Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host, established in 1923, is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States, handling nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers, and cruise ships. We represent principals worldwide and coordinate with local and international parties to improve efficiency for our customers. Host Agency offers a range of maritime services, including forwarding, documentation, commodity reporting, and cargo monitoring.

About the role

This entry-level position serves as a springboard for a career in the maritime field. You will liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests, and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. The role involves both fieldwork and office duties, including communications and managing port expenses. A flexible schedule is required, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on vessel schedules.

Responsibilities

• Operations Management
  • Board vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Remain contactable at all times while on call and respond to vessel requirements and schedule changes after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications are needed
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports as required by Host management
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members
• Regulatory
  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents
  • Verify successful filings of reporting notices and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames
• Service
  • Maintain professionalism and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customers, stakeholders, and industry relationships

Requirements

• Prior customer service experience (required)
• Prior agency experience (a plus)
• Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication
• Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in-office and while mobile in the field
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
• ASBA agency certified or willing to become certified within the first three months of employment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
• Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, and ramps using feet, legs, hands, and arms
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)