OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher / Scheduler

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 

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

REQUIRED LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS 

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 

Teamwork

Communication & Listening

Resourcefulness

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
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Ability 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 decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to perform essential job functions, including communicating safety information, operational requirements, and business-related documentation
• Ability to complete required training and maintain applicable certifications
• Ability 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 all
• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and to use ethical and professional judgment
• Ability to maintain professionalism and effective working relationships
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality consistent with scheduled work requirements and essential job functions
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Ability 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 position
• Ability to understand and apply job-related policies, procedures, and instructions
• Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting 

Worksite Environmental Conditions

• Ability to work alone
• Ability to work closely with others
• Ability to work scheduled and occasional extended hours, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments as required by business need
• May be exposed to excessive noises
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
• May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and/or chemicals
• May be subjected to water and/or liquids
• Potential exposure to tobacco products
• Regular use of computers, telephones, printers, and other office equipment
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane
• Ability to work long and/or irregular hours
• May encounter stressful situations, difficult interactions, or emergency operational conditions.
• May be exposed to excessive noises
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
• May 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.