assist with hydraulic hoses, minor repairs, and field fixes — a direct path toward an operator, mechanic, or welder role.
07
All RolesHousekeeping
Perform daily housekeeping and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
08
All RolesGeneral Labor & Field Repairs
Assist with loading, unloading, fabrication, and general labor tasks across the jobsite.
09
All RolesEquipment Inspections
Complete daily equipment inspection and minor maintenance checklists before and after every shift.
Daily Duties
What a day on the job looks like
Every shift blends physical work with hands-on skill. Here's what fills your day, whichever crew you join.
Welder
Stick Welding & Cutting
Welding, cutting, and grinding steel to repair barges, buckets, and heavy equipment.
Structural Repair
All Roles
Housekeeping
Keeping the deck, shop, tools, and equipment clean, organized, and safe for the whole crew.
Safety & Order
Deckhand & Push Boat
Winch & Vessel Operation
After training, running spud winches or a 25-ft push boat to keep the dredge in position.
Hands-On Training
All Roles
General Labor
Loading, unloading, and pitching in wherever the crew needs an extra hand.
Teamwork
All Roles
Minor Equipment Maintenance
Assisting with hydraulic hoses, fabrication, and small repairs to keep equipment running.
Mechanical Skills
All Roles
Equipment Inspections & Daily Readiness Checks
Every shift starts and ends with a walk-around: checking equipment, completing inspection checklists, and keeping engines, boats, and welding gear fueled and ready. It's the routine that keeps every crew safe and the job moving.
2xDaily inspections
100%Safety focus
3Open positions
01Now Hiring
Mechanical Dredge
Mechanical Dredge
Barge Deckhand
Patriot Marine LLC is seeking motivated Mechanical Dredge Barge Deckhands to join our growing dredging and marine construction team in New Haven, CT. You'll handle lines, oil and grease equipment, and learn hands-on skills alongside a crew that's been doing this since 1988 — no marine experience required.
Qualifications
What It Takes &
What We Offer
Review the qualifications, training, and benefits below — then apply directly at the bottom of this page.
Ready to join the crew?
Competitive Hourly Pay
Full-Time · New Haven, CT · Year-Round
Apply NowNo resume required to start
01
Core Qualifications
Core Qualifications
Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Comfortable working on floating equipment and around heavy machinery
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more
Mechanical aptitude is preferred
Valid driver's license required
02
On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training
Hands-on training on hydraulic spud winches, under supervision, before solo operation
Safety orientation and daily jobsite safety requirement training
Mechanical systems training — hydraulic hoses and minor repairs — alongside experienced mechanics
03
Pay & Benefits
Pay & Benefits
Competitive hourly pay — based on your experience, with regular reviews
Full-time, year-round employment — consistent work beginning each September
Overtime opportunities
Opportunities for advancement into equipment operator, mechanic, or tugboat crew positions
Work with a respected marine construction & dredging contractor serving New England since 1988
02Now Hiring
Push/Work Boat
Push/Work Boat
Operator
Patriot Marine LLC is seeking an experienced and dependable Push/Work Boat Operator to safely operate our 25-foot push boats in support of marine construction and dredging operations throughout New England. You'll maneuver barges, dredges, and dump scows in confined waterways, position floating equipment, and perform routine vessel inspections and preventative maintenance.
Primary Responsibilities
- Safely operate a 25-foot diesel-powered push boat.
- Move and position dredges, barges, dump scows, and floating equipment.
- Assist with docking, undocking, and line handling.
- Position equipment for dredging, loading, unloading, and marine construction activities.
- Communicate with crane operators, excavator operators, and project supervisors using marine radio and hand signals.
- Conduct daily vessel inspections before and after each shift.
- Maintain accurate vessel logbooks and inspection reports.
- Assist with deck operations and general labor when vessel operations are complete.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe vessel.
Engine Room & Preventative Maintenance
- Daily engine room inspections; record engine operating hours.
- Check engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid levels.
- Monitor engine temperatures, oil pressure, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic systems.
- Inspect fuel, hydraulic, and cooling systems for leaks.
- Grease steering, propulsion, and deck equipment.
- Replace filters and perform routine fluid changes as scheduled.
- Inspect batteries, belts, hoses, and clamps.
- Monitor bilge pumps and high-water alarms.
- Assist mechanics with minor vessel repairs and scheduled maintenance.
01
Qualifications
Qualifications
Experience operating small commercial workboats, push boats, or similar vessels
Mechanical aptitude with diesel engines and marine systems
Knowledge of safe vessel handling in confined waterways; ability to safely move barges and floating equipment
Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Valid driver's license required
Preferred: USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), TWIC Card, First Aid/CPR Certification, marine diesel maintenance or dredging support experience
02
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
Lift up to 75 pounds
Climb ladders and board floating equipment safely
Work on decks that may be wet, uneven, or moving
Stand, bend, kneel, and work in confined spaces when required
Work extended hours, weekends, and occasional nights as project schedules require
03
Pay & Benefits
Pay & Benefits
Competitive hourly pay based on experience, plus overtime opportunities
Full-time, year-round employment with paid holidays and vacation
Career advancement opportunities within Patriot Marine's marine operations
Work aboard modern equipment supporting marine construction & dredging projects throughout New England
03Now Hiring
Welder
Patriot Marine LLC is seeking a Welder to join our Dredging team. This position primarily involves SMAW (Stick) welding performed outdoors on barges, dredges, excavators, push boats, and other heavy equipment. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, and experienced in structural steel welding and field repairs.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform structural stick welding (SMAW) on marine equipment and heavy machinery.
- Repair cracks, wear areas, and structural steel on barges, dredges, excavators, buckets and support equipment.
- Fabricate replacement parts, brackets, supports, and miscellaneous steel components.
- Cut, grind, fit, and prepare steel prior to welding.
- Operate oxy-fuel cutting torches and plasma cutters.
- Perform emergency field repairs to minimize equipment downtime.
- Inspect completed welds for quality and structural integrity.
- Maintain welding machines, leads, tools, and consumables.
- Keep work areas clean, organized, and safe.
Equipment You'll Work On
- Mechanical Dredges, Dump Scows and Barges
- Caterpillar 345 & 385 Material Handlers
- Push Boats and Tugboats
- Clamshell Buckets & Hydraulic Attachments
- Pile Hammers & Hydraulic Power Units
- Steel Decking and Structural Components
- Typical duties: deck plate replacement, wear plate installation, crack repair, bucket rebuilding, pipe & handrail fabrication
01
Qualifications
Qualifications
Experience with SMAW (Stick) welding on structural steel
Ability to weld in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions
Experience repairing heavy equipment, construction equipment, or marine equipment preferred
Ability to read fabrication drawings and use measuring tools; experience with torches, grinders and plasma cutters
Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail; valid driver's license required
Preferred: AWS welding certification, heavy equipment repair welding, marine construction or shipyard experience, basic fabrication skills
02
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
Lift up to 75 pounds
Work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions
Stand, kneel, climb, crawl, and work in confined spaces
Safely work at heights and aboard floating equipment; wear required PPE including welding hood, gloves, eye protection, and fall protection when required
Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends as project schedules require
03
Pay & Benefits
Pay & Benefits
Competitive hourly pay based on experience, plus overtime opportunities
Full-time, year-round employment with paid holidays and vacation
Company-provided PPE and welding equipment
Opportunity to work on unique marine construction & dredging projects throughout New England
About Patriot Marine LLC
Patriot Marine LLC is a dredging and marine construction contractor based in New Haven, Connecticut, serving projects across New England since 1988. We specialize in mechanical dredging and marine construction — keeping the region's harbors, channels, and waterways safe and navigable for the vessels that depend on them. We're growing our team and looking for motivated people who want more than a job — they want a career on the water.
New Haven, Connecticut
Apply Now
Submit Your Application
This is a hybrid position — you do not need experience in all three areas. Select the area(s) you're applying for below; you'll only be evaluated on the sections that match what you select.
Application Submitted
Thank you for your interest in joining Patriot Marine LLC. Our team will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates.