Master Scheduler

Overview

Aqua Survey, Inc. is a leader in environmental surveying, specializing in marine geophysical assessments, sediment core collection, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection. The Master Scheduler plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient scheduling and deployment of field crews, vessels, and specialized equipment across multiple projects. This position requires a highly organized individual with strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to dynamic operational needs. Below is an overview of the duties and responsibilities typically associated with the Dispatcher role at Aqua Survey, where seamless coordination is essential to project success.

Key Responsibilities:

Scheduling and Resource Coordination

• Plan and Assign Daily Jobs: Develop and maintain schedules for field crews, vessels, and equipment based on project timelines and priorities. For instance, assign a vibracoring rig and appropriate vessel for a two-day sediment core collection job.
• Coordinate Crew Availability: Monitor staff availability, certifications, and skill sets (e.g., boat operators, marine geophysicists, UXO technicians) to match the right personnel to each project.
• Manage Unexpected Changes: Quickly adapt to last-minute disruptions—such as weather delays or equipment failures—by reassigning resources to minimize project downtime.

Logistics and Deployment

• Arrange Transport: Oversee the mobilization of vessels, vehicles, and coring rigs to job sites, whether local or out-of-state. Coordinate trucking services, towing arrangements, or marina access as needed.
• Travel and Lodging: Book flights, hotels, and rental vehicles for crews on extended field assignments, collaborating with project managers to confirm job scope and travel needs.
• Equipment Tracking: Maintain an accurate inventory of specialized equipment (e.g., multibeam systems, magnetometers, vibracoring rigs), ensuring it’s operational and delivered to the correct location on time.

Communication and Coordination

• Central Point of Contact: Serve as the primary liaison for project managers, field crews, and clients, managing scheduling requests, site access updates, and project changes.
• Safety and Compliance Updates: Communicate critical safety alerts or regulatory requirements (e.g., boating restrictions, environmental permits) to field staff prior to deployment.
• Status Monitoring: Regularly check in with crews to confirm safe arrival, adequate supplies, and adherence to job protocols, providing progress updates to stakeholders.

Record-Keeping and Documentation

• Daily Logs: Document crew assignments, vessel usage, mileage, and hours worked to support billing, payroll, and project cost tracking.
• Equipment Maintenance Coordination: Record field-reported equipment issues and collaborate with operations/maintenance teams to schedule repairs or servicing.
• Timesheets & Expense Reports: Collect and verify timesheet data and expense reports from field crews for payroll and project accounting purposes.

Collaboration with Other Departments

• Project Management: Partner with Project Managers to align dispatch schedules with job scope, deadlines, personnel skills, and equipment needs.
• Laboratory and Data Processing: Coordinate sample pickup/delivery schedules with lab teams or real-time data uploads with data processing staff.
• Administration and HR: Assist with scheduling new-hire onboarding or certifications (e.g., boat safety, HAZWOPER) to ensure staff are qualified for assignments.

Continuous Improvement

• Optimize Resource Utilization: Identify scheduling patterns to minimize downtime or unnecessary travel, such as assigning nearby crews to short-notice jobs or clustering regional tasks.
• Update Procedures and Tools: Enhance dispatching processes by refining tools (e.g., digital platforms or software) and providing feedback to management on operational bottlenecks.

Overall Value

In a dynamic firm like Aqua Survey—where multiple projects run concurrently and resources frequently shift between diverse locations—the Master Scheduler is the backbone of daily operations. By centralizing scheduling and deployment, this role minimizes delays, reduces costs from inefficient resource use, and enhances communication across field teams, project managers, and clients. The Master Scheduler ensures Aqua Survey’s projects stay on track, delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in logistics, operations, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 2 years in dispatching, logistics, or operations coordination, ideally in a field-based or marine-related industry.
• Skills:
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with scheduling software, Microsoft Office Suite, and inventory management tools.
• Problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges swiftly.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with marine operations, equipment (e.g., vessels, coring rigs), or environmental surveying is a plus.
• Attributes: Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

Office-based with occasional site visits as needed. Must live a commutable distance from our office in Flemington, NJ. May require flexibility to handle urgent scheduling needs outside standard hours.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience here or email to vandewater@aquasurvey.com. Aqua Survey, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.