Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

Hirebridge; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Host Agency, LLC seeks an Associate, Operations in Houston for hands-on involvement with vessel operations, pilots, tugs, and port logistics. You will liaise with maritime stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient port calls while maintaining flexible schedules in line with vessel timetables.

The role offers an entry-level path into the maritime field, with opportunities to work both in the office and in the field, building core operations and documentation skills in a dynamic port environment.

Qualifications

• Prior customer service experience is required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic port operations environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating vessel operations, berthing, pilots, tugs and linesmen.
• Prepare and dispatch cargo and commercial documents with accuracy.
• Respond to email requests and office traffic promptly.
• Stay reachable on call and adapt to after-hours vessel changes.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members as needed.
• Travel to other ports to provide operations support when required.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Multi-tasking

Analytical/problem-solving

Evenings/weekends/holidays readiness

Self-motivated

ASBA agency certification (or willing)

Driver's license

Job description

Title: Associate, Operations

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Company: Host Agency, LLC

Location:Houston, Texas

Reports To: Operations Manager

Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring.

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

• Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
• Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
• Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
• Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
• Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
• Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
• Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise
• Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
• Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

• Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
• Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

• Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Prior customer service experience, required. Prior agency experience, a plus.
• Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
• Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
• ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
• Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

The duties and responsibilities described above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with this position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.