OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park

Job Description 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 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

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

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Interpersonal skills to 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 however, work hours will typically be; 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. By request from the department manager or department director. 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 director 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 as it relates to the program and position

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Time Management

Candidate must be able to prioritize and complete tasks timely and should have the ability to work in a stressful and high-paced environment

Team Work

Must be able to collaborate with others to problem solve and establish effective solutions to issues

Listening

Candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal directions

Resourcefulness

Candidate must be unafraid to seek guidance and support from other employees to safely and effectively complete job duties

ESSENTIAL JOB-RELATED PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical:

Ability to ascend and descend stairs

Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for items

Ability to detect and write effectively

Ability to handle objects

Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting

Ability to hear with or without aid

Ability to move around within an office setting and or other locations as needed

Ability to operate office equipment

Ability to push, pull, and or squat

Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods

Ability to transport, adjust, and or move items up to 25 lbs

Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting

Mental:

Ability to accept constructive criticism

Ability to anticipate needs

Ability to cultivate a positive working environment

Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment

Ability to deal professional, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public including providing professional, prompt, responsive, efficient, and courteous customer service and assistance

Ability to maintain regular attendance

Ability to meet deadlines

Ability to be professional and use professional judgment 100% of the time

Ability to multi-task and plan time efficiently 100% of the time

Ability to perform job description and duties with minor supervision

Ability to reason and analyze effectively

Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to the position

Ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend information in English

Ability to work professionally with others 100% of the time

Required to pass and maintain all mandatory training

Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting

Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect

WORKSITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Ability to work alone

Ability to work closely with others

Ability to work closely with customers who may have hygiene challenges

Ability to work long and or irregular hours

May be subjected to a hostile environment

Potential exposure to tobacco products

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

Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane

We are an equal-opportunity employer and prohibit unlawful discrimination per federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are committed to being an inclusive environment for all candidates and employees representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is based on qualifications. Qualified individuals must be able to perform all the functions listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation as