Mat Sinking Unit Near Blackhawk, Louisiana

Vicksburg, Ms... The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) is currently working on the Mississippi River near Blackhawk, Louisiana, on river mile 328. Thus far this season the MSU has placed 229,405 squares or approximately 527 acres of articulated concrete mats on the banks of the Mississippi River. The goal for this six-month revetment season is to place 442,786 squares covering approximately 1,018 acres. The next location for the MSU is mile 225 near Arlington, Louisiana.

This revetment season may extend through February 2013 and includes a larger than normal program that requires critical repairs to sites damaged as a result of the 2011 historic flood. Due to this longer than normal season, an additional 90 jobs may be required for temporary positions, beginning December 2012. These positions will be temporary, lasting from two weeks to six months. Those interested in applying for any of these positions should be at the bank of the Mississippi River at the mat casting fields in Delta, Louisiana, on 19 November. Employment representatives will be on the bank of the river at Delta Casting Field located at 100 St. Martin Street Extension, Delta, Louisiana, 71233, from 7:00a.m until 11:00a.m.  A resume including references with phone numbers, two forms of identification, and checking or savings account information are required. Those seeking veteran’s preference must present your DD-214.

These positions consist of revetment workers and deckhands with a pay scale ranging from $10.59 to $19.16 per hour.  For additional information regarding vacancies or directions to the Delta Casting field, call 601-631-7864.

Mat sinking is not an 8 to 5 job, but is seasonal work where employees live and dine on the quarter boats that tie off to the bank near the work area. These men and women work in shifts and perform one of the most important jobs in the Corps of Engineers river stabilization program.  The MSU is the only one of its kind in the world and consists of the Motor Vessel Benyaurd with the quarter boats, the Motor Vessel William James with the mat sinking plant and the Motor Vessel Harrison which all work together to distribute articulated concrete mat squares on the banks of waterways. These concrete mats assist with the prevention of erosion and to protect submerged river banks. The scope of work encompasses three Corps’ districts, seven states, and multiple watersheds, and utilizes proven technology in river engineering and operations.

To learn more about the Vicksburg District or the MSU, visit our website, www.mvk.usace.army.mil .

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