1. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Director,
GS-2150-13
Position Number:
Introductory Statement: The incumbent serves as the Director, Vessel Traffic Services
(VTS) and is a key member of the Vessel Traffic Center (VTC) management team in
planning, developing, and implementing vessel traffic management activities.
The incumbent receives broad policy guidance from senior Coast Guard staff and final
authority is limited only with respect to major program and policy decisions. The
incumbent is ultimately responsible for the safe and efficient movement of all maritime
traffic in the vessel traffic service area. The incumbent's work contributes to the
reduction of marine casualties that can result in environmental damage or loss of
property or life.
Exercises Supervisory and Managerial Authority 25%
Supervises and performs administrative and human resource management functions
relative to a staff of military E-3 to O-4 and/or GS-7 to GS-13 employees. Establishes
guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, which are clearly
communicated through the formal employee performance management system.
Observes workers’ performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance
critiques. Provide informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance.
Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans,
recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to
employees related to performance and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary
measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves
or disapproves leave requests. Assures subordinates are trained and fully comply with
provisions of safety regulations.
The incumbent is responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity
(EEO) by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of affirmative action
objectives and adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap. Specifically, the incumbent initiates
nondiscriminatory practices and affirmative action for the area under his/her supervision
in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of
applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of
employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of
employee skills.

2. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Policy and Program Implementation 20%
Implements national VTS policies, procedures and regulations developed by the
Program. Provides guidance and advice to Coast Guard, other Federal agencies, state,
regional and local governments and maritime organizations, with respect to vessel
traffic management issues. Recommends changes to national administrative policies,
procedures and regulations. Advises and provides formal briefings and presentations to
senior Coast Guard staff on noteworthy issues involving the Vessel Traffic Services.
Provides technical guidance and advice to Coast Guard District Offices. Guidance
requires extensive interpretation for many different and unrelated program processes
and methods, such as interpretations of original legislative or judicial intent and advice
on revisions to existing policies and programs to meet requirements. Recommends
long-range program plans, goals, objectives and milestones, which serve as the basis
for substantive changes in the organization and administration of programs affecting
large numbers of people. Researches, develops and implements local VTS policy and
procedures for VTS.
Vessel Traffic Management 20%
Develops policy and oversees management of the Vessel Traffic Center. Provides
program and policy guidance with respect to the operation of the VTC. Sets short-range
work schedules and priorities of VTC operations to ensure initial operating capability
and continuity of service. Gives special instructions on assignments and makes
decisions on work problems.
Advises watch supervisors of developments affecting short and long-term VTC
operations. Ensures VTC operations are conducted in accordance with published
procedures.
Responds to public queries according to established guidelines. Makes public
appearances to promote or explain VTS policies, procedures and operations.
Standards, Regulations, and Policy Review and Analysis 10%
Serves as the technical authority regarding the regulatory impact on sensitive or rapidly
evolving local traffic management projects. Coordinates efforts with officials of other
government entities. Identifies policy issues and priorities, evaluates alternative agency
strategies, and makes definitive recommendations to senior management.
Confers with representatives of other government, state, regional and private
organizations on matters involving vessel traffic management and port security issues.
Chairs conferences and meetings. Approves VTS policy changes and priorities for
overall VTS operations. Develops goals and objectives related to local VTS projects.

3. Interfaces with senior Department and Coast Guard staff, other federal agency staff,
VTC staff and private organizations to develop and/or expand vessel traffic
management and port security policy and procedures.
Office and Program Planning Work 10%
As an expert in long-range planning, researches and analyzes VTS personnel resource
requirements and material needs through formal evaluation. Based on the evaluation,
develops recommendations for acquiring necessary resources and coordinates these
with senior Coast Guard Program staff.
Performs Research and Analysis Work 10%
Provides expert analysis and advice on complex program issues. Develops estimated
annual operating budget for VTS based on evaluation of current needs, planned
projects, annual required training, support, maintenance, and housekeeping costs.
Develops detailed spending plans, tracks expenditures, submits required reports and
identifies potential shortfalls as required. Makes recommendations to reduce operating
budget without impairing overall VTS operations. Collects relevant information from
many varied sources, some of which are difficult to access. Devises new analytical
techniques to evaluate findings.
Plans or Accomplishes Special Projects 5%
Serves as a technical expert on special projects, advising top management on major
local program issues. Leads, conducts or participates in management studies and
reviews--particularly those with significant impact upon local traffic management policy,
processes or operations. Organizes assigned projects; plans, organizes and directs
team study work. Researches and writes reports or compiles other working documents
on complex program issues, providing expert guidance or analysis.
Keeps abreast of developments in traffic management technology. Maintains a working
relationship with VTS customers, professional organizations, State and regional
government representatives and other government counterparts to promote the vessel
traffic management program.
Develops recommendations for response actions involving maritime incidents.
Maintains contacts with appropriate personnel to ensure coordinated response plans.
Issues instructions personally, through subordinates or as the representative of higher
authority; coordinates efforts, and serves as contact point throughout incidents.

4. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:
This is a drug testing designated position.
This position requires occasional travel.
Bargaining Unit Status: Not eligible.
Proficiency in English required.
The position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid state driver's
license.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Factor 1-8 Knowledge Required by the Position
A thorough understanding of the principles and practices in the field of vessel traffic
management and various aspects of program fiscal, personnel and operations
management and unit start-up activities
The ability to work effectively with staff, program managers, contractors, private and
public organization officials and representatives of various local maritime organizations.
Ability to communicate with individuals and large audiences.
A thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations and policies concerning
vessel traffic management activities.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in navigation and ship
handling. The ability to assimilate navigation information from diverse sources to
determine appropriate action and ensure proper information flow.
Knowledge of equipment commonly associated with vessel traffic management
operations, its general function and maintenance requirements, repair and support
policies normally associated with Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service equipment and
facilities.
A general knowledge of Coast Guard financial, acquisition and budget policies and
practices.
Knowledge of the military chain-of-command and operating parameters to interface as
part of a peacetime team or for military defense in actual or simulated wartime
conditions.
Serves as an expert who has mastered the application of a wide range of techniques
and methods for assessment and improvement of program effectiveness or the
improvement of complex processes and systems in the field of vessel traffic
management operations.

5. Factor 2-5
Supervisory Controls
As a recognized authority in vessel traffic management issues, the employee is subject
only to administrative and policy direction concerning overall program priorities and
objectives.
The employee assesses unit needs, defines objectives, and establishes immediate and
long-term policies while working independently or in collaboration with others to
accomplish the mission. He/she is typically assigned complete responsibility and
granted authority to plan, schedule, and carry out local projects concerned with vessel
traffic management operations. The employee exercises discretion, judgment and
regulation in determining unit budget priorities and is given wide latitude and
independent decision-making authority within the area of responsibility.
Analyses, evaluations, and recommendations developed by the employee are normally
reviewed by management officials only for potential influence on broad Coast Guard
policy objectives and program goals. Findings and recommendations are normally
accepted without significant change.
Factor 3-5 Guidelines
VTS Program policies and guidelines, Federal legislation, departmental regulations and
directives and local operating requirements governing vessel traffic management are
typical of the general framework within which the employee functions.
The employee exercises judgment and discretion in determining intent and in
interpreting and revising local policy and regulatory guidance for use by others, both
within and outside the organization. The employee may review proposed legislation or
regulations, which would significantly change the basic character of the local VTS
program and the way the Coast Guard conducts its business with the public or with
private industry.
Factor 4-5 Complexity
The incumbent has primary responsibility for management and supervision of a wide
range of administrative functions within the Vessel Traffic Service. The Vessel Traffic
Service's complex operation involves employee participation in work that crosses
traditional program responsibilities and reaches a diverse population including users of
the vessel traffic system, Federal, state and regional authorities and members of
national, regional and local maritime organizations.
As a member of the port management team, the incumbent is expected to contribute to
programming decisions, especially those that affect long-range budget program
development and evaluation planning. In accomplishing this, the incumbent must be
fully cognizant of current activities; future trends and VTS program policy direction.

6. Factor 5-5 Scope and Effect
This position has direct impact on the quality of services provided, the completion of
assigned missions and the professionalism and pride of the employees under his or her
direction, as well as the overall success of the VTS Program.
The employee serves as a direct representative of the Coast Guard in the development
and management of the Vessel Traffic Service. The employee has considerable latitude
in formulating agreements governing the scope of the VTS's role in local port
operations. He/she serves on various groups and committees inside and outside the
Coast Guard.
Factor 6-3 Personal Contacts
Personal contacts are individuals or groups from inside and outside the employing
organization including personnel from Headquarters, Area and District, state and local
government agencies, professional traffic management specialists, support personnel
and representatives from various local maritime organizations.
Factor 7-3 Purpose of Contacts
The purpose of contacts is to exchange information, direct the operation and/or arrange
for services, respond to incidents and coordinate efforts of the Vessel Traffic Service.
Factor 8-1 Physical Demands
The work is primarily sedentary, however, some situations may result in stressful or
adverse working conditions. Some walking and driving is required. Travel on
commercial, private or military aircraft may be required. Occasional climbing of pilot
ladders may be necessary to embark or disembark vessels during visits.
Factor 9-1 Work Environment
Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. The
position may require occasional local and long distance travel.

7. Factor 5-5 Scope and Effect
This position has direct impact on the quality of services provided, the completion of
assigned missions and the professionalism and pride of the employees under his or her
direction, as well as the overall success of the VTS Program.
The employee serves as a direct representative of the Coast Guard in the development
and management of the Vessel Traffic Service. The employee has considerable latitude
in formulating agreements governing the scope of the VTS's role in local port
operations. He/she serves on various groups and committees inside and outside the
Coast Guard.
Factor 6-3 Personal Contacts
Personal contacts are individuals or groups from inside and outside the employing
organization including personnel from Headquarters, Area and District, state and local
government agencies, professional traffic management specialists, support personnel
and representatives from various local maritime organizations.
Factor 7-3 Purpose of Contacts
The purpose of contacts is to exchange information, direct the operation and/or arrange
for services, respond to incidents and coordinate efforts of the Vessel Traffic Service.
Factor 8-1 Physical Demands
The work is primarily sedentary, however, some situations may result in stressful or
adverse working conditions. Some walking and driving is required. Travel on
commercial, private or military aircraft may be required. Occasional climbing of pilot
ladders may be necessary to embark or disembark vessels during visits.
Factor 9-1 Work Environment
Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. The
position may require occasional local and long distance travel.