Vessel Coordinator - Houston, TX

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs.

Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco .

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

As an Import Vessel Coordinator at Watco Greens Port, you will play a crucial role in coordinating and supporting the management of import vessel operations. This role ensures the efficient discharging of import cargo vessels, working closely with internal teams, such as terminal operations and dock operations, to ensure smooth and timely vessel turnaround. The Import Vessel Coordinator oversees all aspects of import cargo operations, ensuring that all safety, regulatory, and operational standards are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and monitor the arrival and departure of import cargo discharging vessels in collaboration with internal operations teams.
• Optimize vessel turnaround times by coordinating closely with terminal staff and cargo planners to manage cargo flow and resource allocation.
• Ensure all required import documentation, such as cargo manifests, customs clearances, and discharge instructions, are complete and accurate before vessel departure.
• Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations, port safety protocols, and export control laws.
• Work with the safety and security teams to ensure all operations adhere to port safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Maintain communication with terminal managers and operations teams to provide updates on vessel readiness, cargo status, and any issues affecting operations on discharging vessels.
• Maintain detailed records of vessel movements, cargo volumes, and operational performance metrics, including berth utilization and turnaround times.
• Provide customers with great customer service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related field (preferred but not required).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in import cargo handling, vessel coordination, or port operations, preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of import regulations, maritime logistics, and port terminal operations is a plus.
• Experience with port management systems, Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), and container tracking software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on efficiency and safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills including attention to detail and sense of urgency to respond and react in rapid and fluid work environment.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and handle tight deadlines is a must.
• Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment, including irregular hours and on-call duties.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
• High School Diploma or general education development (GED)
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in an office setting situated within a port terminal environment, working closely with internal teams such as vessel operations, cargo handling, and terminal planning. The role is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to use standard office equipment, long periods of sitting, and regular interaction with team members. The role, seldomly but at times, may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and it will require irregular hours to accommodate vessel schedules.