Systems Operator

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor, Systems Operations, the Systems Operator is responsible to:

• Stage, scan, and stow all cargo to enable non-intrusive inspection of cargo to detect prohibited, restricted, and dutiable items and 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.
• Maintain operational and occupational health, safety and environment procedures per JCA guidelines and policies.

Key Responsibility Areas

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure that all cargo subjected to non-intrusive inspection is channelled to the scanner.
• Operationalise non-intrusive inspection operations, ensuring all cargos are scanned with maximum quality, accuracy, and speed according to priority and specification.
• Efficiently operating all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment at the ports, warehouses, and air cargo, enabling non-intrusive cargo inspection to detect prohibited, restricted and dutiable items.
• Adjust scanner/screen controls to ensure the precision of imagery is maintained.
• Prepare the scanning area and set up the machinery before scanning.
• Ensure the best quality images are transferred to the Centralised Imaging Centers (CIC) to aid in the identification of prohibited materials/items, e.g., contraband or weapons.
• Initiate notification procedures when scanned items are suspected of containing prohibited material and recommend a further inspection.
• Complete all necessary calibrations, start-up and shut-down procedures as outlined in the job aids manual when operating scanners.
• Regularly checks all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment to ensure they operate optimally with minimal downtime.
• Ensures that all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment are operated adequately per manufacturers’ instructions.
• Ensures a safe operational environment is maintained for all employees in and around all non-intrusive inspection scanners and equipment by ensuring that:
  • All employees wear the required protective and safety gear.
  • 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.
• Report any deficiencies, anomalies, damage, faults, or malfunctions of the equipment to the Supervisor, System Operations.
• Make requisition for administrative materials utilised in the daily operation, i.e., batteries, ink cartridges, paper, etc.
• Carry out duties of Truck Captain as required:
  • Act as the primary point of contact for the Truck operations.
  • Prepare and retrieve daily paperwork (daily log, radiation report, and shut down log)
  • Alert management of preventative maintenance issues
  • Collect time and efficiency data relating to the efficiency and productivity of the equipment.
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the mobile and pallet scanning unit.
  • Advise the supervisor regarding workforce needs, requests, or deficiencies.
• Assume the Driver, Scanner or Loader/Facilitator role per duty schedule.
• Observe:
  • Materials or products moving on conveyors or contained in mobile conveyances.
  • Lights on the control panel to monitor the flow and operation of the system.
  • Operation to detect equipment malfunction and inform the Supervisor when malfunctions occur.

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements.
• Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs all other duties and functions as may be required occasionally.
• May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence.
• Complies with Health & Safety Policies & Procedures.

Required Skills/Competencies

Core

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong judgment, analytical skills, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, management personnel and the public.
• Strong written, oral communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy.
• Keen observation skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to display high levels of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and ethics.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Ability to work under challenging conditions and stressful and high-risk environments.

Technical

• Expert knowledge of smuggling techniques and trends
• Comprehensive knowledge of Customs legislation and related Acts and Regulations
• Comprehensive knowledge of customs administration and activities
• Advanced knowledge of relevant computer systems and applications
• Knowledge of OSHE guidelines and regulations
• Knowledge of Radiation Safety Standards and regulations
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Jamaica Customs Agency’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chemical and Biological Weapons, Firearms Act, Proceeds of Crime Act, and Exchange Control Act.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related technical field.
• At least three (3) years of working experience in a Customs, Sea, Air or Regulatory Department.
• Specialized training in drug enforcement (both local and international).
• Training in the use of radiation detection equipment would be an asset.

Special Conditions Associated with The Job

• Work will be conducted in scanning booths and offices, using standard office equipment and specialised software for administrative purposes.
• Involves working in a fast-paced environment with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders.
• On-call 24 hours.
• Working with radioactive equipment.
• Work in a dust-filled environment with significant noise pollution and severe heat.
• Must rotate between various locations every week and travel to other places island-wide.
• Standing for prolonged periods