VESSEL TRAFFIC OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Description

Scope & Purpose:

Performs duties monitoring and coordinating the operational use of the Port Authority’s public docks, waterways, roadways, terminals, logistical infrastructure and vessel traffic.

 Essential Functions & Duties:

• Advise shipmasters and pilots on marine traffic on Tampa Bay in accordance with CVTS policies and procedures established with the Coast Guard; 
•  Record and report meteorological data from the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System to vessel masters and pilots for safety and statistical record keeping;
• Report violations of vessel traffic guidelines, special sailing orders and COTP orders to appropriate local, state and federal agencies;
•  Monitor and operate specialized electronic navigation tracking equipment, radio transmitters and receivers and surveillance cameras to ensure overall protection of Tampa Bay and Port Authority property; and
• Enforce Port rules, regulations laws and ordinances as spelled out the Port Tariff and Operations Manuals.
• Make berth and vessel reservations for docking at public berths in accordance with established procedures;
• Assist vessels, terminal operators, stevedores, pilots, companies and local, state and federal agencies in communicating with appropriate regulatory agencies and vessel operators;
• Monitor docking and undocking operations to ensure compliance with the Port Tariff and Operations Manual;
• Coordinate the above movements with the Operations Specialist to ensure maximum on-site observations by TPA personnel;
• Compile berth and vessel information for billing, statistical and incident reports;
• Monitor emergency alarm systems and coordinate emergency responses to maritime casualties with local, state and federal response teams;
• Make appropriate notifications to TPA senior personnel as necessary.
• Make appropriate entries into the Desk Log.
• With Operational commitments in mind assist Security personnel to the maximum extent possible; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  Essential Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the laws, regulations and County ordinances governing port facilities, foreign and domestic ships, and crews and cargo involved in interstate or foreign commerce.
• Working knowledge of port operations policies and procedures. 
• Working knowledge of ship to shore radio protocol.
• Working knowledge of berthing and cargo logistics.
• Knowledge of English grammar,  punctuation and spelling. 
• Skill in the use of radio communications equipment.
• Ability to maintain files and records and prepare reports. 
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to prioritize work. 
• Ability to use general office equipment and to perform basic operations on data processing equipment. 
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Must possess great organizational and time management skills.
• Must possess honesty, integrity and sound professional judgment. 
• Ability to interact effectively, confidently and professionally with PTB officials and employees, other government officials, PTB tenants and the general public. 
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities.
  
   

Minimum Training & Experience Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and
• One or more years of experience in marine transportation, seaport operations or vessel traffic systems.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies listed above.

Special Requirements:

• Incumbent must possess a current and valid Florida Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or capable of obtaining one within thirty days from the date of hire.
• Must successfully pass a seaport security background check and compliance for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily indoors in a professional office environment though the employee will be required to go out of the office on errands. Employee will be in contact with chemicals (i.e., toner for copier and facsimile machines), and materials (i.e. paper) normally found at offices. Employee will also be exposed to minimal noise and vibration.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Frequent computer use.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Port Tampa Bay Operations Department is a 24/7 operation. Port Operations Officers work 12-hour shifts. The Employee must be flexible, able to work weekends, holidays and nights. Shifts may be changed at any time at the discretion of Management and when deemed in the best interest of the Port.