Chief Wharfinger

Company Profile:

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $200 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and entire country.

Job Description:

The Harbor Department is seeking a Chief Wharfinger to fill an open position in the Tenant Services Division.

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Tenant Services, the Chief Wharfinger plans and directs the activities of the Terminal Services Representatives, ensures that Port of Long Beach Tariff requirements and marine terminal lease terms are enforced, and that Port assets are inspected and maintained. This position acts as liaison between the Port's tenants and the various divisions and bureaus within the Port by coordinating activities and communications related to operational issues, cargo flow efficiencies, and regulatory protocols. The Chief Wharfinger objectively represents the interests and concerns of Port tenants, customers and supply chain stakeholders at Port meetings, functions, and in port planning efforts when appropriate.

This is an unclassified (at-will) position.

How you get to contribute...

• 
  
• Manage a team of five (5) Terminal Services Representatives:
  (Supervise and direct staff in performing daily tasks;
  Interview and recommendcandidates for hire;
  Prepare annual performance appraisals;
  Resolve performance deficiencies;
  Staff development)
  
• Devise and implement programs that lead to increased utilization of Port facilities.
  
• Create, implement and document departmental procedures and workflows.
  
• Resolve disputes and tenant complaints.
  
• Manage the compliance, application, and interpretation of lease agreements, contracts, permits, area and temporary berth assignments.
  
• Oversee inspections of Port properties/facilities.
  
• Oversee the facilitation of repairs for damages to Port properties/facilities via Damage Report process, Maintenance Work Order (MWO), Reimbursable Work Order (RWO), etc.
  
• Oversee the issuance of various permits (e.G., filming, special events, dangerous cargo, hot work).
  
• Oversee the enforcement of the Port of Long Beach Tariff and provide analysis and recommendations for proposed changes as needed.
  
• Assist other Port divisions in developing, implementing, and maintaining programs that affect Port and/or tenant operations.
  
• Manage Tenant Services section budget.
  
• Oversee processing of operational requests from tenants, ship agents, pilots, stakeholders, third parties, and other private businesses.
  
• Coordinate construction projects and attend meetings between internal Port divisions and affected Port tenants.
  
• Oversee reports for various Port and vessel operations.
  
• Direct tenant move-in or move-out inspections.
  
• Provide briefings to industry visitors and VIP delegations.
  
• Represent the Port at trade events and with maritime organizations.
  
• Verify resolution of billing disputes.
  
• Oversee the review of annual demurrage calendars.
  
• Work with Long Beach Fire Department to apply regulations for dangerous cargoes and combustible liquids on board vessels and on various Port properties/facilities.
  
• Serve on Business Continuity Team/Incident Management Team;
  subject to call-back incase of emergency.
  
• Work with U.S. Coast Guard to apply Codes of Federal Regulations regarding Port and watercraft operations.
  
• Draft Board memos and attend Board of Harbor Commissioner meetings as needed.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Relocation is not available for this position.
Job Requirements:

Education:

A Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Global Logistics or related field, AND two (2) years of professional experience in the maritime industry with an emphasis on port operations or two (2) years of experience as a Wharfinger/Tenant Services Representative with the City of Long Beach Harbor Department is required.
- OR -
Six (6) years of professional experience in the maritime transportation industry with an emphasis on port operations or as a Wharfinger/Tenant Services Representative with the City of Long Beach Harbor Department.

Experience:

• 
  
• Ability to effectively supervise staff is required;
  previous experience supervising or leading staff is desirable.
  
• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience with an ocean carrier, marine terminal, or port operations is required.
  
• Customer service and problem-solving experience in the maritime industry is preferred.
  
• Commercial real estate experience is a plus.
  
• Work experience in the goods movement industry highly desirable;
  experience in port environments preferred.
  
• Strong knowledge of transportation operations, methods, terminology, documentation, regulations, and procedures is required.
  
• Strong knowledge of Port tariff rates, rules, and regulations required.
  
• Knowledge of labor relations in a marine transportation industry is required.
  
• Knowledge of safety practices and OSHA requirements pertaining to the work is required.
  
• Broad knowledge of the principles and tactics of negotiation and mediation required.
  
• Knowledge of appropriate federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to the work, including those impacting shipping, terminals and dangerous/hazardous materials is required.
  
• Must have a broad working knowledge of modern management practices, leadership principles and customer service.
  
• Must be a hands-on manager with strong technical knowledge, business writing and presentation skills.
  
• Working knowledge of maritime terminal lease and operator agreements a plus.
  
• Knowledge of environmental, construction, government or engineering terminology a plus.

Position also requires:

• 
  
• A valid California driver's license is required to perform work-related duties.
  
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) during the course of employment.

Applications must be through the City of Long Beach website via governmentjobs.