Import Specialist

About the role

Join Livingston and grow your career in the constantly changing world of international trade. Livingston is a market leader offering customs brokerage, international trade consulting, compliance and freight forwarding services around the world. Livingston has over 3,000 employees at more than 90 key border crossings, sea ports, airports and other strategic locations in North America, Europe and Asia. Our fast-paced and collaborative environment offers you the opportunity to work with leaders in the industry, receive recognition for achievements and develop your expertise in the complex and evolving world of trade.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of complex shipments.
• Create customs entries through proper selection of client and client records, interpretation of documentation for all clients' shipments, in a one-step process in National Service Center (NSC).
• Data entry of shipment information for release, rating and billing and ensuring that all mandatory fields are completed and accurate in NSCs.
• Ensure correct value for duty is reported based on invoice details and terms of sale. Establish correct value for duty and tariff treatment by selecting the correct keyword/HS code.
• In a professional manner, work with team members as required for missing documentation, information or instructions necessary to release a shipment in Verify documentation for release conditions, compliance and rating compliance (e.g., free trade certificates).
• Escalate two-step release requirements, authorization or release issue resolution to required team members.
• Participate fully with other team members in the day-to-day operation of Release Operations in NSCs.
• Endeavor to utilize and take advantage of system automation tools that are available to support release processing.
• Open file/data input for new shipments in relevant systems.
• Cook up entry summary as needed.
• At time of release, monitor status of Customs and PGA releases.
• Ensure that all SOP’s and business rules are adhered to following special client instructions, notes and alerts. Identify those that are missing or those that have become outdated or ineffective, making recommendations for change.
• Research and respond to requests for information from team or traffic in a professional manner via phone or email.
• Prioritize and complete work according to production supervisor direction, Customs requirements and Livingston standards.
• Maintain effective relationship with clients, carriers, forwarders, Customs, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Knowledge & Skills

• Familiar with all applicable Customs laws, regulations, procedures and industry practices.
• Client service oriented.
• Organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Assertiveness in problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to multitask.
• Detailed oriented.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Able to present a professional image.
• Knowledge of Word and Excel software.
• Office equipment/machinery used: Personal computer and common business machines/software.

Work Experience – Minimum Required

• 2 years of related experience.

Education

• Required: High School/GED or equivalent.
• Description: Working towards/or successful completion of the Certified Customs Specialists (CCS) designation with the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) or the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is a requirement, if not already obtained. Successful completion of the CCS examination is a mandatory requirement for further advancement.

Competencies

• Inclusion and Collaboration
• Business Acumen and Straight Talk
• Accountability
• Customer First Focus
• Leading and Developing Agility

Benefits

The good-faith salary range for this position is $18.83 - 29.09/hour USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on these factors and may vary accordingly.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering a flexible, growth-oriented environment where you can thrive. Our culture is built on respect, recognition, and collaboration, and we empower our team with trusted expertise, continuous learning opportunities, and long-term support. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a transparent pay philosophy aligned with market data and job-related factors. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Livingston We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Inclusiveness makes us stronger and better at what we do. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Livingston is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and one which reflects the diversity of the community in which we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.