VTS Officer
Career Integrity & Compliance Audit Report
This vacancy has been independently reviewed by the OppaJob Transatlantic Career Intelligence Desk to confirm authentic direct employer recruiting, verify compensation transparency, and eliminate applicant processing fees.
Transatlantic Cost of Living & Purchasing Power Benchmark
Compare US ($) vs UK (£) Salary & Net Take-Home Pay
Calculate tax deductions, living costs, and purchasing power parity across US & UK metros.
Position Overview & Specifications
- Reporting to: VTS Operations Manager
- Grade: 7
- Salary: starting at £47,562.85 per annum (inclusive of allowances), rising to £51,698.75 per annum (inclusive of allowances) on completion of training, plus regular overtime working is available.
- Base: Thames Barrier Navigational Centre, Woolwich
- Closing date: 14 April 2023
- Interview date: 27 April 2023
- Reference number: 8
Who we are:
The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.
London VTS is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation of a diverse range of commercial and leisure vessels in the Thames Estuary and lower reaches of the river covering an area of approximately 600 square miles.
The role:
As VTS Officer in the PLA, you will be required to operate the latest state of the art surveillance and communications equipment and manage the navigational safety of the world’s largest ships down to the smallest recreational craft as well as protecting one of the most iconic and historical waterways. You will deal with the general public, berth operators and emergency services as well as communicating extensively with senior management, marine pilots, the harbour patrol service and other internal Port of London Authority departments.
This is a highly rewarding role in one of the UK’s premier ports, an industry leading organisation which provides attractive benefits including career progression into supervisory and Harbour Master roles. The job is based at the purpose-built Thames Barrier Navigation Control Centre, directly overlooking the Thames Barrier in Woolwich, London.
What we are looking for:
The successful candidate will be required to obtain a V-103/1 VTS Operator Certificate and local knowledge endorsement. Marine qualifications such as STCW or relevant professional qualifications in a comparable industry such as Air Traffic Control would be advantageous but is not essential.
Benefits package:
- 28 days annual leave
- Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
- Generous pension
- Onsite parking with electric charging
- Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Access to MyGymDiscounts
Additional information
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Tony Guy, VTS Operations Manager on 01474 562249 or Simon Phillips, Harbour Master (VTS & SMS) on 01474 562211.
A full job description is available here.
To apply, please complete the application form, including the reference number stated above.
You are required to have a Right to Work in UK, as currently the PLA is not a sponsor employer, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
Find Us On
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Back to VacanciesCandidate Selection & Onboarding Process
Application & Resume Screening
Submit your tailored CV/Resume directly to the talent acquisition portal.
Technical & Competency Interviews
Virtual interviews with the hiring manager and multidisciplinary team.
Formal Offer & Benefits Negotiation
Written agreement outlining compensation, equity, retirement vesting, and relocation allowances.
Onboarding & Corporate Integration
Equipment provisioning, team orientation, and commencement of duties.
United Kingdom Right to Work & Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Employment in the United Kingdom requires legal Right to Work verified under the Home Office Points-Based Immigration System:
Sponsoring employers must hold an active Home Office A-rated Sponsor License and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Role must meet the general minimum salary threshold (£38,700) or occupation going rate.
Continuous employment under Skilled Worker status establishes eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years, leading to British Citizenship.
Candidate Preparation Blueprint: General
Based on transatlantic hiring benchmarks for VTS Officer roles across PLA's corporate sector, successful applicants typically excel across three core dimensions:
Demonstrated portfolio evidence, architecture/system design case studies, or validated professional certifications directly applicable to General.
STAR method competency responses highlighting cross-functional leadership, conflict resolution, and delivering measurable enterprise ROI under tight timelines.
Total compensation expectation aligned within the benchmarked £47,563 - £47,563 bracket, including retirement vesting and health parity.
Explore Related Opportunities (United Kingdom)
Other high-paying verified positions matching your industry profile.
Principal Data Analytics Specialist
Senior Clinical Diagnostic Radiographer
Senior Site Reliability & Kubernetes Engineer (SRE)
Consultant Acute Care Physician (General Medicine)
Head of Cyber Security & Zero Trust Architecture
Apply for this Position
Receive high-paying General openings directly to your inbox.