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Traffic Services Operator

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Vessel Traffic Services Operator – Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Salary: £39,527 per year, rising to £40,985 after training and local endorsement
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall
Contract: Permanent
Job type: Full-time
Working pattern: 12-hour day and night shifts
Vacancies: 3
Visa sponsorship: Not available. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: 5 November 2026, at 11:55 pm
Reference: 485836

About the Role

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is recruiting three Vessel Traffic Services Operators to join its Coastguard Operations Centre in Falmouth.

You will help monitor vessel movements, provide navigational information and support the safe passage of ships within the service area. The role involves responding to a variety of situations, from routine vessel movements to maritime emergencies involving fires, groundings or pollution incidents.

Applicants with an existing Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operator qualification are welcome, as are those willing to work towards the required qualification.

Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor vessel movements and provide traffic information and navigational assistance.
  • Receive mandatory ship reports and gather information about cargo, passengers, damage and vessel defects.
  • Help ensure vessels comply with maritime regulations and safety requirements.
  • Assess risks, prioritise tasks and respond appropriately to changing situations.
  • Coordinate operational resources and recommend additional support when necessary.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe and effective service.
  • Communicate clearly with vessels and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Applicants should have experience in:

  • Using multiple IT systems and Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Managing several tasks simultaneously and prioritising urgent issues.
  • Making decisions within established standards, regulations and procedures.
  • Working effectively in busy, high-pressure environments.
  • Maintaining situational awareness while completing routine tasks.
  • Combining auditory and visual information to assess situations.
  • Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Working as part of a team and demonstrating initiative.

You must also be willing to obtain the VTS C0103-1 qualification. Eligibility requires English as a first language or an English-language certificate equivalent to IELTS level 5.0.

Training and Salary Progression

The starting salary of £39,527 includes a base salary of £32,027 and £7,500 in annual allowances for evening, weekend and public holiday working.

Your salary can increase to £39,985 after completing the C0103-1 qualification and to £40,985 following successful completion of local endorsement. These milestones are normally achieved within the first year of training.

Please note that if you leave the organisation within 24 months of completing your training, you may be required to repay associated training fees, depending on your length of service.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, workplace-based position and is not suitable for hybrid working.

You will work 12-hour shifts covering days and nights to support the Coastguard’s 24-hour emergency service, operating 365 days a year. The shift pattern averages 37 duty hours per week over a 12-month period.

Occasional travel for training, meetings and working groups may also be required. Uniform must be worn while on duty.

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Benefits

  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
  • 25 days of annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days.
  • Eight bank holidays plus an additional privilege day for the King’s birthday.
  • Staff discount portal.
  • Career development opportunities and potential employer-funded professional qualifications.
  • Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Supportive and inclusive working environment.

Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

This vacancy does not offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The advert explicitly states that applicants requiring sponsorship are not eligible and their applications will be rejected.

You must already have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment process uses Civil Service Success Profiles and assesses experience, behaviours and strengths.

Stage 1: CV and Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a CV and a personal statement of up to 1,250 words. Your statement should demonstrate experience in:

  • Managing and prioritising multiple tasks.
  • Making decisions within regulations and structured procedures.
  • Working under pressure.
  • Communicating with different stakeholders.
  • Using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.

The sift is scheduled for the week commencing 9 November 2026.

Stage 2: Interview and Assessment

Shortlisted applicants will attend an interview via Microsoft Teams from 19 November 2026. Assessment will cover:

  • Delivering at Pace.
  • Communicating and Influencing.
  • Making Effective Decisions.
  • Working Together.
  • Strengths.

You will also complete an audio typing and information-gathering test.

Appointment is subject to the required medical and health standards, criminal record checks and other applicable pre-employment screening.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and personal statement through the official Civil Service Jobs vacancy page before the deadline.

Closing date: 5 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Job reference: 485836

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