Dispatcher

Job Description

Dispatcher:

Historical Information regarding McAllister Towing of Philadelphia: Active in the Port of Philadelphia since the 1940s, McAllister has become a driving force in the Philadelphia harbor, New Jersey and along the Delaware River. McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work. McAllister also provides barge towing services that include both the upper and lower Chesapeake Bay.

General Manager: Captain Benton has been with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia since 2000. He is personally active in all aspects of his business and believes in “Leading from the Front.” He also ensures that all his personnel maintain the highest standards in professionalism, safety, and customer service.

Currently, McAllister Towing of Philadelphia is seeking a FULL TIME Dispatcher for the Philadelphia location. MUST be local and possess Maritime experience. The Dispatcher must have a flexible schedule and able to work holidays, weekends, night shift, mid shift, etc...

HOURS will vary! Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail.

The Dispatcher handles communications between home office, management, shipping agents, ships, pilots, and boat crews, ensuring that all are properly informed of shipping activity.

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.
• Maintaining 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.
• Organize and dispatch proper tugs and pilots needed for each job. Evaluate available equipment and crews in light of job requirements and assign tugs and crews accordingly.
• Acts as company representative and receives and processes communications and orders from the U.S. Coast Guard relating to holds, boarding activity, vessel searches, oil spills and accidents.
• Oversee services performed by tug/barge crews and take appropriate measures to ensure that the work was performed in an efficient and professional manner.
• Update and monitor database system with shipping and pilot activity.
• Organizes and documents activities by completing forms, reports, logs, and records; will also complete 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.
• Project 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.
• Must live within commuting distance of Philadelphia.
• Radio operator’s license preferred.
• Must have a valid TWIC card.
• Must have organization, problem solving and scheduling skills.
• Superior customer service and communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills and have the ability to formulate and communicate directions.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
• Must have the ability to operate radios on correct frequencies.
• Must have a good, clear voice and be fluent and articulate in English.
• Have thorough working knowledge of the local waterways, channels, and associated terminals, piers, tides and currents.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.
  
  

FLSA Status:

• Non-Exempt
• This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only
  
  

duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are

always expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.