Dispatcher 1
Location: Operations - General (US)
Department: Tidewater Barge Lines
Number of openings: Operations - General (US)
THE JOB
Looking to start or continue a career in marine logistics? Tidewater is looking for a Dispatcher I to join our team! This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver, WA, supporting 24/7/365 operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays. In this role, you'll help keep our operations running smoothly by coordinating vessel and barge movements throughout Tidewater's inland waterway system. You'll work closely with customers and vessel crews to develop schedules, communicate operational updates, and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service. This position is a key part of our 24/7 operation, where success comes from staying organized, managing multiple priorities, and keeping information flowing clearly between crews, customers, and the operations team.
Essential Functions:
Vessel & Barge Movement Coordination
• Coordinate barge and vessel movements throughout Tidewater's inland waterway system.
• Use independent judgment and discretion to execute customer requests for barge movements under general supervision.
• Develop and maintain operational schedules to support safe, efficient, and reliable service.
• Respond to operational issues in a timely and effective manner to minimize service disruptions.
Customer & Crew Communication
• Serve as a key communication link between customers, vessel crews, and the operations team.
• Provide operational updates and ensure critical information is communicated accurately and promptly.
• Assist in coordinating crew travel arrangements to and from vessel boarding locations.
Safety & Emergency Response
• Respond to emergency situations and communicate according to established procedures.
• Participate in Incident Command System (ICS) functions as assigned.
• Support Tidewater's commitment to safe vessel operations and regulatory compliance.
Operational Support & Training
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Operations Department and other departments as needed.
• Participate in operational training programs, including river time aboard tugboats, to develop a strong understanding of vessel operations.
Reporting & Administrative Functions
• Prepare customer billing information and operational documentation.
• Produce reports and maintain internal records.
• Review billing, reports, and other records for accuracy and completeness.
TRAITS FOR SUCCESS
Flexibility in this role is essential – The schedule for this role is a rotating 4-on/4-off schedule, working 12-hour shifts. Training for this role is conducted on a daytime schedule for three to four weeks beginning at 7:00 AM. After training, this role will transition to working night shifts beginning at 7:00 PM. *Schedule adjustments may be required to support operational needs.
Calm Under Pressure – Stays focused and makes sound decisions in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
Highly Organized – Juggles multiple priorities while keeping schedules, communications, and records accurate.
Strong Communicator – Builds positive relationships with customers, vessel crews, and teammates through clear and effective communication.
Adaptable Problem Solver – Responds quickly to changing conditions, operational challenges, and unexpected situations. Eager to learn and understand the why behind what we do.
Sound Independent Judgment – is confident in taking ownership of decisions made while working independently.
PAY & BENEFITS
Position Hiring Range: $29.00 – $35.00 / hour (depending on experience and qualifications)
o 5% night shift differential.
- Bonus Potential
- Healthcare benefits including medical, vision, dental, and prescriptions with low deductibles and copays. Company pays 91% of premiums for the employee and family.
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) with 6% company match
- 3% Profit Sharing Plan
- Sick and vacation accrued per paycheck
- Nine paid holidays and one floating holiday
- Educational Assistance Program
- Company paid Long-Term Disability and Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
THE CATCH
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to three years’ of logistics, maritime, vessel, transportation, or dispatch experience preferred.
• Communication skills necessary to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships, influence change, resolve problems, and interact with personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate by email, and phone with other dispatchers, vessel crews, customers, and other departments, including during time-sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to write reports, read and understand instructions, and maintain billing-related documentation through notes in operations software and Excel spreadsheets, including confirming work requisitions for both outgoing and incoming contract work.
• Ability to work collaboratively, with a willingness to both learn from and train alongside colleagues.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Department of Homeland Security.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record in order to operate company owned vehicles.
• All employment offers are contingent on the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, a criminal background and driving record check, and .
THE COMPANY - Connecting Customers to Local, Regional and Global Markets
JOIN OUR TEAM!
To learn more or to submit your application, please visit http://www.tidewater.com/careers
The characteristics described herein 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 information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be required for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this or similar positions and additional duties may be assigned.
Tidewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran, qualified individual with a disability or protected class
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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