BOARDING AGENT

GAC Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

On-the-job training

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

GAC Group in Houston is seeking a Boarding Agent to manage day-to-day vessel operations from pre-arrival through departure. You will coordinate with port authorities, terminals, pilots, tugs, and service providers while ensuring regulatory compliance and clear communication with principals and stakeholders.

We value an operational mindset, strong MS Office skills, ability to work 24/7, and a proactive, customer-service oriented approach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; higher education or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Experience in a maritime, shipping agency, port operations, or logistics environment strongly preferred.
• Strong operational mindset — able to manage multiple vessel activities, coordinate with port authorities, and keep jobs moving without delays.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records, complete documentation, and support billing processes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment with changing vessel schedules and priorities.
• Confident communicator — able to work with vessel crews, owners/operators, and port authorities while keeping all parties informed.
• Proactive and solutions-driven — takes ownership of assigned vessel calls and resolves issues as they arise without waiting for direction.
• Willing and able to work in a port environment, including boarding vessels and working outdoors in varying conditions, with required PPE.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; comfortable learning internal systems.
• Possess a valid TWIC card.

Responsibilities

• Attend to vessels and handle all operational matters in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the GAC Quality Management System.
• Respond to all enquiries and handle all operational matters relating to principals and prospective principals.
• Coordinate arrival of vessels with all port personnel including pilots, tugs, line handlers, terminal operators, and governmental authorities.

Skills

Maritime operations

Vessel coordination

Communication skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Attention to detail

MS Office proficiency

TWIC card

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Relevant certifications (plus)

Tools

MS Office365

GACAgent

Job description

• Travel requirements: Yes, to and from the Port – occasional travel to Vessels
• Key Tech/Tools: MS Office365 Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and GACAgent which will be learned on the job

Job Description

We want you on our team!

Could you be our new Boarding Agent

• Location: Houston Port Office
• Reporting to: Port Manager
• Department / team: Shipping Operations
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Travel requirements: Yes, to and from the Port – occasional travel to Vessels
• Key Tech/Tools: MS Office365 Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and GACAgent which will be learned on the job

What would your day at GAC look like?

• Attend to vessels and handle all operational matters in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the GAC Quality Management System.
• Respond to all enquiries and handle all operational matters relating to principals and prospective principals.
• Coordinate arrival of vessels with all port personnel including pilots, tugs, line handlers, terminal operators, and governmental authorities.

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to become part of the global GAC team, which has been providing professional shipping, logistics, and marine services since 1956. Everything we do is guided by the GAC Spirit, built on mutual loyalty between management and staff, and a belief in the value of our people as individuals - not just for the jobs they do.

With more than 7,500 colleagues in 300 strategically located offices in more than 50 countries around the world, we focus on quality, safety, and sustainability with a human touch. Emphasizing a long‑term approach, innovation and ethics, our flexible and integrated portfolios are designed to work within and support our customers’ operations.

Role Summary

The Boarding Agent is responsible for managing day-to-day vessel operations from pre‑arrival through departure and close‑out. This includes coordinating with port authorities, terminals, and service providers, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met, and keeping customers and stakeholders fully informed throughout the port call.

Note: The candidate is expected to comply with the GAC Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Policy and GAC HSSE Manual procedures that emphasize industrial and personal safety and environmental precautions. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to a background check that includes drug and alcohol screening.

• Eligible to work in the United States

Job Requirements

What are we looking for:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; higher education or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Experience in a maritime, shipping agency, port operations, or logistics environment strongly preferred.
• Strong operational mindset — able to manage multiple vessel activities, coordinate with port authorities, and keep jobs moving without delays.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records, complete documentation, and support billing processes
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment with changing vessel schedules and priorities.
• Confident communicator — able to work with vessel crews, owners/operators, and port authorities while keeping all parties informed.
• Proactive and solutions-driven — takes ownership of assigned vessel calls and resolves issues as they arise without waiting for direction.
• Willing and able to work in a port environment, including boarding vessels and working outdoors in varying conditions, with required PPE.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; comfortable learning internal systems.
• Possess a valid TWIC card.

Soft skills:

• Communication - able to manage correspondence with other port agents, vendors, and clients across multiple time zones and cultures with confidence and accuracy.
• Organizational Skills - Able to manage multiple vessel calls and client accounts simultaneously without losing track of deadlines, documentation, or follow-ups.
• Problem-Solving - Calm and resourceful when disruptions arise whether a delayed vessel, a vendor issue, or a last‑minute client request and finding solutions quickly and keeping all parties informed.
• Adaptability - Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, ever-changing environment where priorities can shift with little notice.
• Customer Service Orientation - Genuinely committed to delivering a responsive, professional experience to clients and understanding that in this industry, reliability builds long‑term relationships.
• Team Collaboration - Works effectively across GAC offices, agent networks, and internal teams, contributing to a culture of shared accountability and mutual support.

You Will Also Enjoy

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance