OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

G and H Towing Company•Deer Park, TX

2h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Requires an active and valid Texas driver's license
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
Candidate must be able to prioritize and complete tasks timely and should have the ability to work in a stressful and high-paced environment
Must be able to collaborate with others to problem solve and establish effective solutions to issues
Candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal directions
Candidate must be unafraid to seek guidance and support from other employees to safely and effectively complete job duties
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
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
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

Nice To Haves

U.S. Navy (USN) and or U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) preferred

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