Marine Traffic Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $85,966.40 - $93,704.00 Annually
Location : 305 Via Del Norte, Oceanside, CA 92058, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY2027-00007
Department: Bus Operations Division
Division: BUS OPERATIONS & FLEET MAINTENANCE
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEFINITION
This position will dispatch buses for NCTD services, emergency transit bus operations, and protect individuals who work on or near the route. This position coordinates communications with Dispatch from rail, public safety personnel, customers, and other sources to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations. ?This is a bargained position represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is distinguished by its responsibility for direct control of BREEZE, ADA paratransit operations, and emergency bus operations.? Additionally, this position is responsible for coordination of communications between modal operations controls and external public safety entities. Due to the safety critical duties performed, this position operates in an environment with rapidly changing priorities and high-pressure performance expectations.
Supervision Received and Exercised
This position reports to the Operations Control Center Supervisor. ?They have no supervisory authority but will provide expertise and communications with contractor or other NCTD staff as needed.? Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.
Working Conditions
Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required. The Dispatch function operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. ?The scheduled hours of individuals serving in this position vary and will include days or nights any day of the week, including holidays.
Examples of Duties
Essential Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages the operations of a communications center.

• Provides notification to specific personnel during special requests and emergency procedures.

• Coordinates system operations and personnel during emergency conditions.

• Prepares performance evaluations for subordinates.

• Responds to calls from a customer service center.

• Monitors and controls special and emergency bus movements.

• Maintains route and schedule adherence, mitigating delays by following failure management techniques.

• Provides direct supervision in the field at the scene of accidents or incidents.

• Reviews and investigates complaints.

• Communicates with the general public and passengers to resolve complaints concerning transit service and bus operators.

• Maintains attendance records of bus operators and recommends disciplinary actions.

• Orders and reviews bus videos, relating to incidents/accidents. Duplicates videos for superintendents.

• Coordinates bus bridges, emergency and routing response and delay mitigation strategies

between Coaster, Sprinter and the rider.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent GED. Associate's or Bachelors' Degree preferred

• Minimum of five years' prior work experience in operation of the bus operating and safety rules including:

• A minimum of two (2) years' experience with Computer Aided Dispatch systems or radio control devices

• General Code of Operating Rules and all applicable regulations

• Prior work experience with movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for bus operations.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.
Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior 7 years.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

General Requirements

• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills; including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources; ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively.?

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.

• Able to utilize appropriate radio and telephone communications protocols and present details in a short, concise manner.

• Demonstrated use of high-level discretion and judgment in execution of duties is preferred.?

• Must be able to handle demanding deadlines and changing priorities in an often-stressful work environment.

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite. ?

Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, work with office equipment, and periodic lifting of equipment up to 25 pounds is required. Ability to hear, see and to communicate verbally to exchange information. Ability to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.

• Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.

• Ability to operate a 2-way radio.

Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage."
Retirement: NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan: NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)

Medical Insurance: NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre-tax basis. Premium rates may vary across bargaining units in accordance with the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreement.
Dental Insurance: NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
Vision Insurance: NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
Life Insurance: NCTD cares for its employees and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.
Long Term Disability Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
Flexible Spending Account Plan: NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy. Plans are as follows:

• Health Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Dependent Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
• Commuter Transit Accounts:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS

Disability Insurance: Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee's salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).
Accident Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.
Critical Illness Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post-tax.
Administrative Holidays: 6 recognized paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Vacation: Effective July 1, 2022, vacation rates below will apply. Vacation amounts will be awarded on a bi-weekly basis.
After one (1) year of service - one (1) week / 40 hours
After two (2) years of service - two (2) weeks / 80 hours
After five (5) years of service - three (3) weeks / 120 hours
After ten (10) + years of service - four (4) weeks / 160 hours
Personal Holidays: Employees will be given personal holidays on their anniversary date based on the following schedule:
After one (1) year of service - one (1) personal holiday
After five (5) years of service - two (2) personal holidays
After ten (10) years of service - three (3) personal holidays
Sick Leave: New hire employees will receive twenty-four (24) hours of paid sick leave which shall become available ninety (90) days after date of hire, and in accordance with state law, and on their date of hire every twelve (12) months thereafter.
Upon completion of one (1) year continuous service, permanent regular full-time employees shall be granted paid sick leave relative to their anniversary date based on the following schedule:
1 year of service: 24 hours of sick leave
2 -4 years of service: 32 hours of sick leave
5 - 9 years of s