Full Time Dispatcher

Job Description

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated FULL TIME Dispatcher to join our team. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:


McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking a FULL TIME Dispatcher (Night Dispatcher) for the Norfolk location. MUST be local. The Dispatcher must have a flexible schedule and able to work holidays, weekends, night shift, mid shift, etc...


During Training, you work Monday - Thursday 0800 - 1600, but subject to change. Once qualified, your hours are 1600-0001 Monday - Thursday, subject to change; extra shifts available.


The Dispatcher handles communications between home office, management, shipping agents, ships, pilots, and boat crews, ensuring that all are properly informed of shipping activity.

Responsibilities:

1. Operates electronic communication systems and equipment including two-way radios, telephone systems, fax machines, various computers and software programs, and cellular telephones.

2. Communicates and interfaces with management, shipping agents, and reporting agencies to gather information and schedules for shipping activity. Works with Personnel Department to coordinate crew activities.

3. Maintaining communications with agents, ships, pilots, terminals and all boat crews necessary to complete ship movements, barge loading and discharging. Ensures pilots are informed about their ships and schedules.

4. Organize and dispatch proper tugs and pilots needed for each job. Evaluate available equipment and crews in light of job requirements and assign tugs and crews accordingly.

5. Oversee services performed by tug/barge crews and take appropriate measures to ensure that the work was performed in an efficient and professional manner.

6. Update and monitor database system with shipping and pilot activity.

7. Organizes and documents activities by completing forms, reports, logs, and records; will also complete all materials used for billing purposes and sales information.

8. Keeps systems and equipment functioning properly by following operations instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.

9. Project a positive image to peers and subordinates; to the customers we serve; to the industry in which we participate; and the community in which we live by producing a cost-efficient, quality service in a safe environment.

1. Must have organization, problem solving and scheduling skills.
2. Superior customer service and communication skills
3. Excellent analytical skills and have the ability to formulate and communicate directions.
4. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
5. Must have the ability to operate radios on correct frequencies.
6. Must have a good, clear voice and be fluent and articulate in English.

Physical Requirements:

1. Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.

FLSA Status:

• Non-Exempt

*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only


duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are


always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.