Job description

At Port Houston we dream big, think big and do big things. For over 100 years, we’ve had the vision and scale to deliver big things that matter to Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success has been built upon attracting, retaining, and developing exceptional people.

Are you ready to think about the future…and think big!

Enabling our people to unleash their full potential is central to ‘We are READY!’, our vision, mission, and strategic priorities.

Business Need / Purpose of Role

The Telecommunications & Emergency Dispatcher supports multiple critical functions to overall Port Houston operations by skillfully managing emergency and non-emergency phone calls. Receives, evaluates, and prioritizes calls in timely manner and dispatch personnel to manage and control concurrent communications in an orderly fashion. Performs administrative duties appropriate to the nature of emergency/non-emergency calls. We are seeking a candidate that will display attention to detail, commitment, professionalism, and sense of urgency.

Objectives & Measurement - Key Responsibilities

Primary

• Operate a multi-channel radio console system
• Dispatch Port Police and Fire units to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; relay radio transmissions as necessary
• Dispatch appropriate Port Houston maintenance personnel to after-hours requests from vessels berthed at Port Houston wharves
• Place calls to outside agencies for assistance when requested to do so by on scene responders whether port related or off duty employment
• Coordinate communications between Port Houston responders and other local, state, and federal agencies
• Monitor HarborLights and Automatic Identification System (AIS Live) for vessel traffic within and outside of the Houston Ship Channel
• Continuously track vessel movements (estimated/ actual vessel boarding times & estimated/actual vessel departing times) at the Port Houston wharves
• Verify, confirm, and relay vessel movement with the Houston pilots’ office and/or United States Coast Guard vessel traffic (USCG VTS)
• Document and enter "Vessel Arrival-Departure-Shift" information into Port Houston Navis Express/N4 for every vessel and barge that arrives, departs and shifts at a Port Houston wharves
• Verify and confirm vessel spotting instructions to Port Houston police officers upon a vessel arrival via daily ship traffic sheets
• Record air draft/wind draft readings for operations, United States Coast Guard vessel traffic (USCG VTS), and the Houston Pilots office
• Maintain daily wharf and ship reports by posting vessel movements at Port Houston wharves; review for completeness and accuracy
• Update all electronic databases concerning barge operations
• Create water service ticket for fresh water for vessel agents/billing customers for water sales
• Monitor TLETS and NLETS for pertinent communications from other states and federal agencies
• Monitor TCIC and NCIC databases at all times for incoming messages, urgent broadcasts, etc.
• Enter property reported stolen to PHA police department into NCIC and TCIC databases
• Conduct and verify wants, warrants and stolen checks via state and national crime databases of individuals and property at the request of Port Houston police officers
• Monitor Port Houston radio frequencies assigned to contact security in the event assistance is needed at Port Houston gates
• Monitor multiple radio channels to include channel for events that request Port Houston resources for assistance, participate radio test and conduct drills when required
• Monitor close circuit tv cameras for general/suspicious activities on Port Houston cameras
• Verify credentials when checking in and out keys and wristbands
• Maintain security records for the police department, Port Houston gates, and security
• Assist with Emergency Management functions during Emergency Operations Center activations
• Perform other duties as required

Job Knowledge / Education and Qualifications

Qualifications

• Port Houston is committed to safety. All employees must follow all safety procedures and take all safety precautions to ensure freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury, danger, or loss at all times;
• Employees are responsible for understanding and following all laws and regulations applicable to their job responsibilities;
• Exhibits a can-do attitude that is positive, supportive and cooperative;
• Must be detail oriented, thorough and accurate, and have the ability to efficiently solve problems;
• Takes responsibility and accountability for actions;
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt and embrace change;
• Must have the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively across organizational boundaries to accomplish goals;
• Knowledge of Department SOP's, Policies and Procedures, Rules and Regulations;
• Ability to work under stressful conditions;
• Ability to multitask assignments;
• Ability to display tact;
• Ability to make sound decisions;
• Strong planning and organization skills; ability to multitask and be a self-starter;
• Leadership and coordination skills;
• Ability to assess work requirements and prioritize tasks;
• Advanced knowledge of computers and maritime and billing software;
• Knowledge of TLETS/NLETS (Texas & National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System) Certification, TCIC/NCIC Certification, Interpol Certification, CJIS Security;
• Knowledge of Port Houston Visitors Management System;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of employees, management, and customers;
• Ability to achieve and maintain Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) security clearance;
• Ability to remain calm, communicate effectively and efficiently during stressful emergency situations;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality requirements;
• Ability to comprehend and communicate information received from Omnixx Force (Texas Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Support);
• Ability to perform general data entry tasks;
• Considered essential employees and may be required to work on holidays, evenings, nights, and be immediately recalled for emergencies at anytime. They must remain available and "on call" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, dependent on emergency;
• Must have excellent computer skills including the Microsoft Applications;
• Must exhibit the Port Houston Corporate Values and incorporate them into work activities and initiatives: Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Diligence and Customer Focus.

Education / Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Some college preferred
• 1+ years of related emergency dispatch experience required

Licenses:

• Texas Department of Public Safety TCIC/NCIC full access certification within 6 months of employment
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Telecommunications Operator license within one (1) year of employment
• A current, valid Texas driver's license is required. Successful out of state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire.
• Once selected for employment, federal regulations require that the applicant must either undergo a federal background check as part of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program or already possess a TWIC. The TWIC must be obtained within 30 days of appointment and be maintained for the duration of employment. For further program information, visit: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high.

To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged.

Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

Make what you do matter.

At Port Houston we dream big, think big and do big things. When you take the first step with the Port Houston, you’ve taken the first step in the right direction in your new career path. Are you READY!

We believe in making big things possible.

Port Houston is looking for people who are willing to think about the future...and think big. We're looking for people who are ready to take on the most significant challenges of their careers.

Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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