Port Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

The Port Engineer supports the engineering departmental goals, engineering department staff, the company’s executive management, and the management team. The position is responsible for upholding best engineering practices as well as promoting safe work practices with all employees, vendors, and visitors.

KEY INTERACTION (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

Companywide employees, managers, executives, mariners, industry associates, and 3^rd party consultants.

JOBS RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Conducts annual maintenance/repair and capital budget preparation for vessels
• Conducts crew training to maintain regulatory compliance
• Determines method, length, and costs of necessary vessel repairs
• Directs the review and approval of area routine machinery purchases and requisitions for resupply of tug spares, inventory, and equipment, repair and maintenance related expense reports, and related accounts payable
• Leads or assists in developing and updating vessel maintenance programs
• Leads or assists in evaluating and surveying damage for insurance claims
• Leads or assists in the evaluation and corrective action of emergency and or casualty repairs for all vessels as needed
• Leads or assists with drydocking projects such as preparing work scope for upcoming drydock periods, maintaining drydock procedures to ensure this is updated as required, maintaining all project documentation to date, weekly reviews on all the processes of the project
• Leads or assists with the maintenance of vessels
• Leads or assists with vessel repairs
• Leads or assists with vessel repairs, and dry dockings as needed
• May serve as M&R Port Engineer or dry dock port engineer as needed
• Monitors engineering work: in progress, planned or unplanned maintenance
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Prepares for inspection of vessels by regulatory groups and is responsible for remedying and repair of all deficiencies
• Promotes and oversees safe work practices with all employees and vendors working on company vessels
• Provides input to the daily tug maintenance and repair schedule
• Stands on-call duty rotation for the department
• Supervises emergency repairs to vessels
• Trains tug engineers regarding vessel systems, repairs, regulatory compliance, and company policies and procedures

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or a related field 
• Ability to manage marine personnel as they perform work in various environmental conditions
• Able to develop, track and manage vessel budgets on a routine basis
• Able to interpret, administer and ensure compliance with company policies, and governmental regulations related to vessel manning, construction, maintenance, repair, safety, training, work rules, emergency response, and towing operations
• Able to work independently as a self-starter to further engineering departmental goals
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Broad breadth of engineering knowledge of vessels and related equipment
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in the maritime industry
• Familiarity with shipyards, tugs, and barges essential
• Knowledge of marine labor contracts, work rules, and general maritime law
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in maritime operations
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the maritime industry
• Problem-solver who can collaborate with vendors, peers, company executives, customers, and the public
• Requires strong computer hardware and software skills to include Microsoft Office applications, AutoCAD, NS5, using a computer with a keyboard and mouse, navigation with a web browser, checking and sending email, and use of internet search engines
• Skilled at estimating and job cost management
• Strong mathematical skills
• Thorough understanding of vessel operations and equipment capabilities/limitations
• Understanding of basic finance and cost accounting

REQUIRED LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS

• Merchant Mariner Credential minimum endorsement of DDE Unlimited preferred

• An active and valid Texas driver's license
• A Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

• Ability to always communicate effectively and professionally 
• Ability to take communications 24 hours a day; including weekends, concerning vessel maintenance, repair, and operations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters and areas of the organization
• Ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standards
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance 
• Capable of making decisions and giving directions to facilitate prompt service delivery
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Interpersonal skills to include self-awareness and the ability to deal professionally with others and always make professional judgments
• Must be service-oriented and customer-centric to all internal and external customers 
• Must be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of G&H Towing and the department
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, test resolutions, and escalate common issues
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, time management, problem-solving, and planning skills 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Workdays and hours will be assigned based on business needs which may include evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call shifts. By request from the department manager or department director. Work hours may include irregular hours to assist in completing special tasks or assignments
• Out-of-regional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, or work-related events 
• Work will be performed both in an office and in various regions of the Gulf Coast

• Visits to vessels and work at shipyards are frequent

SPECIAL PROJECTS 

• Assist the management and or executive team when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the department manager
• Completion of other duties as assigned by the department manager as it relates to the program and position 

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES 

Time Management 

• Candidate is comfortable with goal setting and working in a team setting
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work

Teamwork

• Candidate is autonomous, self-motivated to complete work-related tasks and solve problems, reliable, customer service oriented, and intrinsically driven to collaborate with and help the organization achieve the overall department visions and goals
• Candidate is a reliable self-motivated problem solver who is service oriented and intrinsically driven to collaborate with and help the organization achieve the overall human resources goals
• Candidate should be comfortable working autonomously and as a team, while always maintaining professionalism
• Candidate understands the urgency of ensuring business continuity and will set and manage reasonable expectations for stakeholders regarding the resolution of issues.

Listening

• Candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal direction or explanation of support need

Resourcefulness

• Candidate will not hesitate to share creative or innovative ideas that will yield efficiency or provide resolution to needs or problems.
• Candidate will be proactive, working cross-functionally as needed to provide answers and solutions

ESSENTIAL JOB-RELATED PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

Physical

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs 
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for items
• Ability to climb ladders, descend stairs, over bulwarks and crawl into accessible spaces
• Ability to detect and write effectively

• Ability to enter tanks and other confined spaces under environmental extremes of cold and heat

• Ability to handle objects
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting
• Ability to hear with or without aid
• Ability to move around within an office setting and or other locations as needed
• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to push, pull, and or squat
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods

• Ability to safely board company vessels in all weather conditions and at all hours

• Ability to transport, adjust, and or move items up to 25 lbs

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to be professional and use professional judgment 100% of the time
• Ability to cultivate a positive working environment 
• Ability to deal professional, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public including providing professional, prompt, responsive, efficient, and courteous customer service and assistance
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment
• Ability to maintain regular attendance
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to multi-task and plan time efficiently 100% of the time
• Ability to perform job description and duties with minor supervision 
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively
• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to the position

• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions

• Ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend information in English
• Ability to work professionally with others 100% of the time
• Required to pass and maintain all mandatory training 
• Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting 

WORKSITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to work alone
• Ability to work closely with others
• Ability to work closely with customers who may have hygiene challenges
• Ability to work long and or irregular hours
• May be subjected to a hostile environment
• Potential exposure to tobacco products
• May be exposed to excessive noises
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
• May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and or chemicals
• May be subjected to water and or liquids
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane

We are an equal-opportunity employer and prohibit unlawful discrimination per federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are committed to being an inclusive environment for all candidates and employees representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is based on qualifications. Qualified individuals must be able to perform all the functions listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommo