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Port Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Port Captain

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

GENERAL POSITION OVERVIEW The Port Captain position has regional responsibilities for efficient and ... Act as liaison for AHQ or Regional service center regarding equipment control, M&R, Hazardous, and ...

Port Engineer

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Port Engineer will play a key role in planning and executing maintenance projects, supervising ... Oversee procurement of spare parts, inventory control, and vendor negotiations. * Analyze ...

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Port Engineer

New York, NY ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The Port Engineer will play a key role in planning and executing maintenance projects, supervising ... Oversee procurement of spare parts, inventory control, and vendor negotiations. * Analyze ...

Showing results 21-40

Port Control information

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$11

$21

$41

How much do port control jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for port control in the United States is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port control?

Port Control jobs involve overseeing and managing the movement of ships, cargo, and personnel in and out of ports. Professionals in these roles ensure compliance with maritime laws, coordinate with shipping agents and customs, and help maintain security and safety standards within the port area. They may also monitor vessel traffic, issue permits, and facilitate efficient port operations. These jobs are essential for smooth maritime trade and logistics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in port control, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Port Control often face challenges such as coordinating the movement of multiple vessels, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and responding to unexpected weather or operational delays. These challenges are addressed through effective communication with ship crews, harbor authorities, and logistics teams, as well as the use of real-time tracking and scheduling software. Continuous training and adherence to standardized protocols also help ensure smooth, efficient port operations and minimize disruptions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port control officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Control Officer, you need knowledge of maritime regulations, port operations, and logistics, usually supported by relevant maritime or logistics qualifications. Familiarity with port management systems, cargo tracking software, and security protocols is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for coordinating with diverse stakeholders and ensuring compliance. These abilities are crucial for maintaining efficient, safe, and secure port operations in a dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Port Control vs Dock Worker?

AspectPort ControlDock Worker
Required CredentialsCertifications in port operations, safety, and sometimes securityOn-the-job training, OSHA safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, control towers, port management areasDockside, cargo handling zones, outdoor port areas
Employer & Industry UsagePort authorities, shipping companies, logistics firmsStevedoring companies, shipping lines, freight handlers

Port Control professionals oversee port operations, coordinate vessel arrivals, and manage logistics from a control center. Dock Workers handle physical cargo loading and unloading at the dockside. While both roles are essential in port operations, Port Control focuses on management and coordination, whereas Dock Workers are involved in hands-on cargo handling.

More about Port Control jobs

What job categories do people searching Port Control jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Control jobs are:

Infographic showing various Port Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,154 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Port Captain

HMM America Inc.

Oakland, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

GENERAL POSITION OVERVIEW

The Port Captain position has regional responsibilities for efficient and cost-effective terminal and vessel operations within the assigned region’s ports and marine terminals. Responsibilities include representing HMM with alliance members, lines, stevedores, vendors and ports to ensure smooth operations and fair treatment. Coordinate with vessel planners, agents, stevedores, terminals and vessels to ensure a cohesive vessel schedule and working plan is in place and understood by all. Additional responsibilities are managing boarding agents, vessel schedules and slot sharing agreements for the assigned region.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
  • Act as liaison between HASA Operations and terminal management.
  • Ensure that terminals / stevedores / reefer vendors are aware of changes to vessel rotation, phase in/out.
  • Review terminal billing for marine operations and verify accuracy (volume, rate, application of contract) for all vessel calls that carry HMM cargo.
  • Manage marine expenses in the region; provide first verification of invoices from marine vendors within the assigned region while focusing on cost reduction.
  • Work with AHQ Vessel Planner to ensure that operations of all HMM vessels are planned in a safe, economical, and timely manner, including vessel stowage and labor orders.
  • Monitor vessel operations for all Alliance vessel calls and work with AHQ Marine Ops to adjust as necessary to meet port call objectives.
  • Input arrival / departure times and TDR information (i.e. discharge figures, restows by line) for vessel calls.
  • Participate in developing strategy for negotiating competitive agreements with marine vendors, terminals and ports.
  • Estimate costs of loading / discharge for sales leads for all out-of-gauge and break-bulk cargo.
  • Work closely with member lines through Alliance (LOC or other) structure to develop tactical solutions and ensure smooth operations
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional Duties
  • Review partner line vessels activities for abnormalities to reduce service disruption and extra cost.
  • Review terminal performance compared to terminal contract to identify unnecessary costs and opportunities to improve
  • Schedule and attend LOC meetings in each port with partner lines on quarterly basis - continue to foster good communication between lines.
  • Report to HMM ROC member any findings that might be useful in ROC discussions.
  • Organize any break bulk operation including scheduling lashing and stowage survey.
  • Act as liaison for AHQ or Regional service center regarding equipment control, M&R, Hazardous, and Space Management etc.
  • Provide scheduled and adhoc reports as necessary.
  • Preview vessel prestow sent by AHQ Planner (review crane splits, haz, etc.) as necessary.
Region Specific Duties
  • Coordinate vessel calls with local agents to ensure that items requested (i.e. bunkers, lubes, stores, cash, and other services) are provided as needed.
  • Review master schedule for booking of vessels for Panama Canal. Keep close contact with booking agent to book vessels as needed.
QUALIFICATIONSESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
  • Extensive knowledge of container, vessel and terminal operations.
  • Advanced ability to self-manage and achieve objectives.
  • Maintain a continual improvement and positive change attitude.
  • Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High School diploma or GED required; Maritime Academy degree preferred.
  • At least 5 years of marine operations experience, including vessel planning.
ENVIRONMENT / EQUIPMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Work performed in an office environment where the noise level is moderate. Regularly required to stand, sit, and walk around the office. Frequently required to work on a computer.
  • Capable to climb steep gangway/stairs for boarding vessels while wearing personal protective gear (hardhat, safety boots, safety glasses, vest).
  • Ability to maintain focus over long, non-standard hours of work and be on call 24x7.


Join HMM and navigate the future of shipping and logistics, where you’ll grow alongside an industry leader committed to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.

About HMM America Shipping Agency:
 HMM is a leading global shipping company operating over 130 state-of-the-art vessels encompassing more than 50 sea routes to over 100 ports of call. HMM strategically collaborates with customers to develop customized supply chain solutions for dry, refrigerated, and other specialized cargo.

HMM is currently ranked in the Top 8 global ocean carriers in terms of service network and market capacity. HMM has formed a global business network of vessels, terminals, railroads, trucks, and offices around the world. HMM is highly regarded as one of the world's top integrated logistics companies with a commitment to operational excellence by our team of industry professionals and state-of-the-art technology. 

Additional Details:

The pay range listed for this position is the anticipated starting salary or wage range, and the final offered rate will be based on individual merit and the relative compensation of employees in similar positions.  HMM employee benefits include highly subsidized individual and family insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), term life and disability insurance, 401(k) employer matching contributions, paid holidays, and up to 10 vacation days and six sick days in the first year.

HMM provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements. HMM participates in the E-Verify program.