OpCen Watchstander​/Dispatcher

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

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 or 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 Op Cen
• 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 LICENSURE & 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) required for problem-solving, resource optimization, and resource allocation
• Excellen…