Docking Manager
The Docking Manager (also known as Dockmaster or Dock Master) is a position unique to stations and Starbases. It is usually held by a senior enlisted rate (usually at least a Senior or Master Chief Petty Officer) or, more commonly, a Warrant Officer (or other, higher, warranted rate). The position is officially based within Flight Control (and the Docking Manager does work closely with that department on an administrative and advisory level) but reports directly to the base's Commanding Officer and/or Executive Officer. The nature of the role also requires them to maintain a close working relationship with many other station departments - especially Operations, Engineering, and Security.
The Docking Manager's primary task is to ensure the smooth operation of a Starbase or station as a port - keeping traffic, both civilian and Starfleet, moving in as efficient and swift a manner as possible. They maintain contact with incoming ships to confirm itineraries, cargo manifests, any required maintenance or repairs, and any other requirements of the visiting vessel. Using that information they then co-ordinate with the other station personnel to ensure the docking roster is kept up to date, and any arrangements required are made: such as working with Operations to have enough cargo-space ready (and any special storage requirements in-place) for any incoming cargo and that any outgoing cargo is easy to access for the visiting vessel at its assigned Docking Bay, as well as with both Operations and Engineering to ensure arrangements are in-place (and parts are available) to perform any required repairs or maintenance as quickly as possible (to avoid taking up the Docking Manager's valuable docking space longer than necessary). The Docking Manager also liaises with Security to ensure that all necessary customs checks and screening processes can be carried out on visiting vessels with minimum disruption to the visiting ship or indeed the base. They pass on information about the local area and any alerts to vessels in the station's vicinity, known for historical reasons as a "Notice to Mariners", which they compile based on information from the station's Strategic Operations, Science, and Intelligence Departments especially but also any other departments with pertinent information.
The Docking Manager works with the facility's Boatswain, Executive Officer, Command (Master) Chief, and other senior enlisted personnel as well as officers, to ensure all crew involved in any form of docking operations are fully trained on all aspects of docking procedure and emergency guidelines, normally supervising the training and assessment personally. They are also responsible for ensuring that the station's docking systems and aids are in full working order and that their regular maintenance has been correctly undertaken, in which they will normally assist and sometimes supervise Operations and Engineering personnel.
The Docking Manager does not have a large staff at their disposal - normally only a few personnel at most (generally of the administrative variety), led by the Dockmaster's Mate and including a small team of Traffic Controllers. Usually when a larger group of personnel is required for their work they will be detailed from various other departments (often from within Flight Control or from Operations, Communications, Engineering, and Security) to the Docking Manager's command for the specific tasks.
The Docking Manager will normally have extensive experience in Flight Control as well as in both Operations and Communications and will at least be familiar with working alongside Security or Engineering personnel.