OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Watch Stander

The Watch Stander is a 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 Ports of Houston, Galveston/Texas City, Freeport, and Corpus Christi. Shifts during the first two weeks will be Monday Friday, 0800 to 1600 or as directed, and then transition to a day or night shift working 12-hour shifts. The day shift will be from 0600 to 1800, and the night shift will be from 1800 to 0600. Shifts will be a four-day on, five-days off, five days on, and four-day off rotation.

Key Interaction (Internal & External)

Operations center manager, operations center assistant manager, watch supervisor, Corpus Christi operations coordinator, port captains, port engineers, shoreside staff, and tug crews. External interactions include towing companies, Port of Corpus Christi (POCC) harbor masters, Pilots, Pilot dispatchers, vessel agents, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies.

Job Responsibilities

• Ascertains and maintains awareness of the immediate status of all ongoing, near, and future jobs
• Assigns 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
• Requires proficiency with computer hardware and software to include Microsoft Office applications, using a computer with a keyboard and mouse, navigation with a web browser, checking and sending email, and use of internet search engines
• U.S. Navy (USN) and or U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) preferred

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Requires an active and valid Texas driver's license

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 to 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; however, work hours will typically be: shifts during the first two weeks will be Monday Friday 0800 to 1600 or as directed, and then transition to a day or night shift working 12-hour shifts. The day shift will be from 0600 to 1800, and the night shift will be from 1800 to 0600. Shifts will be a four-day on, five-days off, five days on, and four-day off rotation. By request from the department manager or department director. 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 director 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, as it relates to the program and position

Behavioral Competencies

Time Management

• Candidate must be able to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner, and should have the ability to work in a stressful and high-paced environment

Team Work

• Must be able to collaborate with others to problem-solve and establish effective solutions to issues

Listening

• Candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal directions

Resourcefulness

• Candidate must be unafraid to seek guidance and support from other employees to safely and effectively complete job duties

Essential Job-Related Physical & Mental Requirements

Physical:

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for items
• Ability to detect and write effectively
• Ability to handle objects
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting
• Ability to hear with or without aid
• Ability to move around within an office setting and or other locations as needed
• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to push, pull, and or squat
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods
• Ability to transport, adjust, and or move items up to 25 lbs
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to anticipate needs