Dispatcher, Transportation

Overview

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 Virginia 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.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated FULL TIME Night Dispatcher to join our team. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below. The Dispatcher handles communications between home office, management, shipping agents, ships, pilots, and boat crews, ensuring that all are properly informed of shipping activity. HOURS , Monday-Thursday, extra shifts available. Training is Monday-Thursday , but subject to change.

• Operates electronic communication systems and equipment including two-way radios, telephone systems, fax machines, various computers and software programs, and cellular telephones.
• 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.
• Maintains 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.
• Organizes and dispatches proper tugs and pilots needed for each job. Evaluates available equipment and crews in light of job requirements and assigns tugs and crews accordingly.
• Oversees services performed by tug/barge crews and takes appropriate measures to ensure that the work is performed in an efficient and professional manner.
• Updates and monitors database system with shipping and pilot activity.
• Documents activities by completing forms, reports, logs, and records; completes materials used for billing purposes and sales information.
• Keeps systems and equipment functioning properly by following operations instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Projects a positive image to peers, customers, the industry, and the community by producing cost-efficient, quality service in a safe environment.
• Demonstrates organization, problem solving and scheduling skills; strong customer service and communication skills.
• Exhibits excellent analytical skills and the ability to formulate and communicate directions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
• Operates radios on correct frequencies, with a good, clear voice and fluent English.

• Must be local to the Norfolk area.
• Must have excellent customer service skills and attention to detail.
• Hours:
  
  , Monday-Thursday; extra shifts available. Training is Monday-Thursday , subject to change.

• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.

• 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.

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.