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Boat Pilot

Heidelberg Materials · Romeoville, IL · Full time

Posted Jul 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had to correct a crew member's unsafe habit.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead and coach a crew while living with them for weeks.

How do you handle a 30-day hitch while keeping your own focus sharp?

What they are checking: Whether they manage fatigue and stress over long trips as the person in charge.

What would you do

A deckhand isn't wearing a life jacket on the tow. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they enforce PPE rules right away, since falling overboard is a top danger.

You notice a small fuel sheen near the boat. What steps do you take?

What they are checking: Whether they act fast on environmental issues and report them properly.

Dispatch is pushing for a faster delivery, but conditions are poor. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they protect crew and vessel safety and explain the decision clearly.

About the work

Tell me about your Master of Towing Vessels Upon Western Rivers credential and the routes you've run.

What they are checking: Whether they hold the required license and have experience on similar rivers.

How do you complete a navigational assessment before getting underway?

What they are checking: Whether they plan for river stages, bridges, locks and traffic before each trip.

What does the Towing Vessel Record require, and how do you keep it current?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the inspections, drills and logs that Coast Guard rules require.

How do you decide if your crew and vessel are suitable for a certain route?

What they are checking: Whether they think about crew experience, horsepower and conditions before accepting a trip.

How do you run a man-overboard or fire drill so it actually prepares the crew?

What they are checking: Whether they treat drills as real training, not paperwork.

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The full job description

As published by Heidelberg Materials.

Line of Business: Other Job Description Summary Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 9,000 employees. What Are We Looking For: Must be able willing to work on the waterway for up to 30 consecutive days, living aboard the vessel. Must comply with all federal, state and local guidelines. Previous experience in the barge towing industry required. • US Coast Guard Master of Towing Vessels Upon Westen Rivers MMC Required. What You'll Be Doing • Verify Vessel and Crew are suitable for the intended routes. • Ensure navigational assessments are completed prior to getting underway and updated as needed thought out each trip. • Ensure required inspection, reports, drills, logbook entries and items required by the Towing Vessel Record are completed as necessary. • Supervise crew to ensure safe and efficient work practices are being followed. Follow Safety Policies, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment. Maintain an awareness of environmental standards. Take corrective action to address minor problems or report compliance issues to the appropriate supervisor for resolution.

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