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Vessel Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Antillean Line

Ocean Freight Traffic Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

Team Leadership & Operational Control * Lead and develop traffic coordinators, documentation staff, and support team members. * Assign work based on vessel schedules, volume, and compliance deadlines.

Port of Tacoma

Relief Terminal Security Officer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$28.13 - $31.26/hr

Monitors vessel berthing at the terminal to ensure safe and secure docking. Execute or support the ... Enforce vehicle and pedestrian traffic control, correct and report traffic and safety hazards ...

Tote Services

FCT-Term TIR Auto Clerk

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Serve as Inventory Control Clerk for all lashing gear utilized in terminal and vessel operations ... traffic patterns, and documentation accuracy while making sound decisions that support safety ...

TOTE Maritime

FCT-Term TIR Auto Clerk

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Serve as Inventory Control Clerk for all lashing gear utilized in terminal and vessel operations ... traffic patterns, and documentation accuracy while making sound decisions that support safety ...

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Vessel Traffic Control information

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$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do vessel traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 is a vessel traffic control?

A Vessel Traffic Control job involves monitoring and managing the movement of ships in and around ports, harbors, and busy waterways to ensure safe and efficient navigation. Professionals in this role use radar, radio communication, and traffic management systems to coordinate vessel movements, prevent collisions, and respond to emergencies. They work closely with port authorities, coast guards, and shipping operators to enforce maritime regulations and maintain orderly traffic flow. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of maritime operations.

What is a vessel traffic control service operator?

A vessel traffic control service operator monitors and manages ship movements within designated waterways, ports, or harbors to ensure safety and efficiency. They use radar, radio communication, and other tools to coordinate vessel traffic and prevent collisions, often working in control centers with strict safety protocols and requiring relevant certifications.

How to become a vessel traffic control?

To become a vessel traffic controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in maritime or port operations. Many positions require prior experience in navigation, communication skills, and knowledge of maritime safety regulations, often obtained through on-the-job training or formal education programs. Certification from relevant maritime authorities may also be required depending on the region.

What are common challenges faced by vessel traffic control professionals?

Vessel Traffic Control professionals frequently deal with challenges such as managing multiple vessels in congested waterways, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and responding quickly to emergencies or unexpected incidents. The work often requires maintaining high levels of concentration for long periods and effectively communicating with ship crews, harbor authorities, and other stakeholders. Working in this high-pressure environment demands decisiveness and the ability to remain calm under stress. Despite these challenges, many in the role find it rewarding to play such a vital part in ensuring maritime safety and efficient port operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed for vessel traffic control?

To thrive as a Vessel Traffic Control professional, you need strong situational awareness, knowledge of maritime navigation regulations, and typically a relevant maritime or nautical qualification. Familiarity with vessel tracking systems (such as AIS and radar), radio communication equipment, and sometimes certifications like VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Operator certification are important. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are key soft skills valued in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining safe and efficient vessel movements, preventing accidents, and ensuring smooth port or waterway operations.

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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 Vessel Traffic Control jobs?

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Vessel Traffic Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

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

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