OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher / Scheduler

**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. **Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications** - Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in all business interactions - Adhere to all company policies and applicable regulations - Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues, escalating when appropriate - Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and customer service in all interactions - Interpret and follow complex written and verbal instructions - Learn and apply company policies, procedures, and the Towing Safety Management System (T.S.M.S.) - Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business and personnel information - Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and service standards - Support departmental and organizational goals and objectives - Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment - Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills - Strong ethical conduct, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills - Requires proficiency in standard business hardware and software, including Microsoft Office and web-based systems **Essential Functions:** - 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 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 - Prior experience with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, merchant marine operations, maritime safety, vessel operations, or related maritime industries is preferred **REQUIRED LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS** - Valid driver's license required if operating a company vehicle or traveling between company locations is an essential function of the position - Must possess or be able…