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Vessel Traffic Service Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Vessel Traffic Service Operator information

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$13

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$29

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel traffic service operator in Oregon is $20.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $23.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vessel traffic service operator?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a vessel traffic service operator?

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 challenges do vessel traffic service operators face and how are they 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 are popular job titles related to Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs in Oregon?

For Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Vessel Traffic Service Operator job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,781 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

P80 Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

SAIC

Portland, OR

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 225 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2613327

Location: Portland, OR, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-04

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • ATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

We are looking for an experienced, Full-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Portland TRACON (P80) in Portland, OR, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Portland TRACON (P80) .

Desired Skills and Experience:

·    Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Portland TRACON (P80) is preferred but not required.

·    Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.).

·    Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired.

·    Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement.

Education:

·    High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

·    FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory and Classroom Certification.


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