OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher / Scheduler

Job Description

Job Description:\n\n 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 interactionsAdhere to all company policies and applicable regulationsAnalyze, 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 skillsStrong ethical conduct, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skillsRequires 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 jobsAssign tugs to vessel movementsCoordinates tug availability for fuel & lube servicing, tug maintenance & repairs, and crew changesCoordinates tug availability with all departments and duty personnel when direct access to the tug by departmental personnel is necessaryIdentifies any potential tug shortages as rapidly as possible and coordinates with the watch supervisor, harbor Pilot dispatchers, and towing companiesKeeps an updated time sheet of all service-degraded tugs, including times to return to full serviceMaintains an updated tug sheet of the location of all working, idle, and out-of-service tugsMaintains 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 jobsMonitors all channel closures to ensure tugs are available to transit to and from unaffected docks and terminalsProvides solutions to problems and special requestsReceives emergency calls and records significant informationWill be required to stand an on-call watch as per the operating schedule of the OpCenWillingness to work any shift EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE A High school diploma or GED is required; extensive experience may be considered in lieu of educationAttention to detail and problem-solving skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsMinimum 1-year work experience in the maritime industry or 5 years of boating experienceProficiency 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 positionMust 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 judgmentAbility to establish and maintain effective relationships with personnel and stakeholders Ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standardsAbility to maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communicationsAbility 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 instructionsAbility to work at a computer desk for prolonged periods without loss of attentionAbility to work independently with minimal or no guidanceAbility to work some overtime when business needs ariseAdvanced skills (obtained through either a minimum of three years of industry experience and/or certifications) are required for problem-solving, resource optimization, and resource allocationExcellent written and verbal communication skills Interpersonal skills include self-awareness and the ability to deal professionally with others and always make professional judgmentsMust 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 departmentProven ability to troubleshoot, test resolutions, and escalate common issuesProven analytical and problem-solving skillsStrong 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 PROJECTSAssist 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 managerCompletion 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 deadlinesAbility to effectively organize work and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environmentTeamwork Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and professionalismCollaborates effectively with others to achieve departmental and organizational goalsContributes 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 communicationsAbility to receive, consider, and respond appropriately to constructive feedback and coachingAbility to communicate professionally and respectfully with employees, customers, vendors, and leadershipResourcefulness 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 accommodationAbility to ascend and descend stairs Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and/or reach for itemsAbility to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written communicationsAbility to handle, move, and manipulate office materials and equipment as necessary to perform assigned dutiesAbility to safely operate a motor vehicle when driving is an essential function of the position, with or without reasonable accommodationAbility to perceive audible safety signals, alarms, communications, and instructions, with or without reasonable accommodationAbility to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as neededAbility to move throughout the office and operational locations as necessary to perform assigned dutiesAbility to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related equipmentAbility to operate company vehicles or other equipment in accordance with applicable policies and training requirementsAbility to push, pull, and/or squatAbility to read, prepare, and review written documents and electronic communicationsAbility to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstationAbility to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move office materials, records, or equipment necessary to perform essential job functions Mental:Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound business decisionsAbility to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to perform essential job functions, including communicating safety information, operational requirements, and business-related documentationAbility to complete required training and maintain applicable certificationsAbility to cultivate a positive working environment Ability to deal professionally, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public, including providing professional courtesy, tact, decision-making skills, prompt responsiveness, efficiency, and courteous customer service and assistance to allAbility to express oneself clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and to use ethical and professional judgmentAbility to maintain professionalism and effective working relationshipsAbility to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality consistent with scheduled work requirements and essential job functionsAbility to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlinesAbility to multitask and plan time efficiently Ability to perform job description and duties with minor supervision Ability to solve practical problems as they relate to the positionAbility to understand and apply job-related policies, procedures, and instructionsRequires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respectRequires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting Worksite Environmental ConditionsAbility to work aloneAbility to work closely with othersAbility to work scheduled and occasional extended hours, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments as required by business needMay be exposed to excessive noisesMay be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and coldMay be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and/or chemicalsMay be subjected to water and/or liquidsPotential exposure to tobacco productsRegular use of computers, telephones, printers, and other office equipmentTravel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or planeAbility to work long and/or irregular hoursMay encounter stressful situations, difficult interactions, or emergency operational conditions.May be exposed to excessive noisesMay be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and coldMay be subjected to water and/or liquids This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as business needs dictate. The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Individuals needing an accommodation during the application process or employment should contact Human Resources.