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Port Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oversee, manage, and direct the Engineering Firm of Record for assigned port projects/work orders. • Ensure projects remain on schedule and within project task/compliance guidelines. • Ensure ...

Your office would be located in downtown Juneau at the Port Director's Office. Typical Responsibilities * Assists in the preparation of and/or prepares drawings, specifications, cost estimates ...

Port Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

Manage Direct Reports * Manage Assistant Port Engineer or others, as appropriate. * Ensures Assistant Port Engineer has identified goals to satisfactorily meet job requirements. * Provides guidance ...

Serve as primary site contact with Customs and Border Protection, Port Director, regarding any audits, site visits or general questions regarding the Longview Foreign Trade Zone. * Coordinate with ...

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Port Director information

What are some common challenges faced by Port Directors in managing port operations?

Port Directors often navigate complex logistical challenges, such as coordinating vessel schedules, ensuring efficient cargo handling, and maintaining regulatory compliance. They must also address unexpected disruptions like adverse weather, labor disputes, or security concerns, all while balancing the interests of shipping companies, government agencies, and local communities. Effective communication and decision-making skills are critical, as Port Directors regularly collaborate with diverse stakeholders to keep port activities running smoothly and safely.

What are Port Directors?

Port Directors are senior officials responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a port or harbor. Their duties include coordinating maritime activities, ensuring compliance with safety and security regulations, managing staff, and working with government agencies and private stakeholders. Port Directors also play a key role in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and maintaining efficient cargo and passenger movement. Their leadership helps ensure the smooth functioning and economic success of the port.

What is the difference between Port Director vs Port Operations Manager?

AspectPort DirectorPort Operations Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in logistics, transportation, or related field; experience in port managementUsually holds a bachelor's degree; experience in port or logistics operations
Work EnvironmentOversees entire port operations, strategic planning, and administrationFocuses on daily operations, coordinating cargo handling, and staff management
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by port authorities, government agencies, or private port companiesWorks within port facilities, often under the Port Director or senior management

The Port Director is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the port, while the Port Operations Manager handles daily operational activities. Both roles require relevant experience and coordination, but the Port Director has a broader leadership role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Port Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Director, you need extensive knowledge of maritime operations, logistics management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in business, logistics, or marine studies and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with port management software, cargo tracking systems, and safety/environmental regulations is essential. Strong leadership, negotiation, and crisis management skills distinguish successful candidates in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient port operations, regulatory adherence, and effective stakeholder coordination.
More about Port Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Port Director jobs? Cities with the most Port Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Port jobs? The most popular types of Port jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Port Director jobs? The top employers for Port Director jobs are:
What states have the most Port Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Port Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Port Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Supervisory CBP Officer (Port Director)

Supervisory CBP Officer (Port Director)

US Department of Homeland Security

Spokane, WA • On-site

$109K/yr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 273 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Seattle Field Office, Port of Spokane Airport, located in Spokane, Washington.
This announcement will be open for five business days OR until the first 50 applications have been received, whichever happens first. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration.Qualifications:NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Conducting prearrival targeting and intelligence vetting and gathering and analyzing information from all available sources.
  • Performing primary inspections of cargo, conveyances, and travelers and secondary inspections of referrals from primary.
  • Developing, planning, and performing tactical operations in cargo and passenger environments.
  • Employing a variety of investigative techniques and preparing accurate reports regarding inspections, gathered intelligence, and incidents.
  • Interacting with internal and external contacts and mentoring lower level CBP officers and officers new to the port, environment, or work unit.
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.
Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003; 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b); and 5 USC 8412(d). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a primary position; and, if applicable, have been continuously employed in a secondary position or positions since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6, 2008.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 06/01/2026
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.
For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory CBP Officer (Port Director) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:
Physical/Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program, a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
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