Salary: $6,414.00 - $8,628.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Steilacoom, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Correctional Industries
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 10:00 AM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Marine Vessel Operator | Captain

Full Time | Permanent

Location: McNeil Island Stewardship

Salary Range: $6,414 - $8628 Monthly
This position is represented by the Coalition.
Telework is not available for this position.
The schedule for this position is Graveyard Friday night and Saturday Night, and (2) 12-hour shifts on Monday and Tuesdays that cover vessel fueling and swing shift RDO's.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a leader with extensive knowledge of the maritime industry and boat handling to join the McNeil Island Stewardship as a Marine Vessel Operator (MVO)! The goal of this position is to serve as the Master (Captain) of passenger vessels up to 100 gross tons and transporting up to 149 passengers.
The Master of the vessel oversees all aspects of the vessel operations including but not limited to: complying with all state and federal regulations and policies, training and supervision of the vessel crew, ensuring passenger safety, and verifying appropriate daily inspections, cleaning, and logging requirements are met. In this role you will conduct daily walkthrough inspections of the engine room and decks, ensuring minor repairs or adjustments to mechanical equipment are completed as necessary.
The MVO is to perform clear and concise log entries, conduct crew safety meetings and emergency drills for Man Overboard, Fire and Abandon Ship scenarios as required by USCG. The candidate of choice must be effective in interpersonal relationship and customer service skills as you will lead, train and supervise deckhands, and others who board the vessel.
A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references - Professional references must include your current supervisor and should include at least 2 former supervisors/employers.

Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a Marine Vessel Operator, some of your duties will include:

• Vessel and Dock operations to include:
  • Serving as Master of passenger vessels up to 100 gross tons and 149 passenger vessels between McNeil Island and Steilacoom, WA
  • Oversight of all aspects of vessel operations to ensure safe navigation of the vessel by following all applicable USCG, Federal, State and DOC CI agency policies & regulations and Marine Department Operational Memorandums/Standard Operating Procedures as set forth by management
• Maintenance and Safety
• Supervisory Tasks

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• High school graduate or GED
• Most possess and maintaining a valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) 100 ton Masters License (or higher) to operate inspected marine vessels up to 100 gross tons
• One (1) year experience operating, piloting and maintaining marine vessels of at least 51 gross tons
• Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) or the ability to obtain a TWIC within sixty days of employment

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Knowledge of USCG regulations pertaining to passenger vessel operations
• Knowledge of vessel operation, characteristics of single, twin screw vessels
• Knowledge of security requirements for Passenger Vessels
• Knowledge of hazardous waste operations and best management practices for vessels
• Knowledge of basic troubleshooting for marine Diesel propulsion systems
• Knowledge of basic mechanical skills for marine propulsion systems
• Unlimited Radar Observer Endorsement

Supplemental Information
Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the ' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose betwe