OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher / Scheduler

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY 

The Corpus Christi Watchstander is the primary communicator between vessels, pilots, towing companies, agents, customers, and shoreside personnel. Receives orders from the harbor master, agents, and other representatives requiring harbor tug services in the Port of Corpus Christi (POCC). The dispatcher works a rotational schedule of 12-hour shifts (two days on, two days off, three days on, two days off, two days on, and three days off, and every other weekend). The day shift is 0700 – 1900, and the night shift is 1900 – 0700. 

KEY INTERACTION (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

General Manager, Watch Supervisor, Port Captains, Port Engineers, shoreside staff, and tug crews. External interactions include Towing Companies, POCC Harbor Masters, Pilots, Pilot Dispatchers, vessel agents, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications  

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in all business interactions
• Adhere to all company policies and applicable regulations
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues, escalating when appropriate 
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and customer service in all interactions 
• Interpret and follow complex written and verbal instructions 
• Learn and apply company policies, procedures, and the Towing Safety Management System (T.S.M.S.) 
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business and personnel information 
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and service standards 
• Support departmental and organizational goals and objectives 
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment 
• Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills
• Strong ethical conduct, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills
• Requires proficiency in standard business hardware and software, including Microsoft Office and web-based systems 

 

Essential Functions: 

• Ascertains and maintains awareness of the immediate status of all ongoing, near, and future jobs
• Assign tugs to vessel movements
• Coordinates tug availability for fuel & lube servicing, tug maintenance & repairs, and crew changes
• Coordinates tug availability with all departments and duty personnel when direct access to the tug by departmental personnel is necessary
• Identifies any potential tug shortages as rapidly as possible and coordinates with the watch supervisor, harbor Pilot dispatchers, and towing companies
• Keeps an updated time sheet of all service-degraded tugs, including times to return to full service
• Maintains an updated tug sheet of the location of all working, idle, and out-of-service tugs
• Maintains direct contact with the POCC harbor master dispatchers, Galveston/Texas City Pilot dispatchers, Freeport Pilot dispatchers, Houston Pilot dispatchers, and harbor Pilots to provide the appropriate tug service for all upcoming jobs
• Monitors all channel closures to ensure tugs are available to transit to and from unaffected docks and terminals
• Provides solutions to problems and special requests
• Receives emergency calls and records significant information
• Will be required to stand an on-call watch as per the operating schedule of the OpCen
• Willingness to work any shift 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• A High school diploma or GED is required; extensive experience may be considered in lieu of education
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Minimum 1-year work experience in the maritime industry or 5 years of boating experience
• Proficiency in speaking with nautical words, expressions, and phrases

• Prior experience with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, merchant marine operations, maritime safety, vessel operations, or related maritime industries is preferred 

REQUIRED LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS 

• Valid driver's license required if operating a company vehicle or traveling between company locations is an essential function of the position
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within the required timeframe, consistent with applicable federal requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

• Ability to always communicate effectively and professionally 
• Ability to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with personnel and stakeholders 
• Ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standards
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment, such as a calculator, telephone, photocopier, fax, etc.
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to work at a computer desk for prolonged periods without loss of attention
• Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance
• Ability to work some overtime when business needs arise
• Advanced skills (obtained through either a minimum of three years of industry experience and/or certifications) are 
• required for problem-solving, resource optimization, and resource allocation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Interpersonal skills include self-awareness and the ability to deal professionally with others and always make professional judgments
• Must be service-oriented and customer-centric to all internal and external customers 
• Must be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of G&H Towing and the department
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, test resolutions, and escalate common issues
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, time management, problem-solving, and planning skills 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Work hours will be assigned based on business needs. The dispatcher works a rotational schedule of 12-hour shifts (two days on, two days off, three days on, two days off, two days on, and three days off and every other weekend). The day shift is 0700 – 1900, and the night shift is 1900 – 0700. By request from the department manager or general manager, work hours may include irregular hours to assist in completing special tasks or assignments 
• Out-of-regional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, or work-related events 
• Work will be performed in the office setting

SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Assist the department manager or general manager when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the department manager
• Completion of other duties as assigned by the department manager or general manager, as it relates to the program and position 

Behavioral Competencies 

Time Management

• Ability to prioritize work, manage competing demands, and meet established deadlines
• Ability to effectively organize work and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment

Teamwork

• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and professionalism
• Collaborates effectively with others to achieve departmental and organizational goals
• Contributes to business continuity by communicating effectively and managing stakeholder expectations

Communication & Listening

• Ability to actively listen, understand information, and respond appropriately to verbal and written communications
• Ability to receive, consider, and respond appropriately to constructive feedback and coaching
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with employees, customers, vendors, and leadership

Resourcefulness

• Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Seeks guidance and support when necessary to ensure the successful completion of assigned responsibilities

 

Essential Job-Related Physical & Mental Requirements (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation)

ESSENTIAL JOB-RELATED PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

Physical:

• Ability to access company facilities, operational areas, or other work locations as needed to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs 
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and/or reach for items
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written communications
• Ability to handle, move, and manipulate office materials and equipment as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle when driving is an essential function of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to perceive audible safety signals, alarms, communications, and instructions, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed
• Ability to move throughout the office and operational locations as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related equipment
• Ability to operate company vehicles or other equipment in accordance with applicable policies and training requirements
• Ability to push, pull, and/or squat
• Ability to read, prepare, and review written documents and electronic communications