OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher / Scheduler

Corpus Christi Watchstander

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ability to prioritize work, manage competing demands, and meet established deadlines

Ability to effectively organize work and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment

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

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

Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement and operational efficiencies.

Seeks guidance and support when necessary to ensure the successful completion of assigned responsibilities

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