Vessel Traffic Controller

Port of Corpus Christi Authority; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary paid bi-weekly

Texas County & District Retirement (TQ

Health insurance (medical, dental & V)

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

Port Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA) is seeking an energetic Vessel Traffic Controller to monitor and manage vessel movements in the harbor. The role involves tracking vessels, cargo, and facility usage, and coordinating with ship agents and the Coast Guard for safe, efficient operations.

The incumbent will operate VTIS systems, CCTV, and coordinate berthing with stevedores and railroads while ensuring compliance with PCCA rules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• TWIC credential and valid driver’s license required.
• Associates degree in Computer Science or equivalent IT experience preferred.
• Experience in Vessel Traffic Service operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Compiles and reports data regarding vessels, cargo, damages, personnel and facility utilization.
• Monitors VTIS systems, CCTV, and coordinates with vessel agents and pilots.
• Coordinates berth assignments with stevedores, railroads, agents and other maritime personnel.
• Communicates with Coast Guard and PCCA stakeholders on vessel movements and operations.
• Ensures compliance with PCCA rules and safety procedures.

Skills

VTS operations

Customer service

Communication

Data entry

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

TWIC credential

Valid driver’s license

Associate degree in Computer Science

Job description

Port of Corpus Christi Authority

Job Title: Vessel Traffic Controller

Salary: $59,092.80 - $77,584.00 Annually

Location: 400 Charles Zahn, Jr. Drive, Corpus Christi, TX

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2026-00552

Department: Harbormaster's Office

Opening Date: 08/19/2026

Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Central

Job Summary

Hiring Range: $59,092.80 - $75,064.08/Year. It is anticipated that the hiring rate offered will be +/- the midpoint range depending on qualifications.

Port Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA) is currently seeking an energetic individual to join our team! This position is responsible for monitoring and maintaining all records on vessel movements in the harbor.

• Compiles and reports data regarding vessels, cargo, damages, personnel and facility utilization


• Provides clear communication by telephone, 2-way radio, email and/or in person, and notifies of vessel arrivals from the US Coast Guard to the ship agents


• Monitors VTIS systems, CCTV monitors and coordinates with appropriate vessel agents, towing companies, line handlers, pilot’s association, PCCA police and other maritime personnel for all vessel movements within PCCA jurisdiction


• Coordinates all berth assignments, and coordinates with stevedores, railroads, agents and other maritime personnel to facilitate the timely and efficient movement of cargo


• Communicates as required with Coast Guard on vessel traffic and PCCA operations


• Provides communication with PCCA users, Coast Guard, C.C. Oil Spill Association, PCCA Police, Refinery Terminal Fire Company and other agencies as required during emergency situations


• Provides communication and coordination with all vessels regarding navigation assistance and traffic movements, harbor locations, weather changes, harbor or channel emergencies, channel closures, and any vessel requirements


• Compiles and reports all information required for billing; enters required data daily into PCCA computer system concerning billing and vessel activity; edits reports, verifies data for accuracy


• Provides proper information to all PCCA users in a courteous manner and performs functions in an accurate and professional manner maintaining an acceptable level of competence, composure and professionalism


• Monitors vessel specifications at various locations in ship channel, cargo loadings, transfers and discharges for compliance with PCCA rules and regulations


• Makes independent decisions regarding vessel movement and berth assignments as required


• Provides a written and or verbal rundown of all events, ETAs, ETDs, shifts, (events will be rig movements, channel closures, etc.) creating a smooth transition from one shift to the next


• Adheres to all PCCA policies, promotes and adheres to SEAPORT values and maintains good employee relations where teamwork prevails


• Works 12 hour rotating shift, 4 days on,4 days off including nights, weekends and holidays; must be flexible in responding to work demands and in working additional shifts as needed


• Tier 1 status designation


• CPR certified or ability to become CPR certified within the first year of employment

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The preferred candidate for this position should be a professional and reliable individual with the fortitude to work in demanding environment and to communicate effectively with PCCA stakeholders and staff. The successful candidate must be customer service oriented with the ability to fit well within an energetic and dedicated team. They must possess the following:

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent


• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) during course of employment


• Valid driver’s license


• Associates degree in Computer Science or acceptable equivalent experience in the IT field preferred.

EXPERIENCE & JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Experience as radio operator or in Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations preferred; experience and knowledge of port operations to include approaches, channel and port facilities also preferred


• Experience in computer software applications, and data entry for use in reporting software, spreadsheets, graphs and flowcharts.


• Working knowledge of computer workstations and computer operating systems


• Proficiency in computer software applications with good keyboarding skills


• Basic knowledge of importing and exporting data for use in reporting software, spreadsheets, graph and flow charts.


• Experience with the use of computer terminals and online reference resources preferred


• Effective collaboration and problem-solving skills with use of interpersonal and public communications techniques


• Minimum two years’ experience in the type of administrative duties outlined above or acceptable equivalent experience

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Solid customer service and communication skills with ability to speak, read and write English


• Demonstrated organizational skills; be multitasking and able to maintain professionalism and composure in a demanding work environment


• Ability to define issues, perform research, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations


• Ability to work well within a fast-paced environment, tight deadlines, and a multitude of changing priorities


• Ability to understand, interpret and apply PCCA policies, tariffs, SEAPORT values, state/federal laws

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to perform essential job functions, including but not limited to frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing, typing and occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation


• Ability to work in a general office environment, and on a work site with exposure to adverse weather conditions, fumes and /or air particulates, working in high precarious places, risk of electrical shock and moving mechanical parts, moderate noise levels and working at heights, ability to wear personnel protective equipment, including hard hat, steel toed footwear, eye and hearing protection when performing work functions


• Communicating verbally, in writing and over devices such as phones and mobile phones


• Ability to operate mechanical and electrical equipment and light-weight highway vehicles and standard office equipment and to work the requisite hours to fulfill position objectives, including evenings and/or weekends, as needed


• Must show no greater than a mild hearing loss, not to exceed 40 decibels at frequencies 500-4000 Hz in either ear

APPLICATION PROCESS

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, PCCA is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, military status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other protected group status.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Benefits:

PCCA employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package:

• Competitive salary paid bi-weekly


• Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS)


• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth


• Low-cost, high quality benefit package including health, dental & vision insurance


• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts


• Voluntary life and AD&D, disability, supplemental, and pet insurance


• Virtual care telemedicine 24/7 with $0 copay (medical, mental health, dermatology, nutrition, neck & back care)


• Education Assistance Program (tuition reimbursement)


• 529 Education Savings Plan


• Passes to local venues, such as the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum


• Paid leave (vacation, sick, bereavement, jury duty, parental)


• Fourteen (14) paid holidays


• Employee assistance program, volunteer time off, referral program, and wellbeing benefits


• Salary commensurate with experience

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