Command Center Operator at Witt O'Brien's in Houston, TX

Are you looking for an opportunity to truly make a difference? Do you want to join a collaborative, mission-driven team that protects the planet, strengthens communities, and supports businesses when they need it most? Are you seeking a place where your work contributes directly to an organization known for excellence in environmental services, crisis management, and emergency response? If your answer is “yes,” then you belong at Ambipar.

Ambipar Command Center Operator

Position Summary

We are an established Global consulting firm in need of a reliable and talented Emergency Response Operator within our Global Command Center. Your work as an operator will make a real difference as you support the Field Operations team including providing first call for assistance to various local and international clients relating to hazardous material incidents and emergencies. Your work will directly impact our ability to provide industry leading on-demand response services, enabling us to successfully initiate and deliver assistance, and rapidly respond to our clients’ needs by having boots on the ground immediately after disaster strikes.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience supporting activities related to emergency response, hazardous material disposal, and/or incident management. This position will interact with emergency responders, field services technicians, vessel Captains, Federal, State, Local Agencies, and Energy Industry Clientele. This position requires a professional demeanor and strong verbal and written communication skills. We are looking for a self-motivated, responsible, and confident individual with a commitment to integrity and the ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with minimal supervision. If this sounds like you, then you have found the right fit in Ambipar Response.

Position Details

• Reports to: Command Center Manager
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Position Type: Regular, Full-time
• FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
• Pay: Hourly
• Shift: Must be available to work rotating shifts
• Travel Requirements: Less than 15%

Essential Functions

• Monitor and respond promptly and professionally to multiple incoming calls, messages, emails, and alerts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, acting as their emergency call center representative.
• Accurately gather, transcribe, and document information with speed and precision.
• Initiate and set up projects or jobs based on customer call intake and communications.
• Collect essential data from informants or stakeholders regarding incidents, following established scripts and protocols.
• Determine the nearest operational bases to an incident site for efficient response coordination.
• Activate and mobilize pre-designated operational teams in consultation with the on-duty coordinator.
• Establish and manage an incident management team via WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams.
• Maintain and ensure readiness of center tools and resources, including go-kits and client procedures.
• Provide timely updates to internal teams and stakeholders, maintaining a sequential record of the incident.
• Keep incident response teams informed via WhatsApp/Microsoft Teams regarding operational structures and resource needs.
• Keep the on-duty Operational Coordinator informed of all response activities.
• Update the virtual Crisis Room with real-time activities and developments from the operational team.
• Track and monitor resources deployed by the Management team, ensuring alignment with operational needs.
• Follow up on assigned calls and responsibilities as directed by the Shift Leader.
• Issue regulatory notifications to government agencies and promptly alert Duty Incident Commanders, third-party responders, and client representatives.
• Complete incident reports, documentation, duty logs, and shift hand-off briefings in accordance with protocols.
• Maintain organized records, logs, and filing systems per departmental policies, legal requirements, and procedural directives.
• Serve as a key communication link during Emergency Management events, including natural disasters and other critical incidents.
• Actively participate in daily operational meetings within the Local Crisis Room, providing updates on assigned calls.
• Foster a culture of Operational Excellence, prioritizing safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and continued service excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 – 2 years in a prior incident/emergency dispatch role; preferably in emergency dispatch or hazardous notification center
• Ability to proofread and correct any industry specific terms when necessary
• Must be capable of typing 30+ WPM
• Intermediate level skill with Microsoft Office products specifically Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
• Adaptable and patient with the ability to remain calm and professional during times of heightened activity, uncertainty, ambiguity, rapid change, and fixed deadlines
• Ability to communicate clearly, succinctly, and in a manner that appeals to a wide audience
• Ability to triage complex situations and effectively transcribe information accurately
• Ability to remain patient to professionally support international callers where English is not their primary language
• Willingness to understand and follow procedures and continuous updates
• Ability to multitask
• Proven experience, exercising good judgement in difficult situations

Preferred Job Requirements

• Previous experience in emergency response, incident management, and / or law enforcement or security
• Experience and knowledge of hazardous materials and disposal
• Hazardous material field operations
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate or ability to obtain within first 3 months
• Knowledge of the Maritime and Energy industry reporting requirements

Work Schedule

This candidate should be punctual, dependable, and willing to work overtime as needed to meet project demands and deadlines, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-demand during emergencies.

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

Commitment to Diversity

• Ambipar Response is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for public safety, emergency management, homeland security, disaster response, and continuity of operations.
• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled

With you when it counts.