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Contract Maritime Port Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Specialist (Port)

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$91K - $119K/yr

Coordinates, supervises and performs periodic validation of port-wide Area Maritime Security Assessments that comply with the requirements * Coordinates a wide variety of sensitive and complex tasks ...

New

Security Specialist (Port) You will serve as a Security Specialist (Port) and be responsible for ... Developing Maritime Security Plans and criteria for associated exercises in accordance with the ...

New

Contingent Upon Contract Award* Covenant is seeking an experienced Project Manager - Port Security Operations to lead and oversee a complex, compliance-driven maritime security program at the Port of ...

Temp Port Security Officer

Sitka, AK · On-site

$19.25 - $23/hr

Understands and implements various Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level changes and implements required Port enforcement action; Responds to security threats and breaches, reporting such activities to ...

Relief Terminal Security Officer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$28.13 - $31.26/hr

Execute Port of Tacoma security duties encompassing the physical security of port areas, terminal ... Oversees public safety as well as environmental and maritime related safety regulations. Supports ...

Security Specialist (Port)

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$91K - $119K/yr

Coordinates, supervises and performs periodic validation of port-wide Area Maritime Security Assessments that comply with the requirements * Coordinates a wide variety of sensitive and complex tasks ...

New

Security Specialist (Port)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$120K - $156K/yr

Developing Maritime Security Plans and criteria for associated exercises in accordance with in ... Assessing, documenting, and reporting of risk, port and waterway navigation system components ...

New

Security Specialist (Port)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$120K - $156K/yr

Developing Maritime Security Plans and criteria for associated exercises in accordance with in ... Assessing, documenting, and reporting of risk, port and waterway navigation system components ...

New

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Contract Maritime Port Security information

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$10

$53

$79

How much do contract maritime port security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract maritime port security in the United States is $53.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.91 and $61.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract maritime port security?

Contract maritime port security refers to third-party companies or personnel hired to provide security services at ports and harbors. These professionals are responsible for safeguarding port facilities, cargo, vessels, and personnel from threats such as theft, terrorism, and smuggling. Their duties often include access control, surveillance, patrolling, enforcing regulations, and responding to emergencies. Contract security helps ports comply with international and national security standards, such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract maritime port security professional?

To thrive as a Contract Maritime Port Security professional, you need a solid understanding of port security operations, physical security protocols, and relevant laws, often supported by experience in law enforcement or military service and security certifications such as TWIC. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control software, and emergency response tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively safeguarding maritime assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and responding to security threats in a high-risk environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract maritime port security, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Contract Maritime Port Security often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing security threats, navigating complex regulations, and ensuring smooth collaboration with diverse agencies like customs and local law enforcement. Effective management includes staying current with security protocols, participating in regular training, and fostering clear communication within multidisciplinary teams. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and maintaining a proactive approach to risk assessment are also key to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Contract Maritime Port Security vs Contract Cargo Security?

AspectContract Maritime Port SecurityContract Cargo Security
CredentialsSecurity certifications, maritime security trainingSecurity certifications, cargo handling and inspection training
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, maritime facilitiesWarehouses, shipping yards, cargo terminals
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, maritime security firmsLogistics companies, freight forwarders
Search & ComparisonOften compared for security roles at portsCompared for cargo protection and inspection roles

Contract Maritime Port Security focuses on safeguarding port facilities, ships, and maritime operations, requiring maritime security training. Contract Cargo Security emphasizes protecting cargo during transit and storage, with a focus on cargo inspection and handling. Both roles involve security certifications but differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

More about Contract Maritime Port Security jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Maritime Port Security jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Maritime Port Security job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Maritime Port Security jobs?

The most popular types of Maritime Port Security jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Maritime Port Security jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Maritime Port Security jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Contract Maritime Port Security jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Maritime Port Security jobs are:

Infographic showing various Contract Maritime Port Security job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,302 per year, or $54 per hour.

Security Specialist (International Port)

US Department of Homeland Security

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This vacancy is for a GS - 0080 - 12, Security Specialist (International Port) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Atlantic Area (LANTAREA); Preparedness Division; International Port Security Branch in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Supporting port assessments involving national security and providing recommendations that may have nationwide or international impact on maritime commerce.
  • Improving port security through the development, promulgation, deployment and/or implementation of operational doctrine, tactics, techniques or procedures
  • Analyzing information available and making recommendations as to whether a particular country and its ports are compliant with international security requirements
NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education can not be substituted for experience at this grade level.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003