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Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary We are currently seeking a dedicated Traffic Control Specialist to join our team and ... Pass entry-level test and or qualifications (refer to the Manual of Verification Standards)

Traffic Control Specialist

Baytown, TX · On-site

$18.16 - $26.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role involves setting up traffic control devices, directing traffic, and coordinating with ... Pass entry-level test and or qualifications (refer to the Manual of Verification Standards)

Traffic Control Flagger

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Chandler, AZ

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Las Vegas, NV

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Tucson, AZ

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Salt Lake City, UT

$18.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position is perfect for those who thrive in diverse environments and are seeking a ... As a Traffic Control Flagger, you will play a crucial role in: * Establishing and maintaining safe ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control information

See salary details

$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do entry level vessel traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level vessel traffic control in the United States is $92,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level vessel traffic control personnel, and how can they be managed?

Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control personnel often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of maritime traffic, adapting to rapidly changing weather or sea conditions, and maintaining clear communication with vessel operators and port authorities. These challenges can be managed through rigorous adherence to established protocols, ongoing training, and effective teamwork within the control center. Staying calm under pressure and leveraging technology for tracking and communication also help ensure safety and efficiency.

How to become an entry level vessel traffic control?

To become an entry-level vessel traffic controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete specialized training provided by maritime or transportation authorities. Certification or licensing, such as the U.S. Coast Guard license in some regions, may be required, along with strong communication, decision-making, and multitasking skills. Prior experience in maritime operations or related fields can be beneficial but is not always necessary for entry-level positions.

What is an entry level vessel traffic control?

Entry level vessel traffic control jobs involve monitoring and directing the movement of ships and boats within ports, harbors, and waterways to ensure safe and efficient navigation. These roles typically require individuals to communicate with vessel operators, use radar and tracking systems, and coordinate with other maritime authorities. Entry-level positions may be titled Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operator, Marine Traffic Controller, or similar. Training is often provided on the job, and candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level vessel traffic control officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control officer, you typically need a background in maritime operations or logistics, strong situational awareness, and relevant safety training or certification. Familiarity with vessel tracking systems, radio communication equipment, and marine navigation software is commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient vessel movements, preventing accidents, and maintaining smooth port operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control vs Entry Level Marine Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Vessel Traffic ControlEntry Level Marine Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, FCC radio operator license, maritime safety certificationsHigh school diploma, communication and logistics certifications
Work EnvironmentMaritime ports, control towers, shipyardsShipping companies, port authorities, logistics centers
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime transportation, port authoritiesShipping lines, freight companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control and Entry Level Marine Dispatcher both involve coordinating maritime operations. Vessel Traffic Control focuses on managing ship movements within ports and waterways, requiring maritime safety certifications. Marine Dispatchers handle scheduling and logistics for shipping companies, emphasizing communication skills. While they share some certifications and work environments, their roles differ in daily responsibilities and employer types.

More about Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Traffic Control jobs?

The most popular types of Vessel Traffic Control jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Vessel Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Vessel Traffic Management Specialist

US Department of Homeland Security

Houston, TX • On-site

$86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 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

95th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This vacancy is for a GS - 2150 - 11, Vessel Traffic Management Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, SECTOR HOUSTON/GALVESTON WATERWAYS MANAGEMENT DIVISION in HOUSTON, Texas.Qualifications:Basic Requirements: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience or substitution of education for experience or combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:
EDUCATION:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal, State, or other accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying.
or
for Marine Transportation positions, experience in planning, directing, and supervising cargo or bulk petroleum movements such as:
  • Embarkation and debarkation, cargo loading and discharge.
  • Formulating marine transportation itineraries and routings according to commercial cost factors and tariffs.
  • Formulating marine transportation traffic plans for personnel and cargo.
  • Scheduling ships.
  • Developing, analyzing, or evaluating cargo lift capabilities.
  • Preparing statistics for planning operations of ships, or formulating budgetary estimates of cargo transportation costs.
  • Serving as a licensed merchant marine deck or engine officer or naval deck or engine officer.

AND
To qualify at the GS-11 grade level,
your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 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.

  • Working in a maritime transportation operations center applying Federal, State, and municipal regulations governing vessel movement and port safety
  • Independently gather and analyze navigation and traffic data to assess risk, determine safe routing, and support operational decisions
  • Interpret and apply directives and policies to develop and disseminate real-time safety guidance to participating vessels
  • Coordinate traffic management actions with supervisory personnel and partner agencies to ensure compliance and maintain efficient vessel flow
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 cannot 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.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
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