Supervisor, Systems Operation

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Systems Operation, the Supervisor, Systems Operation is responsible to:

• Coordinate the staging, scanning, and stowing of all cargo to enable non-intrusive inspection of cargo to detect prohibited, restricted and dutiable items to combat violations and violators of the Customs Act and Regulations, the Dangerous Drug and Firearms Control Act and other related legislation at all entry and exit points to the Island.
• Implement strategies to support Jamaica Customs’ anti-corruption activities through nonintrusive examinations at the seaports, bonded warehouses, and postal services.
• Maintain operational and occupational health and safety procedures per JCA guidelines and policies.
• Ensure the optimal usage of non-intrusive inspection systems.
• Ensure that the Agency’s SOPs and guidelines are maintained and followed accurately and with attention to detail to create an efficient environment that fosters teamwork and accountability.
   

Key Responsibility Areas

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Coordinate the activities of the Systems Operations Team, ensuring their strategic placement during operational exercises and providing them with suitable equipment by:
• Keeping maintenance and performance records related to all non-intrusive inspection scanners, equipment, and personnel involved in the programme.
• Developing schedules and rosters to ensure proper coverage, proficiency, and operational utilisation of all scanners and equipment.
• Ensuring that all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment operate in a secure and sterile environment.
• Ensuring that all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment are checked each day and periodically during their service life by the technical team and designated service providers.
• Ensuring that radiation shields and other safety measures are properly installed and operational.
• Ensuring that all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment operate by approved radiation safety procedures, including exclusion zones around the equipment.
• Ensuring that inspections by the technical team, suppliers and radiation safety personnel are facilitated.
• Ensuring that all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment are verified for operational readiness.
• Performing quarterly evaluation of Systems Operations personnel.
• Preparing quarterly performance appraisal of all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment vis-à-vis detections and functioning to be submitted to the Manager, System Operations.
• Promptly reporting all maintenance matters (such as malfunctions and breakdowns) related to all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment to the Technical Manager (in writing) and copied to the Manager.
• Formulating strategies to be used in specific operations.
• Ensure that all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment at the ports, warehouses, and airport operations function optimally with minimal downtime.
• Ensure system operators operate all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment per manufacturers’ instructions.
• Conduct maintenance process audits of all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment weekly.
• Observe operating procedures for handling hazardous, radioactive material by external agencies.
• Make requisition to the Public Procurement Branch for administrative materials utilised in the daily operation of Scanning equipment, i.e., batteries, ink cartridges, paper, etc.
• Coordinates with the Technical Manager to facilitate scheduled equipment servicing and inspections for all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment.
• Maintain a safe operational health & safety environment for personnel by ensuring that:
• All personnel wear the required protective and safety gear in and around all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment.
• Observation is done on all materials or products moving on conveyors and lights on the control panel to monitor the flow and operation of the system.
• All radiation safety hazards are reported to the Senior Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure strategies implemented to transfer the best-quality images are sent to the Non-Intrusive Inspection Centers (NIIC) to aid the identification of prohibited materials/items, such as contraband and weapons.
• Coordinate the work of the Traffic Marshall by ensuring that:
• All relevant documentation and communication from wharfingers are provided to maintain a smooth operation flow.
• All discrepancies, incidents, suspicious sightings, or criminal activity are reported promptly to ensure escalation where necessary.
• Reports of congestion or traffic management capacity issues are done immediately for rectification.
• Permit controls are enforced at entrances/designated areas.
• Vehicles are directed to the appropriate areas/ loading/unloading zones/lorry way & car park.

Human Resource/Administrative Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day supervision for the continual improvement of the Section’s performance.
• Guide the Section staff in interpreting the policies and procedures to determine proper courses of action.
• Participate in developing the Section Workplans and prepare work plans for direct reports.
• Document and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for areas of responsibility.
• Monitor and review the section’s performance to ensure its agreed performance targets are met.
• Conduct periodic reviews of direct reports by work plans.
• Conduct assessment of direct reports based on performance assessment criteria and prepare performance reports.
• Evaluate the performance of direct reports in keeping with targets and standards.
• Sign performance management reports.
• Ensure staff have sufficient physical resources to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
• Recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave by established Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and support as needed.
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Section.
• Recommend disciplinary action where necessary concerning direct reports.
• Institute strategies to achieve the unit’s established short- and long-term objectives and ensures that the design and objectives are communicated to the staff.
• Hold regular staff meetings to discuss the unit’s work, try to solve any problems, and review progress towards achieving the objectives.
• Ensure the staff has the necessary tools and equipment to perform their functions effectively and efficiently.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Accurately creates and disseminates staff assignment rosters and rotation for a structured operational flow.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and review process for the Section’s activities.
• Monitor work processes, systems and controls that are in place within the Section to achieve its objectives effectively and efficiently.
• Contribute to developing operational manuals, outlining applicable policies and Standard Operating Procedures for the operational activities to be integrated into a single Operations Handbook for Jamaica Customs.
• Contribute to and coordinate budget preparation and monitoring and sign off on related requisitions for the Section.

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Maintain customer service principles, standards, and measurements.
• Identify and incorporate the interests and needs of customers in business process design.
• Ensure critical success factors are identified and meet expectations.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform all other duties and functions as may be required occasionally.
• May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence.
• Enforce Health & Safety Policies & Procedures and mitigates and minimises workplace hazards.

Required Skills/Competencies

Core

• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent technical communication and reporting skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation, and time management skills.
• Strong judgment and analytical skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, management personnel, and the public.
• Ability to prioritise amongst conflicting demands, solve problems and make rational decisions based upon a sound understanding of the facts in a limited time.
• Ability to interact effectively at various social levels and across diverse cultures.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy.
• Able to motivate teams, navigate a changing environment and lead change at the operational level.
• Ability to build a network to facilitate cooperation and decision-making and anticipate changes.
• Ability to display high levels of confidentiality, integrity, and honesty.

Technical

• Expert knowledge of laws and regulations governing Customs in Jamaica.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of risk management and compliance verification principles.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of regulatory and criminal law enforcement principles.
• Detailed knowledge of the policies, procedures, and controls for Customs in Jamaica.
• Good knowledge of best practices in international customs, enforcement, and border protection.
• Competent knowledge of the Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) programme.
• Expert knowledge of radiation safety principles and regulatory bodies.
• Working knowledge of relevant computer applications and systems.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related technical field with emphasis in electrical or engineering or a related field.
• At least five years of operational and scanning experience, with two (2) years at the supervisory level.
• Supervisory Management Training/Experience
• Knowledge of Radiation detection is desirable.

Special Conditions Associated with The Job

• Work with standard equipment and specialised software will be conducted in various offices.
• Involves working in a fast-paced environment with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders.
• On-call 24 hours.
• A high degree of travelling is required Islandwide.
• May be required to carry a firearm and exposed to a significant threat to personal safety due to involvement in contraband and anti-corruption operations.
• Noise and dust nuisance exposure
• Exposure to radiation and radioactive elements.
• Subject to continuous integrity testing.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by HRMD