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Temporary Vessel Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Temporary Vessel Traffic Control information

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$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do temporary vessel traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary vessel traffic control officer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Temporary Vessel Traffic Control Officer, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, safety regulations, and relevant qualifications such as STCW certification or equivalent maritime training. Familiarity with vessel tracking systems, radio communication equipment, and traffic management software is typically required. Attention to detail, decisive problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels, prevent accidents, and maintain order in busy waterways.

What is the difference between Temporary Vessel Traffic Control vs Vessel Traffic Operator?

AspectTemporary Vessel Traffic ControlVessel Traffic Operator
CertificationsVessel Traffic Control Certification, OSHA safety trainingVessel Traffic Control Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, port areas, temporary marine zonesPorts, harbors, permanent marine facilities
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, maritime contractorsPort authorities, shipping companies
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary marine traffic management rolesPermanent vessel traffic control positions

Temporary Vessel Traffic Control and Vessel Traffic Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, but differ mainly in duration and setting. Temporary Vessel Traffic Control focuses on short-term, site-specific traffic management, while Vessel Traffic Operators work in permanent, established port facilities. Both roles require safety training and certifications, but their operational contexts vary.

What is a temporary vessel traffic control?

A Temporary Vessel Traffic Control position involves managing and coordinating the movement of vessels within a specific area, such as a harbor, port, or waterway, for a limited period or during specific projects. The role includes monitoring vessel traffic, communicating with ship operators, and ensuring compliance with safety and navigation regulations. Temporary positions are often filled to handle increased traffic during peak seasons, special events, or construction projects. This job requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of maritime protocols. Temporary Vessel Traffic Controllers play a vital role in preventing accidents and maintaining efficient vessel movement.

What are some common challenges faced in a temporary vessel traffic control role, and how can they be managed?

Temporary Vessel Traffic Control professionals often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, heavy traffic volumes, and the need for precise communication with multiple vessels and team members. Managing these challenges requires staying alert, adhering strictly to protocols, and utilizing effective radio and digital communication tools. Collaboration with port authorities, pilots, and other control staff is essential to ensure safety and efficiency. Continuous situational awareness and adaptability are key to successfully navigating the dynamic nature of this role.

What cities are hiring for Temporary Vessel Traffic Control jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Vessel Traffic Control jobs?

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

Vessel Traffic Management Specialist

US Department of Homeland Security

Houston, TX • On-site

$86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 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