Yard Planner - Barbours Cut

0072 Port of Houston Authority; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Port Houston is seeking a Yard Planner to optimize yard operations, vessel loading/unloading, and cargo flow at container or breakbulk terminals. You will build allocations, forecast cargo, troubleshoot yard stowage, and participate in inter-terminal moves.

The role requires a maritime or related degree or 5+ years of experience, with strong knowledge of XPS/N4, vessel specs, and hazardous cargo handling. Port Houston emphasizes safety, efficiency, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of directly related experience in a similar role.
• 1+ year of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead yard planning efforts for operations and coordinate terminal activities.
• Communicate with crane operators to expedite container loading/unloading.
• Coordinate with stevedores to improve yard stowage strategies.
• Monitor exports, imports, and empty allocations for container terminals.
• Segregate hazardous cargo per US Coast Guard standards.
• Participate in rotation between yard planning and vessel operations teams.
• Track stevedore utilization and inform leadership of vessel activities.

Skills

XPS/N4 knowledge

Vessel specifications

Hazardous cargo knowledge

Yard layout knowledge

Communication skills

Multitasking

Problem solving

Stress management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Administration/Business Administration or related

5+ years of related experience in a similar role (in lieu of degree)

Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence. Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact.

Position Summary

The Yard Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing yard operations to ensure efficient vessel loading/unloading, equipment utilization, and cargo flow through Port Houston’s container or breakbulk terminals. Build and maintain all allocations for Port Houston container terminals to effectively move cargo in and out of the terminals to meet industry needs. Forecast future cargo projections to utilize yard space based on vessel stowage demands. Manage and troubleshoot all yard stowage issues. Will participate in container yard and vessel operations rotation.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

• Lead yard planning efforts on behalf of operations
• Communicate with crane operators to expedite the loading of containers in and out of the terminals
• Work interactively with stevedores to improve yard stowage strategies
• Coordinate truck movements with staff to maintain efficient traffic flow within the container terminals
• Segregate hazardous cargo according to US Coast Guard standards and specifications
• Ensure that the types of correct empty equipment are being loaded out
• Monitor all exports, imports, and empty allocations for Port Houston container terminals
• Resolve any pad inventory issues or concerns
• Assist with all inter-terminal moves in the pads
• Create new filters for vessel services when needed to meet criteria of specific container specifications
• Participate in a rotation between the yard planning group and vessel operations teams to include, but not limited to the below:
• Supervise and coordinate terminal vessel operations
• Set up vessel operations plans
• Establish and maintain adequate relationships with and provide direct liaison with stevedoring industry
• Track stevedore utilization of Port Houston crane and equipment; prepare bills
• Inform chain of leadership team of vessel activities
• Communicate with peers on all empty, rail, and barge containers entering or leaving the terminal
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Administration, Business Administration, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required; or in lieu of degree, 5+ years of directly related experience in a similar role. 1+ years of related experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors

• Knowledge of XPS and N4 operating system
• Knowledge of different vessel specifications
• Knowledge of hazardous specifications
• Knowledge of container yard layout
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to type and run 10-key
• Ability to multitask and make quick decisions
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems
• Ability to work with limited supervision
• Ability to adapt and handle stress

A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment

Key Competencies Required

• Analytical Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Effective Communication
• Building Strategic Working Relationships
• Quality Orientation
• Stress Tolerance

Bayport Admin

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high.

Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Port Houston’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Are you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent. When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?