JOB SUMMARY
The Corpus Christi Watchstander is the 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 Port of Corpus Christi (POCC). The dispatcher works a rotational schedule of 12-hour shifts (two days on, two days off, three days on, two days off, two days on, and three days off and every other weekend). The day shift is 0700 - 1900, and the night shift is 1900 - 0700.
KEY INTERACTION (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)
General Manager, Watch Supervisor, Port Captains, Port Engineers, shoreside staff, and tug crews. External interactions include Towing Companies, 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
- Assign 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 educationAttention to detail and problem-solving skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsMinimum 1-year work experience in the maritime industry or 5 years of boating experienceProficiency in speaking with nautical words, expressions, and phrasesRequires 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 enginesU.S. Navy (USN) and or U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) preferredREQUIRED LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS
Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)Requires an active and valid driver's licenseREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Ability to always communicate effectively and professionallyAbility to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgmentAbility to establish and maintain effective relationships with personnel and stakeholdersAbility to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standardsAbility to maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communicationsAbility 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 instructionsAbility to work at a computer desk for prolonged periods without loss of attentionAbility to work independently with minimal or no guidanceAbility to work some overtime when business needs ariseAdvanced skills (obtained through either a minimum of three years of industry experience and / or certifications) required for problem-solving, resource optimization, and resource allocationExcellent written and verbal communication skillsInterpersonal skills include self-awareness and the ability to deal professionally with others and always make professional judgmentsMust be service-oriented and customer-centric to all internal and external customersMust be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of G&H Towing and the departmentProven ability to troubleshoot, test resolutions, and escalate common issuesProven analytical and problem-solving skillsStrong communication, organizational, analytical, time management, problem-solving, and planning skillsWORKING CONDITIONS
Work hours will be assigned based on business needs. The dispatcher works a rotational schedule of 12-hour shifts (two days on, two days off, three days on, two days off, two days on, and three days off and every other weekend). The day shift is 0700 - 1900, and the night shift is 1900 - 0700. By request from the department manager or general manager, work hours may include irregular hours to assist in completing special tasks or assignmentsOut-of-regional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, or work-related eventsWork will be performed in the office settingSPECIAL PROJECTS
Assist the department manager or general manager when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the department managerCompletion of other duties as assigned by the department manager or general manager as it relates to the program and positionBEHAVIORAL 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 environmentTeamwork
Must be able to collaborate with others to problem solve and establish effective solutions to issuesListening
Candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal directionsResourcefulness
Candidate must be unafraid to seek guidance and support from other employees to safely and effectively complete job dutiesESSENTIAL JOB-RELATED PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical :
Ability to ascend and descend stairsAbility to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for itemsAbility to detect and write effectivelyAbility to handle objectsAbility to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work settingAbility to hear with or without aidAbility to move around within an office setting and or other locations as neededAbility to operate office equipmentAbility to push, pull, and or squatAbility to remain in a stationary position for long periodsAbility to transport, adjust, and or move items up to 25 lbsAbility to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work settingMental :
Ability to accept constructive criticismAbility to anticipate needsAbility to cultivate a positive working environmentAbility to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgmentAbility to deal professionally, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public including providing professional, prompt, responsive, efficient, and courteous customer service and assistanceAbility to maintain regular attendanceAbility to meet deadlinesAbility to be professional and use professional judgment 100% of the timeAbility to multi-task and plan time efficiently 100% of the timeAbility to perform job description and duties with minor supervisionAbility to reason and analyze effectivelyAbility to solve practical problems as it relates to the positionAbility to understand, communicate, and comprehend information in EnglishAbility to work professionally with others 100% of the timeRequired to pass and maintain all mandatory trainingRequires the ability to work collaboratively in a team settingRequires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respectWORKSITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Ability to work aloneAbility to work closely with othersAbility to work closely with customers who may have hygiene challengesAbility to work long and or irregular hoursMay be subjected to a hostile environmentPotential exposure to tobacco productsMay be exposed to excessive noisesMay be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and coldMay be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and or chemicalsMay be subjected to water and or liquidsTravel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or planeWORKSITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Ability to work aloneAbility to work closely with othersAbility to work closely with customers who may have hygiene challengesAbility to work long and or irregular hoursMay be subjected to a hostile environmentPotential exposure to tobacco productsMay be exposed to excessive noisesMay be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and coldMay be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and or chemicalsMay be subjected to water and or liquidsTravel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or planeWe 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