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Vessel Traffic Service Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

D&S MARINE SERVICE LLC

Wheelman

Gray, LA · On-site

Based in South Louisiana, D&S Marine Service is a family owned and operated inland marine ... Uses radio communication and vision to navigate waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic.

PRWT Services, Inc.

Bridge Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Facilities, Inc., a consolidated building maintenance services company, is seeking a Bridge ... Ensures that motor vehicle traffic and vessel traffic are properly controlled when opening and ...

Pacer Group

Equipment Service Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Equipment Service Operator Location: Rochester, NY 14626 Duration: 12 Months Shift: B Shift (2:30 ... Vessels in the clean marshaling area with a vessel card are considered clean unless otherwise ...

Turn Services

Captain- Port Arthur, TX

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

Maintain radio watch as required and utilize radio communication and visual navigation to safely maneuver waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic. * Represent Turn Services professionally ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX

Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears ... Consider many conditions, including weather, vessel and waterway characteristics, traffic, and the ...

City of Caldwell (ID)

Service Operator II

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$23.55 - $26.59/hr

... traffic, and related hazards. Responsibilities Installs, tests, and calibrates water meters of ... Provides training and guidance to Field Service Operator 1 staff. Operates and maintains AMR/AMI ...

City of Caldwell (ID)

Service Operator III

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$28.23 - $31.91/hr

Description The City of Caldwell Water Department is looking for a Service Operator III. This ... roadway traffic, and related hazards. Responsibilities Serves as lead technician for meter ...

company769

Service Operator

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

... increased traffic requires extra attention in the office and common areas. While some office ... Join a team that values quality, professionalism, customer service, and employee growth.

New

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX · On-site

Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears ... Consider many conditions, including weather, vessel and waterway characteristics, traffic, and the ...

Antillean Line

Traffic Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

Lead daily import and export traffic based on vessel schedules and service plans. * Coordinate each ... Make sure all required filings, declarations, and operating documents are submitted correctly and ...

Antillean Marine Shipping Corp

Traffic Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

Lead daily import and export traffic based on vessel schedules and service plans. * Coordinate each ... Make sure all required filings, declarations, and operating documents are submitted correctly and ...

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Vessel Traffic Service Operator information

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$12

$19

$27

How much do vessel traffic service operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel traffic service operator in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Vessel Traffic Service Operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are generally lower and depend on experience and location. High-paying jobs that can reach this level include specialized roles such as senior executives, certain medical specialists, or high-level consultants, but these are not related to vessel traffic control. Most jobs paying $2000 daily require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience in their respective fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vessel Traffic Service Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vessel Traffic Service Operator, you need strong situational awareness, maritime knowledge, and typically a background in marine operations or coast guard training. Familiarity with radar, VHF radio communication, AIS systems, and specialized vessel traffic management software is essential. Excellent communication, decision-making, and stress management skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently with vessels and emergency services. These competencies are critical to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of maritime traffic, preventing accidents, and protecting marine environments.

What are Vessel Traffic Service Operators?

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators are maritime professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the movement of ships within designated waters, such as harbors, ports, and coastal areas. They use radar, radio communications, and computer systems to ensure safe navigation, prevent collisions, and coordinate vessel traffic. VTS Operators provide vital information and instructions to ship captains, respond to emergencies, and help enforce maritime regulations. Their role is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of busy waterways.

What is the highest paid job on a ship?

The highest paid jobs on a ship are typically senior officers such as the captain or master, who oversee all vessel operations and safety. These roles require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often command the highest salaries among crew members. Salaries vary based on vessel size, company, and region but captains generally earn the most on a ship.

What are some common challenges faced by Vessel Traffic Service Operators and how are they typically addressed?

Vessel Traffic Service Operators often face challenges such as managing high volumes of maritime traffic, responding to emergencies, and maintaining clear communication with vessels of various nationalities and languages. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous training, adherence to standardized protocols, and the use of advanced radar and communication technologies. Operators also work closely with port authorities, pilots, and emergency response teams to ensure the safety and efficiency of vessel movements within their jurisdiction.

What is the difference between Vessel Traffic Service Operator vs Marine Radio Operator?

AspectVessel Traffic Service OperatorMarine Radio Operator
Required CertificationsVTS certification, maritime safety trainingMarine radio license, communication certifications
Work EnvironmentControl centers, port areas, maritime traffic zonesShip decks, radio stations, maritime communication hubs
Employer & Industry UsagePorts, maritime authorities, coast guardShipping companies, maritime communication providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Vessel Traffic Service Operators manage and monitor maritime traffic within designated areas, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Marine Radio Operators handle communication via radio on ships or at ports. Both roles require maritime communication skills, but VTS Operators focus more on traffic coordination and safety management.

What is a vessel traffic service operator?

A vessel traffic service (VTS) operator monitors and manages ship movements within designated waterways to ensure safety and efficiency. They use radar, radio communication, and surveillance tools to coordinate vessel traffic, often working in control centers with specific certifications and knowledge of maritime regulations.

How to get a job on a vessel?

To work on a vessel, candidates typically need relevant maritime certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), relevant experience, and sometimes a maritime license depending on the role. Applying through maritime employment agencies, completing necessary training, and gaining experience in maritime operations can improve chances of securing a vessel job.
More about Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs? Cities with the most Vessel Traffic Service Operator job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs are:
Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Traffic Service Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Vessel Traffic Control Specialist

United States Coast Guard - ABILITY Job Fair

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$93K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-2150-11, Vessel Traffic Control Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO WATERWAYS MANAGEMENT DIVISION in SAN FRANCISCO, California.Qualifications:

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.

  • Promoting the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic.
  • Ensuring that vessel traffic is properly informed, advised, or directed in order to reduce the probability of collisions, rammings, groundings, and environmental damage.
  • Monitoring the progress of vessels, and informing, advising, or directing vessel operators.
  • Employing computers and communications technology to provide critical information and guidance to a master, pilot, or the persons in charge of vessels or commercial maritime experience engaging with a VTS.

OR
Have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
OR
A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.


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 can 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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