Dispatcher

Canal Barge Company; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Marine Towing, a unit of Canal Barge Company, seeks a Dispatcher to manage logistics and vessel operations from Joliet. You will plan tows, track locations, and maintain real-time communication with vessel Captains to keep deliveries on schedule.

This role demands strong communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. You will work in the office Monday–Friday, with on-call nights and weekends every third week, supporting CBC's safe and efficient transport operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, multitasking capability.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build strong relationships with vessel captains and external customers.
• Strong computer skills including Tow Works and Microsoft Office.
• Marine industry experience and knowledge of USCG regulations preferred.
• Logistics background required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate vessel and customer records; provide timely delivery updates.
• Communicate with vessel Captains to update orders in real time.
• Plan tows based on boat size, horsepower, and weather conditions.
• Optimize vessel movements and coordinate with docks and barge customers.
• Utilize Tow Works to create orders and generate customer invoices.
• Understand boat procedures and Vessel Emergency Response Plan.
• Collaborate with CBC logistics to improve operations.
• Remain accessible for unforeseen issues or changes in logistics or operations.
• Work in the office Monday–Friday; on-call every third week nights and weekends.
• Perform other duties and uphold CBC/IMT mission.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Tow Works

Microsoft Office

Job description

Illinois Marine TowingJOB DESCRIPTIONDispatcherI. BASIC FUNCTIONAs a vital member of the Transportation Services Group, the Dispatcher is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient and safe logistics and vessel operations for Illinois Marine Towing (IMT). This role requires proactive planning, clear communication, operational management, and incident prevention to meet and exceed customer expectations. The Dispatcher embodies the mission and values of Canal Barge Company and Illinois Marine Towing while contributing S.A.F.E., efficient, and profitable transportation of equipment for our clients.II. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Maintain accurate customer accounts by tracking the location and status of customer products and providing timely communication regarding delivery updates.2. Maintain communication with vessel Captains to update orders in real-time.3. Plan tows based on boat size, horsepower, and weather/water conditions.4. Optimize vessel movements to ensure efficient use of company equipment and resources, monitor traffic that boats produce, and communicate with docks and other barge customers to coordinate movements and delays.5. Utilize Tow Works to create and manage orders and generate customer invoices.6. Understand boat procedures and the Vessel Emergency Response Plan.7. Work and collaborate as a team to improve overall operational success.8. Coordinate with the CBC logistics team as needed or directed.9. Remain accessible and responsive to unforeseen issues or changes in logistics or operations.10. Required in person, in the office Monday through Friday. Every third week will be on call nights and the weekend.Other1. Perform other duties as required and directed by management.2. Carry out the Business Philosophy, Code of Conduct, Mission and Vision of Illinois Marine Towing and Canal Barge Company.III. CORE BEHAVIORS & COMPETENCIESA. Visionary ThinkingAnticipating future challenges and industry trends, such as evolving port technologies, route optimization, weather patterns, or regulatory changes, to improve operational efficiency.B. Problem SolvingCapable of finding solutions by implementing practical solutions that meet both customer needs and organizational goals.C. Exceptional Communication SkillsExceptional communication is critical for delivering clear, timely instructions, issuing urgent updates, and reducing misunderstandings in a high-stakes environment.D. Organizational SkillsAble to manage overlapping timelines, track vessel locations, and maintain accurate records to prevent conflicts or delays. Using digital systems and logs effectively while managing multiple priorities is key to successful marine coordination.E. Heightened Attention to DetailAbility to spot discrepancies, verify information thoroughly, and ensure every logistical detail is correct to maintain smooth and compliant operations.F. Critical Thinking SkillsAbility to assess operational situations logically and make well-reasoned decisions under pressure, interpret weather forecasts, analyze traffic density, prioritize vessel movements, and evaluate risks.IV. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPThe Dispatcher is appointed by and reports to the IMT Traffic Manager.V. EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS1. High School Diploma or equivalent required. An associate or bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.2. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.3. Ability to work an on-call rotation.4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to muti-task.5. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.6. Ability to build strong relationships and work effectively with vessel Captains, external customers, and the IMT Crewing department.7. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Tow Works.8. Marine industry experience and knowledge of USCG regulations preferred.9. Logistics Background required.VI. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS1. Ability to sit for extended periods2. Standing/Walking: Occasionally required to stand, walk, or move about the office3. Physical stamina for site visits4. Ability to lift & carry up to 25 pounds5. Manual dexterity and coordination: Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and operating standard office equipment (keyboard, mouse, telephone, copier, etc.).VII. KEY OUTCOMESSuccessful performance in this role will establish the Dispatcher as a trusted, dependable operations partner. Excellence in this position is reflected in consistent, high-quality outcomes that embody CBC and IMT’s identity and commitment to humble, hungry, and smart behaviors.Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.