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Port State Control Officer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Export Control Officer will have primary responsibility over the Actalent and Allegis export ... State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and ...

The Export Control Officer will have primary responsibility over the Actalent and Allegis export ... Determine any licensing requirements from the Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade ...

The Export Control Officer will have primary responsibility over the Actalent and Allegis export ... State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and ...

Amentum has opportunities for an Access Control Officer (VCC) to join our team in Springfield, VA ... under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and ...

Amentum has opportunities for an Access Control Officer (VCC) to join our team in Springfield, VA ... under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and ...

... Officer to support access control and security screening operations at Federal Bureau of ... Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. * Must have no record or history of ...

Anticipate regulatory shifts, trade restrictions, and policy changes across the continent's overlapping port state control regimes, including the Abuja MoU and Indian Ocean MoU, along with continent ...

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Port State Control Officer information

What is a port state control officer?

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) are maritime professionals who inspect foreign ships in national ports to ensure they comply with international safety, security, and environmental regulations. They play a crucial role in enforcing standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other regulatory bodies. PSCOs check for compliance with conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW, and can detain vessels found to have serious deficiencies. Their work helps prevent substandard ships from operating, thereby safeguarding lives, property, and the marine environment.

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

To thrive as a Port State Control Officer, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime regulations, ship inspection procedures, and a relevant maritime or engineering qualification. Familiarity with international conventions (such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW), inspection checklists, and digital reporting systems like THETIS is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for conducting inspections and interacting with ship crews. These competencies ensure vessels meet safety and environmental standards, protecting maritime safety and the marine environment.

What are some common challenges port state control officers face during ship inspections?

Port State Control Officers often encounter challenges such as language barriers with international crews, time constraints during vessel turnaround, and the need to stay updated with evolving international maritime regulations. Additionally, ensuring thorough inspections while maintaining positive relations with ship staff can be demanding. Officers must also be prepared to handle and document non-compliance issues fairly and consistently, which requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

What is the difference between Port State Control Officer vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectPort State Control OfficerMarine Surveyor
CredentialsCertifications in maritime safety, ISM/ISM Code, STCWCertifications in marine engineering, classification society standards
Work EnvironmentPort inspections, onboard surveys, regulatory complianceVessel surveys, damage assessments, certification inspections
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, maritime regulatory agenciesClassification societies, private surveying firms

While both roles involve maritime safety and vessel inspections, Port State Control Officers focus on port inspections and regulatory compliance, whereas Marine Surveyors conduct detailed vessel surveys and damage assessments. Both require maritime certifications and work within the maritime industry, but their specific duties and work environments differ.

Infographic showing various Port State Control Officer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Traffic Control Officer

Oak Hill, VA โ€ข On-site

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Aviationย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$22.99 - $37.94/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Compensation Grade:

PS10

Salary Range:

$22.99-$37.94

Opening Date:

July 24, 2026

Closing Date:

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Traffic Control Officer (TCO), you will perform pedestrian and traffic control and parking enforcement at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Traffic Control Officer (TCO)
Serves in the Police Department in the Office of Public Safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic to ensure public safety and enforces parking regulations. Performs related duties.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepares for duty by attending roll call and reviewing activity logs and other materials to obtain information on previous shift incidents and new policies or procedures.

Prepares and performs operator-level maintenance on equipment and vehicles prior to start of shift. Requests repairs, as needed.

Provides pertinent information about incidents and equipment to supervisor and coworkers at the end of shift.

Monitors and controls vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the Airport. Directs traffic or assists police officers in directing traffic. Helps cordon off areas and control crowds during peak periods or special circumstances.

Patrols time zoned and/or restricted ground transportation areas at the public curb to detect violations and explains nature of violation and associated law or regulation.

Issues administrative citations for violations of loading zone, fire lane, fire hydrant, double parking, and traffic obstruction.ย 

Monitors vehicles for transportation network company (TNC) decals and trade dress identification; directs TNC vehicles to holding area and explains regulations.

Arranges for towing or relocation of vehicles and assists with the related paperwork.

Provides credible testimony in court relating to parking citations and/or as a witness to an incident. Prepares for testimony by organizing information, reviewing personal notes and case files, and coordinating with others.

Maintains vigilance on patrol and provides immediate information on incidents, suspicious persons, unattended baggage, safety hazards, and other issues to police officers and the Airports Authority Public Safety Communications Center. ย 

Attends training to maintain proficiency and learn new job-related information and skills. May help train new TCOs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to safely and effectively direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Ability to learn Virginia and County (Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun) traffic and parking regulations and apply to traffic control and parking regulation enforcement.

Ability to acquire knowledge of and apply procedures and standards pertinent to the assignment.

Ability to pay close attention to detail and observe surroundings to identify suspicious activity and enforce straightforward laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Ability to provide effective customer service.

Ability to interact with others in a businesslike manner.

Ability to work under pressure and maintain self-control during peak periods, incidents, and emergencies.

Ability to give credible testimony in court.

Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer and time and attendance system, with emphasis on software/systems used for traffic control and parking enforcement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience directing vehicle traffic in a high-volume setting.

Customer service experience in a high-volume setting.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Education Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

Work requires standing and walking on traffic patrol.

Is exposed to adverse weather conditions, dust, dirt, fumes, and excessive noise and works around moving vehicles.

Wears outdoor gear and personal protective equipment when directing traffic.

Uses hand and arm movements when directing traffic.

Examines vehicle identification decals and markings.

Responds to the alarms of backing vehicles.

Is subject to job pressures during peak periods and emergencies and interpersonal conflicts, such as from persons who have been ticketed.

Maintains concentration amid distractions to ensure own safety and safety of others.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.