Full Time Dispatcher

About the role

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virginia has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work. Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated FULL TIME Dispatcher (Night Dispatcher) for the Norfolk location. Candidates must be local.

Responsibilities

• Operates electronic communication systems and equipment including two-way radios, telephone systems, fax machines, various computers and software programs, and cellular telephones.
• Communicates and interfaces with management, shipping agents, and reporting agencies to gather information and schedules for shipping activity.
• Works with Personnel Department to coordinate crew activities.
• Maintains communications with agents, ships, pilots, terminals and all boat crews necessary to complete ship movements, barge loading and discharging.
• Ensures pilots are informed about their ships and schedules.
• Organizes and dispatches proper tugs and pilots needed for each job.
• Evaluates available equipment and crews in light of job requirements and assigns tugs and crews accordingly.
• Oversees services performed by tug/barge crews and takes appropriate measures to ensure that the work was performed in an efficient and professional manner.
• Updates and monitors database system with shipping and pilot activity.
• Organizes and documents activities by completing forms, reports, logs, and records; completes all materials used for billing purposes and sales information.
• Keeps systems and equipment functioning properly by following operations instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Projects a positive image to peers and subordinates; to the customers we serve; to the industry in which we participate; and the community in which we live by producing a cost-efficient, quality service in a safe environment.

Requirements

• Strong organization, problem solving, and scheduling skills.
• Superior customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to formulate and communicate directions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook with the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
• Ability to operate radios on correct frequencies.
• Good, clear voice; fluent and articulate in English.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.

Schedule

The Dispatcher must have a flexible schedule and be able to work holidays, weekends, night shift, mid shift, etc. During training: Monday–Thursday, 0800–1600 (subject to change). Once qualified: Monday–Thursday, 1600–0001 (subject to change); extra shifts available.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt