1

Vessel Traffic Services Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

Responsibilities Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the ... technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature ...

Boat Club Dock Master

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... service that CareFree Boat Club is known for. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily dock operations, ensuring safe and efficient vessel traffic and slip management * Assist club members with boat check ...

Boat Club Dock Master

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... service that CareFree Boat Club is known for. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily dock operations, ensuring safe and efficient vessel traffic and slip management * Assist club members with boat check ...

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic, CT ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... operating a vessel in heavy vessel traffic, under varied tides and weather conditions.? โ€ข Willingness to work evenings, and holidays as needed. โ€ข An interest in and the ability to interact with ...

Uses radio communication and vision to navigate waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic ... Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears ...

Environmental Services Operator I

Dothan, AL ยท On-site

$18.78 - $30.04/hr

... Services Operator I with the City of Dothan Public Works Department, an incumbent may progress to a ... GUIDELINES Guidelines include traffic laws, equipment operation guidelines, and city and department ...

Provide top-tier customer service to commercial and operations customer representatives * Calculate ... vessel traffic creates the need. Required Education: * High school diploma or GED Minimum ...

Provide top-tier customer service to commercial and operations customer representatives * Calculate ... vessel traffic creates the need. Required Education: * High school diploma or GED Minimum ...

Provide top-tier customer service to commercial and operations customer representatives * Calculate ... vessel traffic creates the need. Required Education: * High school diploma or GED Minimum ...

Vessel Operator I

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$30.08/hr

Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

Showing results 41-60

Vessel Traffic Services Operator information

See salary details

$12

$19

$27

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel traffic services 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 is a vessel traffic services operator?

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and managing maritime traffic within designated waterways, such as ports and harbors. They use radar, radio communication, and other technologies to track vessel movements, provide navigational advice, and ensure safety and efficiency. VTS Operators play a crucial role in preventing collisions, coordinating responses to emergencies, and supporting the smooth flow of maritime commerce. Their work helps protect the environment and maintain order in busy or hazardous maritime areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vessel traffic services operator?

To thrive as a Vessel Traffic Services Operator, you need strong situational awareness, maritime knowledge, and typically a background in marine navigation or radio operation, often supported by certifications like IALA V-103. Familiarity with radar systems, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), VHF radio, and vessel tracking software is essential. Excellent communication, decision-making, and stress management skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently with vessels and port authorities. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic, preventing accidents, and protecting the marine environment.

What are the main challenges vessel traffic services operators face in managing busy maritime routes?

Vessel Traffic Services Operators often work in high-pressure environments where they must monitor and coordinate the movement of multiple vessels simultaneously, especially in congested or adverse weather conditions. Effective communication, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of maritime navigation are crucial to prevent collisions and ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Operators also frequently collaborate with port authorities, emergency response teams, and ship crews, requiring strong teamwork and situational awareness. Adapting to rapidly changing situations and maintaining attention to detail are ongoing challenges in this role.

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

AspectVessel Traffic Services OperatorMarine Radio Operator
Required CredentialsVTS certification, maritime trainingMarine radio license, communication training
Work EnvironmentPort control centers, maritime traffic managementShipboard, maritime communication stations
Employer & IndustryPorts, maritime authoritiesShipping companies, maritime communication providers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Vessel Traffic Services Operators manage maritime traffic in port areas and require specialized VTS certifications, while Marine Radio Operators focus on ship-to-shore communication using radio licenses. Both roles are essential in maritime safety but serve different functions within the industry.

More about Vessel Traffic Services Operator jobs

What states have the most Vessel Traffic Services Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vessel Traffic Services Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Vessel Traffic Services Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Lynker Corporation

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview
The mission of Lynker Corporation is to deliver innovative solutions to support global environmental security and economic prosperity as a trusted partner to governments, communities, and industry. With the growing demand for offshore energy expansion, marine natural resource management, and coastal resilience to environmental threats, there has been a need for more advanced and efficient hydrographic mapping systems. Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the expansion of mapping across the US Exclusive Economic Zone using Uncrewed Systems (UxS), which include Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV), Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and Underwater Gliders. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker is leading the way in providing operational, logistical, and training support for Uncrewed Systems.
We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine Systems Division (UMSD) and other partners in UxS Industry. The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic research technologies. This position involves travelling for long durations at sea aboard vessels or to Remote Operations Centers (ROC). A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering is desirable. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and working with advanced marine technologies, please review the Responsibilities, Qualifications, and Requirements for this position.
This position is contingent upon contract award.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the following:
โ€ข The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel while at sea under semi-autonomous operations.
โ€ข 8-12hr night or day watches based in a regional Remote Operating Center, or from a host vessel at sea
โ€ข Ensure the safety of navigation and situational awareness of the vehicle during operations
โ€ข Additional duties include monitoring vessel status feedback, telemetry stability and configuration, and basic data acquisition control
โ€ข Operators are responsible for troubleshooting technical and software issues, and relaying that information to the watch supervisor.
โ€ข Proper record keeping during watches and in diagnostic scenarios
Qualifications
The Uncrewed Vessel Operator selected should have the following:
โ€ข Associates Degree or higher in at least one of the following: Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering
โ€ข Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels, or at a regional remote operation center, for up to 30 consecutive days at a time
โ€ข Ability to lift >45 lb. objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
โ€ข Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
โ€ข Yearly travel 50% or more
The Ideal Uncrewed Vessel Operator will have the Following:
โ€ข Experience operating USVs, UUVs, or Underwater Gliders is desired.
โ€ข Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired.
โ€ข Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS.
โ€ข Experience with operating satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems
โ€ข Experience with maritime situational awareness using AIS,FLIR, ECDIS, LiDAR, and RADAR.
โ€ข Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars, and acoustic systems is desired.
โ€ข Experience with marine positioning systems using GNSS, INS/IMU, or USBL.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
โš  Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.