Job Title: Marine Dispatcher

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

TP-APA-8329

The Atlantic Pilotage Authority (APA) is a federal Crown corporation responsible for providing safe and efficient marine pilotage services in Atlantic Canada. Its operations are vital to Canada's marine supply chain, ensuring the safe movement of ships into and out of 21 ports across the region. Headquartered in Halifax, APA's dispatch operations are a critical part of this network.

Meridia is excited to be partnered with Atlantic Pilotage Authority to recruit a Marine Dispatcher to join their team in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Role Description

Reporting to the Dispatch Manager, the Marine Dispatcher is responsible for coordinating and executing pilot dispatch operations across Atlantic Canada. This is a fast-paced, solo-work role where decisions must be made quickly and confidently. The dispatcher serves as the central communications point between shipping agents, pilots, and marine stakeholders, ensuring safe and timely service delivery in accordance with port-specific regulations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate pilot assignments based on requests, vessel information, and port-specific regulations
• Communicate with agents, captains, vessel traffic services, and other stakeholders to confirm and clarify scheduling needs
• Use APA's internal dispatch system (DABS) to enter and verify vessel data, monitor ship traffic, and update operational records
• Operate various communication systems, including radio, email, and phone lines
• Prepare reports and contribute to system accuracy through regular data validation
• Support the training of new dispatch team members and participate in departmental meetings

Your Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings a background in logistics or operations where independent decision-making, attention to detail, and time-sensitive coordination were essential. You are calm under pressure, capable of managing competing priorities, and confident operating in a highly procedural, customer-facing environment. Success in this role requires strong situational judgment, clear communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision. While previous marine experience is not required, a keen interest in the industry and the ability to learn complex systems and regulations will be key to long-term success.

Your qualifications include:

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, dispatching, operations coordination, or similar fast-paced customer service environments
• Excellent communication and customer service skills; comfortable handling a high volume of inquiries under pressure
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in time-sensitive and ambiguous situations
• Comfort working with technology, including dispatch systems, databases, and Microsoft Office
• Understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations-experience in regulated industries is considered an asset
• Familiarity with Atlantic Canada's geography and/or the marine sector is helpful, though not required
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset

By joining the Atlantic Pilotage Authority, you will play a vital role at the core of Canada's marine supply chain, helping to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels through Atlantic Canada's ports. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a highly respected, mission-critical role where your decisions directly impact national operations. You will be supported by a collaborative and experienced team and be part of an organization that promotes from within. The successful candidate will also enjoy the stability of a federal Crown corporation, including pension, long-term growth opportunities, and a unique connection to the dynamic marine industry.

This is a unionized, full-time role. Dispatchers work on a rotational 4-day on, 4-day off schedule, 12-hour shifts (7 to 7). A comprehensive training program is provided over several months, allowing the right candidate to gain deep knowledge of port logistics, marine operations, and APA's dispatch system.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking "Apply Now" below.

For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and [email protected] or Heather Simmons, Sr. Recruitment Specialist at 902-421-2335 and [email protected], or please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

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