Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system is an essential part of Washington's transportation network, linking communities on both sides of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. There are over 400 sailings each day on 10 ferry routes. WSF transports nearly 17 million passengers a year and has more than 1,800 employees. Employees perform a variety of duties on vessels, in terminals, at the maintenance facility, and at the Seattle headquarters.

The Opportunity
Are you a highly motivated and experienced individual seeking a dynamic career opportunity that offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of millions of people? If so, the WSF has the perfect role for you! We are seeking a talented and dedicated Port Captain to join our team and oversee the safe and efficient operation of our ferry vessels.

As the Port captain, you will be part of a team of three and will play a critical role in supporting the director of Marine Operations in the day-to-day management of the WSF Fleet. You will have the opportunity to lead the North, Central, or South Regional Pods and oversee a wide range of duties, including managing evolving and immediate operational concerns, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating with other key stakeholders involved in ferry operations.

What to Expect
The Port Captain will be responsible for enforcing all U.S. Coast Guard and WSF rules, regulations, and procedures to ensure the safe and efficient operation of ferry vessels. They will lead the North, Central, or South regional pods and oversee a wide range of duties, including managing evolving and immediate operational concerns, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating with other key stakeholders involved in ferry operations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Port Captain will:

• 
  Implementing standard procedures and guidelines to ensure safe and environmentally sound fleet operations.
• Supervising licensed and unlicensed personnel and overseeing crew management development.
• Managing Staff Captain evaluation programs to ensure staff captains meet expectations for assigned vessel performance.
• Ensuring vessel personnel complies with regulatory training requirements.
• Inspect vessels to ensure seaworthy condition and arrange for maintenance and repairs.
• Participating in various committees and working groups, such as Safety Committee Meeting and Operational Efficiency Working Group.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Valid USCG Merchant Master Mariner Credential.
• Five (5) years of experience in a marine supervisory position or equivalent.
• Knowledge of vessel operations, navigation, vessel maintenance, and safety regulations.
• Experience in budget development and management.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, identify options and make sound recommendations for action.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office and specialized marine software.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and practices related to vessel operations.
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to work nights or weekends on-call.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Science, Nautical Science, marine Transportation, or related field is preferred, but not required.
• Experience in Change management, LEAN, or Six Sigma process improvements.
• Familiarity with labor relations and contract negotiations.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase will be applied for state employees on July 1, 2023.
• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. An exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application for this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at masonr@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-WSF-9W119 in the subject line.