Dispatcher, Transportation

Join to apply for the Dispatcher role at Sabine Pilots Association
.

Sabine Pilot Dispatchers are the ship/vessel traffic controllers for the Sabine‑Neches Waterway. They coordinate traffic on the Sabine/Neches waterways using predetermined guidelines and rules to maximize safety and efficiency for all parties.

• Follow company policies and procedures.
• Maintain constant communication via phone, email, chat, text and VHF radio with pilots, pilot boats, agents, tug companies, line‑handling contractors, terminals/docks, U.S. Coast Guard/VTS, and drivers.
• Update and maintain operational information on the Sabine Pilots website and dispatch software.
• Call pilots to assign them to their next job and arrange transportation as needed.
• Coordinate vessel boarding times with pilot boats and convey schedules to crew.
• Receive vessel information, shifting and sailing orders directly from shipping agents.
• Collaborate with harbor tug companies throughout the shift to ensure timely vessel movements.
• Work with line‑handling contractors for mooring and line‑handing procedures.
• Communicate with terminals for vessel status and coordinate movements.
• Assist U.S. Coast Guard/VTS with vessel clearance and handle channel closures or emergencies.
• Arrange transportation scenarios for pilots between locations.
• Maintain official written records of vessel and pilot activities on green sheets and in the dispatch program.

Title: Dispatcher
FLSA Status: Salaried, Non‑Exempt
Department: Dispatch
Location: Sabine Pilot Office, Port Arthur, TX
Reports To: Lead Dispatcher
Starting Salary: $61,000.00

This position does not oversee staff.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 3‑5 years in transportation dispatcher or traffic coordinator position, preferably in the maritime industry.
• Prior experience in scheduling and/or commercial transportation coordination.
• Experience operating in the maritime industry preferred.

• Above average computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to learn Sabine Pilots’ proprietary scheduling/traffic coordination software.
• Ability to learn local vessel traffic rules, guidelines, and restrictions.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and emergency procedures.
• Rapid, sound decision‑making under pressure and in dynamic conditions.
• Maintain composure and control during day‑to‑day operations and emergencies.
• Work collaboratively with pilots, diverse crews, and shoreside personnel.
• Strong sense of accountability for accurate record and schedule coordination.
• Follow company policies and procedures.
• Willingness and ability to work 12‑hour shifts, nights, weekends, and rotational schedules as required.
• Legible handwriting for written records.

Work is performed at the Sabine Pilot Dispatch office in Port Arthur, TX. The shift schedule is 12‑hour shifts, 4 days on/4 days off, with occasional overtime. Shifts may be day or night.

• Must be able to sit or stand for 12 hours while on shift.
• Must be able to switch from day shift to night shift periodically.